The Ultimate Guide to What You Need for a Camping Trip
Ah, the great outdoors! Whether you’re an experienced camper looking to explore new trails, or if you’re a first timer setting out to discover what camping is all about, preparing the right gear before you go is essential for a great camping experience. But what exactly do you need for a successful camping trip? Here, as a father of three and an experienced camper myself, I’ll provide the ultimate guide to what items you should bring, as well as what to avoid hauling onto the campsite unnecessarily. Let’s get started!
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Essential Gear: What You Need for Camping
For starters, it’s essential to have a well stocked camping kitchen. Here’s what I always bring to ensure I can cook up tasty meals for the family while out camping:
- Multi-Fuel Stove and Methylamine Cooker
- A pot and a pan, or one of each size
- Folding utensils – knife, spoon and fork
- Mugs, plates and bowls
- Cutting board
- Can opener and Peeler
- Tin foil and cling wrap
- Dishwashing liquid and cleaning cloths
- Saucepans with lids
- Pegs, ropes and tent pegs
- Aluminium foil, cling wrap and paper towels
- Chopping board and knife
- Thermos
I also make sure to bring a few items to make life in the great outdoors a bit more comfortable:
- First Aid Kit and insect repellent
- Hammock
- Camping Stool or Chair
- Campground Map and Compass
- Camping Cot
- Lightweight Sleeping Bags
- Sleeping Pads
- Flashlight/Lantern
- Multi-purpose Tools
- Camping Chairs and Table
If you plan on bike riding or going for any other outdoor activities during your camping trip, here’s a few other items you should consider bringing for added convenience and safety:
- Bike Pump and Bike Repair Kit
- Tire Know-how Guide
- Spare Tire and Inner Tubes
- Head Lamp/Flashlight
- GPS unit and cell phone
- Protective gear such as a helmet, knee and elbow pads
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Map of the area and the selected route
- High visibility clothing
Altogether, you’ll need a mix of camping skills, supplies and some suitably sturdy outdoor gear specific to the type of trip. Over the years I’ve learned that preparation is key.
Avoid Bringing Unnecessary Gear
It’s important to keep in mind to not bring too much extra gear when you go camping. When it comes to camping gear, less is more. Here’s a list of things I rarely bring when I go camping:
- Tents that are bigger than you need
- Large stereos and TVs
- Gas powered generators
- Large amounts of fresh food
- Too many books and magazines
- Unsuitable clothing
- Heavy musical instruments or toys
Keep in mind that the items you decide to bring to a campsite can add to the overall weight of your load. Opting for lightweight gear can make a big difference, especially if you’re walking to your campsite.
Do You Know How to Store Camping Gear?
Organizing and packing your camping gear correctly can help maximize available space in the car. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by using backpacks, waterproof duffle bags, and collapsible containers. To help keep items dry during rainy days, consider using weatherproof Drybags or PVC bags with compartments.
Also remember to recreate the same setup you used when you packed your bag/tent. This would allow you to easily access your items and easily repack the bag once you’re done. This organized and easy to access system will definitely save time, effort, and energy.
Wrapping Up
Camping is a great way to connect with family and friends, while getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the city. Nevertheless, in order to make your trip a success, you need to be well-prepared and make sure you bring all the right gear and supplies.
In this blog post, I’ve shared the ultimate guide to what you need for a camping trip, what items you should bring, what to avoid bringing, and how to store your gear properly. Hopefully, this article has given you the necessary insight to make your next camping adventure a memorable one! So, grab your gear and take on the great outdoors!