Camping is fun and a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones. The number of people who go camping in summer is increasing each year. While camping is fun, the heat can sometimes get to you and increase the challenges you face. If you plan on going camping this summer, there’s no need to hold back since we’ve got you covered. Here’s a complete list of camping essentials to help you make the most of your annual trip.
Survival Gear
The beauty of camping is it strips you of your luxury and teaches you how to get back to the basics. While this is a lot of fun, there are certain survival items that you have to carry with you. These include:
Water
Although some campsites offer water facilities, it’s always better to stock up on this necessity.
Tent
It’s safe to say you can’t go camping without a tent. There are various kinds of tents you can pick from, but the best tents are the ones that provide proper ventilation and are easy to set up. Tents vary in size depending on the number of people sharing them. It is, however, best to carry smaller tents that can accommodate two or three people at most since these are easier to carry and set up.
Sleeping Bag
To get sound sleep in the tent, you need a cozy place to sleep. The proper sleeping bag will make you feel much more comfortable as you lay in the wilderness.
Flashlight
A flashlight is one of the most important pieces of camping gear you need to carry with you. Don’t rely on the moon and stars to light your way – you never know when clouds will move in. Instead, make sure you have a flashlight or lantern with you.
Batteries
So many things are rechargeable these days that this can be easy to forget. From flashlights to radios and even your DSLR, all need batteries. Make sure you have plenty of disposable options as well as spares for anything that charges.
Insect Repellent
The one thing that bugs most people about camping is insects. Since there’s no electricity, the best way to keep them away is to use a strong insect repellent. Again, it’s always good to have more than one tube handy since, like toothpaste, many people forget to bring it along.
Swiss Knife
This multipurpose tool is compact, convenient, and handy. From prepping for meals to sharpening the edges of your sticks to roast marshmallows, or even to tighten a loose screw, a Swiss knife is a necessity when you’re out camping.
Utensils
While it’s important to travel light when camping, you might need to carry a pot or pan with you so you can at least prepare or heat meals when you are at the camping site. If you’re on a limited budget but you’re not a fan of cooking, then you could look for campsites that include meals in their package. Alternatively, you could carry pre-packaged food that doesn’t go bad fast.
Icebox
If you’re camping during summer, you need to prevent your food from going bad and your drinks from getting warm. An icebox can do both these things. If you’re craving to crack open a cold one to get respite from the heat, you will thank your stars for carrying an icebox along.
Toilet Paper
Just because you’re camping, there’s no reason you shouldn’t answer nature’s call in a clean and comfortable way. While you may have to go in the middle of nowhere, it’s still good to have toilet paper to clean up after.
Compass
It’s easy to find your way around when in the city, however, when you are in the wild, it can get complicated. If you choose to go on a short excursion around your camping site, a compass will ensure you don’t get lost.
Extra Pair of Boots
Camping is full of surprises. You never know what could go wrong or where you may tread. Most campers tend to wear wet and soggy boots throughout their trip because they didn’t carry an extra pair of boots. If the camping site has a water body nearby, an extra pair of boots should be on your list.
Toiletry Kit
A compact toiletry kit packed with essentials such as toothpaste, a toothbrush, and soap is something you should have ready to put into your backpack.
Matches / Lighter
Let’s face it — a camping trip is incomplete without a bonfire. While most camping sites set it up for you, some enjoy doing it on their own. If you’re one of them, then make sure you carry matches or a lighter along.
First Aid Kit
Medical emergencies or health problems may occur at the camping site. It’s important to stay prepared with basic cold and flu medications, pain relief spray, band-aids, and painkillers.
Sunscreen
UV rays from the sun are most impactful during the summer, so it is important to protect your skin with good high SPF sunscreen. Any skin that is exposed to the sun needs to be protected — even your ears!
There are a lot of things to remember on this list. Before you start packing, take some time to write a list of all the things you’re bringing with you. This will help you make sure you don’t forget anything important so you can have a safe and fun camping trip!