What do I need to go camping? This question is familiar to us already, especially for novice campers. You are about to set yourself in the outdoors and knowing what to prepare and bring is a must.
Going camping is fun, whether you are alone or with your friends and family. Camping is a form of escape from our mundane daily routines. If you are residing in the city, then camping would serve as your break.
But camping is somehow a technical excursion. Moreover, some are already giving short courses on the basics of camping and outdoor activities. You should undergo one if you are going to challenging terrains.
However, this should not discourage you. After all, camping is encouraged, especially that it is good for the mind and the body. If you are just going to an established camping grounds, then you need no more training anymore.
We will do the honor of giving you a checklist of what to prepare before going.
1. A List
The following are equipment, tools, and some handy technical knowledge that will aid you for a fool-proof. By having them ready, you can be sure that your camping experience will be fun, memorable, and untarnished of problems.
We will remind you also that the supplies and equipmen will depend on several factors. These are the type of camping, the place, and the duration of the trip.
Of course, the bigger your group is, the more that you will need additional supplies especially consumables.
This post may be useful to you:
Basic Girl Scout Camping Packing List
2. Shelter
Your shelter is the most important and critical aspect of your camping. You need a temporary home out there that can secure your comfort and items brought. Of course, you need an abode that is durable and can withstand the forces of nature such as rain, cold weather, and extreme heat.
A waterproof tent is a must. The size of it depends on how many you are. We advise that one tent should have only two persons on it to ensure comfort and space. You will also need ground tarps and cloths for more flooring.
If you decide that a tent is too heavy, you could also choose to go for a good backpacking tarp
Read more: The Best Tents for Rain – Wet-weather Camping Essentials
Stakes, poles, ropes are necessary to set up your tent. Bringing your ax and hammer is also ideal to mount your tent easily. If you can, bring a brush to remove the dust inside the tent.
3. Bedding
Not all the time, you will spend your camping hours outside. You need a good bedding so that you can rest anytime with ease and comfort. Sheets, blankets, and pillows are a must since they will provide you protection and warmth especially during the night.
Alternatively, you can also hit the haystack in a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tarp, and air mattress as your bed. If you are planning to bring an air mattress, make sure that you will have your air pump and repair kit.
Of course, you need to ensure that your bedding is all safe and secured from any damages. In this case, we will compel you to bring utility bags to keep and arrange them.
4. Your Food
Cooking is probably the hardest part of camping. It could get messy in there. Aside from that, you are not bringing your entire kitchen with you.
But even for these problems, you still need to secure your stomach while camping. If the duration of your trip is short, you may not require cooking anymore. You can just pack non-perishable supplies like canned goods and bread, and you are ready to go!
If your stomach is urging for you to cook, there is quite a lot of cooking utensils and equipment that you should bring. Of course, not all of these are required, depending on what meal you will cook.
This part, prior planning is a must so that you can bring the exact supplies that you need. Extra luggage means extra hassle.
Here are some of the cooking tools that you might consider bringing:
- Stove (fuel or propane)
- Lighter
- Barbecue grill or campfire grill
- Plates, bowls, and cups
- Additional silverware or plastic ware
- Aluminum Foil (preferably heavy duty)
- SoapsTrash bags
- Containers and coolers for food storage
- Cooking oil
- Spoon and fork
- Grilling fork
- Tongs
- Frying pans
- Thermos
- Water jug and bucket
- Can openers
- Chopping board
- Sealable bags
- Seasonings and other condiments
- Pie irons
- Mixing bowls
- Mitts, gloves, and pot holder
- Knife and Peelers
We know that by reading all of them sounds heavy and bulky already in the bag. That’s why you have to assess first what is your meal plan. “What do I need to go camping” is not a hungry question anymore if you will prepare all of these!
5. Your Camping Wear and Clothes
Camping is a unique activity. Therefore, you need clothing that would suit the environment. In this case, planning ahead is a must too. You have to prioritize your comfort and protection.
You have to be waterproof to some extent. Your body should have enough protection and covers so that those critters won’t bug you. Of course, you need gears from gears hungry that will adapt to what activity you are planning to do.
Camping shoes and boots should be on your checklist. They have to be sturdy, and the same time, lightweight and comfortable. You need to wear specialized hiking pants too. You should have a pair of pants and belts too.
Bringing extra shirts and socks are also recommended, especially if you are planning to stay outside for days.
If the weather is hot and humid, having hats and bandannas could give your head additional heat resistance. Sweatshirts and jackets are also necessary.
Do we have to remind you that you need to bring an extra set of underwear?
Of course, your sleeping clothes should be different. Bring your towel and any form of swim wears if you are planning on a lake.
Do not also forget your rain gears.
6. Personal belongings
Personal hygiene is still a must even when you are camping outside. In this case, have a separate bag or container to put your towel, bath soap, and shampoo.
Hey, if your campsite does not have a toilet, please do not take a bath on the river. Moreover, do not use any water bodies to dispose of your wastes. We need to preserve the environment. Camping entitles us to reside in places that are not our habitat.
Now that we are done with the reminder let us give you another list of your personal stuff that you might need.
- Toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Comb
- Razor
- Feminine products (If you are a woman)
- Toilet paper
7. First Aid
Going outside to camp means that you are away from your local clinic and hospitals. We are planning our camping well, but sometimes, the unwanted happens. To respond to unfortunate events such as injuries, you need to have your first aid kit.
For this, you will need medications for fever, cough, sinus, and allergies. Antibiotics must be present! Roll bandages, bandages, and adhesive tapes should be in your first aid kit.
Cotton swabs, safety pins, scissors, and tweezers are also necessary.
Make sure that you have insect repellant and lotions on the first aid kit.
If you can, ensure that you have a bee sting kit and a snake bite kit. You are in a wild environment. These creatures are not aggressive at all, but you have to be careful on dwelling on their territories.
Of course, you need your cellular phones with emergency contact numbers on it. Your first aid container should be durable and waterproof. Make this kit always accessible to you.
To adequately preserve your safety, we advise you to take first aid classes and CPR classes. You also need to know how to make proper use each of these medicines and tools.
In the question what do I need to go camping, your safety should be included.
Conclusion
We have told you the things that you need before going camping. You have to secure your shelter, food, clothes, and emergency and survival kits. If you have all of these in your things-to-bring list, there is a guarantee that your camping will be smooth and problem-free.
On the other hand, prior preparations like choosing your campground and planning your itinerary are also necessary. You should plan everything so that you won’t encounter problems. Camping is a fun activity, but for it to be exciting, planning ahead is a must.
We hope that we answered your question!
Do you have any more questions, comments, and suggestions? Tell us! We love to hear from you!