Introduction
A week spent basking in the sights and sounds of nature can either be a great adventure or a hell on earth — and a potential nightmare can be avoided with what you have packed (or didn’t) for the trip. Having the necessary items for a camping trip such as a good lighter can mean the difference between a night spent under the stars or in pain in the nearest hospital emergency room. Our readers never leave their homes without these essential items before their camping trips, and you shouldn’t too!
Tent
A tent will come in incredibly handy in the event of a snowstorm or heavy rainfall, which is sure to leave you drenched and at risk of hypothermia along with ruining the camping mood for you and your camping buddies. A good tent can also protect you and your equipment from high winds as well. No matter the size of the tent, be sure to bring along important tent equipment such as a rope, tent poles, stakes, and a rain fly.
Backpack
Backpacks are an essential part of any trip, whether hiking in the mountains or camping in the woods. They provide the perfect way to transport all gear to fully enjoy the outdoors and be prepared for the whole journey. When looking for a backpack for outdoor adventures, check the size and comfort of the bag. Waterproof backpacks with durable material, comfortable straps, and lots of compartments are the best.
Sleeping Bag
It might be a romantic idea to spend the night on a bed of grass or moss, but this won’t shield you from cold temperatures as the night approaches. On certain camping grounds, temperatures can dip to about 20 degrees during nightfall. There will also be insects and other tiny creatures roaming about actively at night. To prevent catching a cold and bites, it is necessary to have a sleeping bag on hand for a comfortable night’s rest. This will also help kids sleep better and be more active for the next day’s camping ahead.
Water Bottle
To ensure survival in your next great outdoor adventure, be sure to ensure that you have a constant supply of water on hand. Without water on hand, campers can be exposed to serious illnesses from bacteria caused by drinking from ponds or lakes. No matter the distance from safety and civilization, you should always carry a day’s supply of water in a Camelbak or large water container. A water filter or water purification tablets will also be handy if you end up needing to get water from a nearby pond or lake.
Firestarter
A camping trip isn’t complete without a warm fireplace where you can gather with your buddies for a late-night huddle, so you will be needing the right tools to get a fire started. Campfires can be started with a lot of things, such as a magnesium fire starter, a cigarette lighter, or a waterproof match. Be sure to pack a few fire starters as well instead just in case. It may not be easy to find dry kindling outdoors, so be sure to pack some small kindling like dry bark or some newspaper in a container.
First Aid Kit
In the event of an injury or life-threatening emergency, you will be needing the following necessities in your first aid kit: scissors, adhesive, gauze, soap, a CPR mouth barrier, and an emergency whistle. These items may be essential for either short or long camping trips as even the littlest blisters may require bandaging. You may also bring along sunscreen and insect repellent as well for your hygiene, as sunburn and bug bites may prematurely bring your trip to an end.
Pocket Knife
A pocket knife is quintessential to any outdoor camping trip, as it can be used for a variety of purposes such as trimming a rope and fishing line, and slice foods as well as sharpening sticks, or dealing with tangled flora and fauna. It can also be used to tighten screws or skin a small animal. Without a handy pocket knife, a camping trip may not be as productive to perform these necessary tasks.
Charged GPS Or Map And Compass
In the event that your hiking route includes remote areas, be sure to keep a map and compass or a GPS on hand. Hikers may often feel disoriented in unfamiliar territory, especially as the day progresses which may lead to misidentification of forest landmarks. There have been recorded cases of campers who have gotten lost in the woods for multiple days before rescue comes or they find their way out. It may be dangerous to get lost in the woods, as your supplies deplete over time. Be sure to always keep an eye on your kids to make sure they can return safely to camp if they are to wander off on their own.
Weather-appropriate Clothing And Rain Gear
Many campers often only bring a few changes of clothes, so keeping them dry is of the utmost importance especially since the weather is prone to changes. While hiking in cold climates, hypothermia may also be a concern if the clothes you are wearing are damp. Wet gear may also increase your overall load to carry around, making your trek all the more uncomfortable. Be sure to pack a lightweight and waterproof rain jacket as well as weather-appropriate clothing. An additional rain bag will also be useful in climates with heavy rainfall to protect your gear.
Flashlight, Lantern, Or Headlamp
A campfire may only give light for up to six feet in your surroundings. As such, it may be hard to navigate your way around the campsite at night. A flashlight, lantern, or headlamp will be useful in the event that you may need to find something at night or visit the latrine. A headlamp is especially useful as they are hands-free for use in lightless situations.
Toilet paper
Toilet paper is highly essential to maintain personal hygiene in the great outdoors regardless of your experience as a camper. Many campsites often run out of toilet paper, so it will ensure that you do not have to rely on bark and leaves which are not hygienic for latrine use. You may obtain biodegradable toilet paper to reduce environmental impact as well and use a refuse bag to dispose of your waste appropriately.
Conclusion
Whether it’s your first time out in the great outdoors or your hundredth, be sure to bring these ten essential camping items along with you for a comfortable and fuss-free camping experience. Happy camping!
