Nature lovers rejoice because camping season is right around the corner!
Camping is incredibly fun, and something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. However, it can turn into a nightmare if you forget to have the necessary gear with you.
This leaves us in a constant dilemma with regard to packing; what to take and what to leave can be quite stressful to decide.
But don’t worry! To make your life easier, we’ve come up with the ultimate checklist; it has all the camping essentials you’ll possibly need. So, keep reading and learn how to pack lightly and smartly!
The Basics
There are a lot of things to pack that come to mind when you think of camping, but here are the absolute basics that every camper should have.
First Aid Kit
Camping may seem like it’s all fun and games, but you never know when something might go wrong. Cuts, scratches, insect stings, and burns are pretty common, so be prepared accordingly.
Pack adhesive bandages, tweezers, sterile wipes, and antiseptic creams. You should also stock up on aspirin, anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamines for allergies, and pain and anti-inflammatory medicine.
Tent
Some campsites have their own tents, but most of the time, you’ll have to bring your own. Setting up tents can be a bit tricky, so try it out at home first.
Make sure you have all the bits and pieces and know where all the poles go. The tent will provide you with the much-needed shelter and shade.
Rope
A rope is one of those multipurpose camping items that you can never have too much of. Ropes come in handy for tying knots and drying clothes.
They’re also needed to set up tents and make hiking much easier. Going camping without rope can leave you in hot water, so make sure you have some in your backpack.
Sleeping Arrangements
Camping and outdoor activities are quite tiring. And you definitely don’t want to be resting on the hard ground after a long day. So, make sure to pack a good quality sleeping bag and a soft pillow.
Keep an extra blanket as well in case it gets chilly.
Light Sources
Campsites aren’t always well-lit, so you should be accordingly prepared. You should have some sort of a light source like a lantern, headlamp, or flashlight. It also has to be easily accessible, because you don’t want to be fumbling in the dark while you really need to pee.
Faveable recommends good flashlight – It’s a hassle-free option. Don’t forget to pack a lot of batteries. Remember, charging is not really an option while camping!
Swiss Army Knife
Swiss army Benchmade knives are a must on every camping checklist. You’ll be getting the tools you need like a knife, can opener, screwdriver, all in one! This knife at knivesshipfree.com is very useful for different small tasks.
What’s more, it fits in your pocket and is easy to carry. The Swiss army knife may be a small item, but it really does help in times of needs. Just make sure you get a sturdy one that functions well.
Fire Starting Tools
For the perfect camp experience, you’ll need a nice cozy fire to stay warm and toast those marshmallows. Now, if you’re someone who can start a fire, great! But in this day and age, you’ll most likely need some help.
Keep some fire-starting tools with you like a lighter, a flint and steel, or even some matches. If you’re relying on matches, buy in bulk, and pick ones that are waterproof.
Water Bottle
This is one of the more obvious items but also one of the most important. Take a high-quality bottle or a camping coffee mug that’s easy to carry and has good capacity.
Bottles with added filtration systems are a good idea too if you have to source water from other places.
Trash Bags
When you’re camping, you should be generating as less waste as possible. And whatever waste you do end up with should be biodegradable.
Just in case you do have some trash, carry a bag you can put it in and dispose of later.
Map and Compass
Your camping site might not have a network or signals the GPS locator on your phone or car can catch. Moreover, if your camping involves going into remote places and deeper ends of the forest, you’re sure to face some problems in accessing the mobile and internet networks.
It’s safer to have a traditional backup plan and keep a map of the site and a compass with you at all times.
Power bank
Although it’s refreshing to stay away from technology when camping, phones are kind of necessary for safety. But you won’t really find electrical sockets to charge your device in most camping sites.
So, make sure to keep a power bank that’s fully charged.
Camping Apparel
Apparel matters a lot when you’re planning on camping. Here are a few useful tips for packing the right clothes, shoes, and accessories:
Comfortable Clothing
Make sure whatever you’re wearing is truly comfortable and weather friendly. Remember, there won’t be any fans or ACs to keep you cool. Your clothes should be light and airy and easy to move about in.
Functional Footwear
Shoes make a huge difference. So, pack them according to the terrain you’ll be in. If you go hiking or deeper into the forest, covered shoes are a good idea.
Flip flops are okay if the camping is less intense. Just make sure you’re comfortable, and you have a backup pair ready.
Weather-Appropriate Items
Even if the weather forecasts say otherwise, always be prepared for rain and cold. Weather is super unpredictable, and once you reach the camp-site, you can’t really do anything about it.
Keep an umbrella and a raincoat in your car or backpack. Also, keep an extra layer of clothes, just in case it gets cold.
Personal Products
Personal products include skincare and hygiene products. These might sound fancy, but they’re as imperative when camping as they are in your routine.
Sunscreen
When you’re outdoors, your skin needs protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Even if the weather apparently seems cloudy, the UV rays can still damage your skin.
So, make sure to pack a good sunscreen for your camping trip. Trust me, your skin will thank you later!
Insect Repellent
If you’re going camping, bugs and mosquitoes would be your inevitable companions. But thankfully, there are insect repellents that can easily save you from their bites.
Make sure to add an insect-repelling spray or cream to your camping backpack.
Hand Sanitizer
Camping means dusty hands and dirt everywhere. Although you probably won’t the usual facilities to wash your hands, it’s still important to have clean hands before eating.
To ensure this, pop in a bottle of hand sanitizer in your bag.
Toiletries
If you are going camping for a longer period, it is a good idea to pack a few toiletries. Soap and shampoo are the two main products that you will need.
If you do take them, try to buy ones that are biodegradable and mini-sized. This way, they’re easier to carry and won’t harm nature either.
Wet Wipes
Wet wipes are a Godsend that will help you out in any situation. If you’re feeling really hot, simply use a wet wipe to freshen up.
They also do a good job of removing dirt and grime from hands and objects. So, stock up on wet wipes, and keep a smaller packet in your pocket as well.
Food and Utensils
Campsites usually have limited food options. What you pack depends greatly on what services are available. If your camping site has a stove, then your life will be a lot easier.
Readymade Food and Snacks
You should definitely pack some practical food items that you can eat on the go. Biscuits, apples, nuts, and even peanut butter are some good options.
There are also many instant meals available like oats or instant noodles.
You need to be energized throughout camping, but you also can’t carry too many items. So, make sure that the items you carry give you maximum nutrition.
This way, you can maintain the required energy without packing unnecessary food items.
Seasoning
This is something we all tend to forget. But unseasoned food can be quite bland, and I’m sure that’s not what you want to have during camping.
You’ll actually find some good portable spice racks in the market that you can take along with you. You could also just put your most-used spices in small, tightly-sealed jars.
Cutlery
You’ll need to get some reusable plates, spoons, and cups for the outdoors. Keep a knife at hand as well, for cutting larger meats. In fact, you might even find some pretty good portable cutlery sets for travelling.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what to take, packing for camping will be a no brainer. It is given that your items will vary depending on your camping duration, season, and location. But if you follow this list, you’ll have all the essentials covered. Check out cool camping stuff for a great camping experience.
Before going camping, make sure you have a good idea about the place and the facilities it offers. Generally, your camping site will also give you a detailed checklist.
However, rest assured that now you have all that it takes to plan a camping trip well. Best of luck for your next journey!
Author Bio:
Angie Grey, an expert author from Faveable.com brings you all you need to know about fashion and grooming. She loves the outdoors and travels the world like a nomad.
Love traveling.
