What You Need To Prepare For Your Camping Trip
Camping is a great way to relieve yourself of stress, experience nature in a unique way, and bond with your friends and family. Camping also allows you to recharge your mind and body. But when you’re going for a camping trip for the first time, do you know how and what should you prepare? What should you bring to make your camping memorable? Let this article help.
Websites such as Outdoorcommand.com can provide information on what should you expect as a camper. Along with this online resource, don’t forget to prepare the following for your upcoming camping trip:
1. Know What Your Options Are And Select A Destination
Selecting a destination is one of the most important things to prepare for a camping trip as your location can make or break your entire camping experience. It’ll be hard for you to determine which gears or equipment to bring if you don’t have any idea where you’re going. Once you’ve decided on a camping destination, it’ll be easier for you to plan out all of your activities and select which tools are necessary for the location.
If you don’t have any idea about the best camping spots in your area, you can ask people from your own social circle for recommendations. If they have experienced camping, they can surely provide the best (and worst) destinations for a camping trip. You can also use the internet to expand your options. Make sure that you weigh the pros and cons of each of these destinations so you’ll end up choosing the best.
2. Take The Time To Prepare For Medical Emergencies
Camping can be fun, but keep in mind that it will require you to live outside the comfort of your home. You’ll have to make necessary adjustments and change your routine for a bit once you start camping. If you don’t want to experience any untoward medical emergencies during your camping trip, prepare for your medical needs first. A first aid kit should always be packed inside your backpack when you’re going camping.
If you’re suffering from allergies, never leave home unless the medicines for your allergies are properly packed. If you are advised by your doctor to take supplements or vitamins every day, prioritize packing these before anything else. If you’re regularly wearing contact lenses, prepare your solution ahead of time and, if possible, have an extra pair of contacts and glasses ready. It’s also important to allot medicines for emergencies for the entire trip.
3. Create A Meal Plan
Preparing your meals is one of the most exciting yet challenging parts of a camping trip. It’s exciting because you get to make meals from scratch, but at the same time, it can be challenging because you’ll have limited resources. To ensure that everyone will be well-fed and have fun during the camping trip, create a meal plan. The following tips can be helpful during this process:
- Depending on the number of people who will be camping with you, you can assign who will cook meals for everyone. You can come up with a list of dishes to prepare and assign who will bring the raw ingredients as well.
- If you’ll be going on a camping trip with a lot of people, you can also suggest having a potluck dinner. You can discuss beforehand who will bring what dish to ensure variety.
- Since different people have different preferences when it comes to drinks, it’s best if you let everyone bring their own. Make sure that you also have the time and resources to prepare snacks in between meals. This is especially important if your next camping trip includes kids.
4. Create And Follow A Camping Checklist For Packing
As mentioned, the things you’ll bring can significantly affect the success of your camping trip. It’ll be easy for you to enjoy your camping trip if you’re actually prepared for it.
Here are some of the basic necessities you will need when packing for your camping trip:
For your shelter:
- Tent
- Stakes
- Ground cloth
- Broom and dustpan
For your bedding:
- Sleeping bags for each camper
- Pillows
- Extra blankets
For your clothing:
- Shoes (if possible, bring a good
pair of hiking shoes)
- Jeans
- Shirts and long-sleeves
- Jacket
- Underwear
- Raingear
- Laundry bag
The items you’re going to bring for your camping trip will vary based on your chosen destination and duration of the trip. Usually, you’ll need to bring more items if you’re going to camp for a long period.
Preparation Is Key
Camping can provide a lot of benefits, but it can also become stressful when you find yourself unprepared in the woods. Instead of enjoying your camping trip, you’ll be frustrated and wished that you didn’t join the trip in the first place. Make your upcoming camping trip one for the books by using this article as your guide.
