Camping is one of those experiences that you remember for the rest of your life – no matter how many times you go camping, no trip is ever the same, and each one holds a special place in your memories. Camping trips are also a chance at reconnecting with each other, with all the luxuries and distractions stripped away. Leaving nothing but good conversation and an opportunity to bond with family members. Some people live for camping, while others can’t stand it – it’s a bit like marmite. Sometimes the reason behind someone hating camping is simply because they didn’t do it right, or they had an awful experience when they were younger – but everyone can love camping! When done right camping can be just as comfortable as living in a house, and with the proper guidelines and tricks of the trade, you’ll be well on your way to a camping trip, more prepared than ever before. That said, here are some must-pack items to ensure a successful camping trip.
Although fun and exhilarating, camping still holds risks seeing as you’re venturing into the outdoors, especially if you’re going somewhere that’s secluded and doesn’t have any nearby hospitals. Therefore, packing a first aid kit is of paramount importance so that if disaster strikes and someone gets hurt, you have the essentials to attend to any wounds or cuts. A well-stocked camping first aid kit should have antiseptic cream for cuts, as well as bandages and gauze pads for something more serious. Also, make sure you have medicine for any allergic reactions that may arise and even pain medication for any unseen pain or cramps. It is also worth packing bug repellant and anti-itch creams along with antihistamines. Having a first aid kit will make you feel much more relaxed and prepared for whatever the trip may throw at you – even if you end up never using it, better to be safe than sorry!
The last thing you want to do when going camping is getting lost – it can put a lot of pressure on you and place you in dangerous situations. Get a map of the area and make sure you can read it. If you would rather use a GPS, make sure it’s fully charged and that you have extra batteries. Many people have stopped using their GPS, thinking that they would be fine without it, but nature holds countless surprises. It can easily confuse you within seconds and the signal can be hard to come by in more remote areas, which is why you should always have something on hand that can point you in the right direction. Getting lost in the outdoors instantly places you in a much more vulnerable position, and you sure don’t want to compromise the safety of you and your family.
Sure, it helps to check the weather for the few days that you’re going camping. Still, the weather can change and often catches you out. So packing appropriate clothing for any weather event is highly recommendable. Clothing should include items for colder conditions like thermal shirts, clothing that allows sufficient ventilation for hotter days, and water-resistant items for rainy days. By doing this, you’ll ensure that you’ll be adequately dressed no matter the weather. Being cold and wet will guarantee a miserable camping trip. The elements can be harsh, and one of the leading causes of injury during camping is due to exposure without proper gear – so make sure you’re always dressed for the occasion!
A fire is a lifesaver when camping – it lifts the spirits, creates a cosy environment, and is essential for cooking a nice meal. To ensure you have a fire, no matter the weather or circumstances, make sure you take something with you that will not fail when you need it most. Fire is also great for when you want to boil water that may contain bacteria or other harmful toxins that may cause illnesses. Water from a flowing stream is always the best source to collect from, but always boil the water for at least 5 minutes to ensure it is clean enough to drink.
Dinnerware may be one of the last things you think of when packing for a camping trip, but it’s still an essential aspect to consider when planning your outdoor adventure. Having dinnerware like plates, cups, and cutlery can really make a massive difference regarding the comfort of your stay, so be sure not to forget to pack these crucial items! Some types of dinnerware are safer to travel and work with when camping – for instance, glass dinnerware is never a good idea to pack. No matter how careful you try to be, something is bound to break. Good camping dinnerware is usually made from plastic, bamboo or stainless steel, making for an easy-to-clean and hassle-free set that will ensure a much more relaxing fireside dinner time.
Make sure you have extra batteries for everything that is battery-operated. Whether it’s for your flashlight, for your headlamp, for your GPS, or anything else for that matter, you can never be overly prepared. No one has ever regretted packing too many batteries, but you are definitely going to want to kick yourself when your last flashlight runs flat, and it’s in the middle of the night with nothing but your fire providing a bit of light. Regarding batteries, make sure everything is fully charged as well before you leave for your camping trip, and take a power bank with you for your phone if the camping site doesn’t have electrical outputs. You can still disconnect from your work and the outside world but have a working phone should there be an emergency.
These are just some of the must-pack items to ensure a successful camping trip. By packing these essentials you will be more prepared and ready for any curveball that nature may throw your way, leaving more time to fully enjoy the experience and enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer!
*Collaborative post