Camping is the best way to explore nature while escaping your daily routine. Imagine playing the guitar in front of a bonfire, under an open sky full of stars - looks perfect, doesn't it? But reality can be very different if you forget your essentials on your trip. No one wants that, so here's a quick list of camping basics that will help you make the most of your next trip.
Which Items Should You Pack For Camping?
Clothes
It's best to prepare for any weather, whether you expect it or not. You should pack clothing that you can wear in the sunshine as well as during heavy storms. If you're going somewhere during the colder months or way up in the mountains, be sure to bring thick clothes and warm boots to deal with frigid temperatures. A waterproof jacket can be your best friend on rainy days. Sports clothing can be a better option, as they are flexible and moisture-wicking by design.
Tents
If you are a novice camper, you might be led to believe that a two-person tent is actually the best choice for accommodating two people. After all, that's what it says on the box, right? Consider this: a tent is designed to be a portable shelter, so it'll need to house your belongings as well. Suddenly, that two-person tent looks uncomfortably small for two people and gear. Our advice is to pick a larger tent than you think you need. You'll definitely appreciate the extra space it provides.
There are different types of tents as well, but the easiest way to distinguish between them is by the weather they are designed to withstand. A lighter tent will get drenched in the rain, while a multi-layer tent will keep you and your camping buddies dry during a downpour. If you're planning on camping in unpredictable conditions, do yourself a favor and pick a more durable tent.
Wet Wipes
Camping doesn't mean you have to rough it. There is no need to compromise on hygiene when you can keep things sanitary with something as simple as a few wet wipes. It's hard to believe, but they can be nearly as refreshing as rinsing off while being many times more convenient.
Lights
Street lights are one of the cornerstones of civilization, and it's easy to take their illumination for granted. When you're out in the woods at night, the only source of light (besides the moon, if it's even visible) is what you have with you. Most cell phones offer a flashlight function, but this is woefully inadequate in most cases and will quickly drain your phone's battery. Bring several flashlights and lanterns so you can light up your camp at night. Head lamps are also not a bad idea - they free up your hands for other tasks while providing similar light, and they can be worn just about anywhere.
Camping Pillow
Camping is a physically taxing activity, and that's before you even think about hiking or exploring. A good night's sleep can help you to enjoy the outdoors to the fullest, but that's easier said than done when you're away from your usual mattress. While it's tempting to bring your regular pillow with you to the camp site, keep in mind that this can get extremely cumbersome at all the wrong times. A camping pillow is designed to be much easier to transport, yet they can still provide decent support and insulation for sleeping in a tent.
Mosquito Netting
Taking a mosquito net along with you is the most cost-effective solution to protect yourself from insects such as mosquitoes while camping. It is also an eco-friendly alternative to insect repellent sprays.
Camping Toilet
It's no secret that you need to "go to the bathroom" every day, and this holds true even when you are camping. Unless you're going camping in a designated camp site, good luck finding an actual bathroom to do your business. Despite what you may have seen in movies, open spaces are not comfortable or ideal for this purpose. You'll want to bring a camping toilet with you for the additional comfort they provide, and the good news is that they're easily available online. Most camping toilets come in two parts — the upper part with a detachable seat, and the lower part for holding your waste. Make sure to dispose of the contents frequently and at a good distance away from your tent; not only will it begin to reek, but it may attract uninvited guests to your campsite.
Food
It’s tough to go without food even for one day. It's possible, but you'll hate yourself for trying. Camping includes many energy-intensive activities like setting up your tent, climbing on uneven terrain, outdoor sports, and other such things that will rapidly deplete your energy reserves. Hence, you need something that is portable, easy to prepare, and is nutrient-dense for a quick snack. Beef jerky, granola bars, and nuts are all good for a sudden burst of energy. The best part is you don't need refrigerators to store these snacks. If you're cooking food at your camp site, modern staples such as instant noodles or canned soups are also a great way to curb your hunger pangs within minutes.
Trial Run
Even with all the planning in the world, you can always count on something to go wrong at the worst possible time. Relax, it's perfectly normal. Instead of worrying about what sort of calamity you'll have to overcome, take some time to practice setting up your camping gear in the comfort of your own home. Tents are notoriously finicky to set up; rather than finding this out under the pressure of potentially not having shelter out in the woods, try putting up your tent in your living room or back yard first. You can even consult YouTube tutorials for help, and the practice will make subsequent attempts much easier.
