Packing the right equipment for a camping trip is an essential part of planning a safe, enjoyable outing for you and your friends or family. While the equipment you need may vary based on the destination and duration of your trip, there are quite a few items that are good to have on any camping trip.
Shelter
When going on a camping trip, take proper equipment to shelter yourself from the elements. For most camping trips you will need a tent large enough to sleep in and store your personal items, as well as a plastic or vinyl tarp to separate the bottom of your tent from the potentially wet ground. If you are going on a particularly long trip, take a rubber mat for the entrance of your tent and a dustpan and broom to keep the inside clean. Also pack a few folding chairs and a folding table.
Bedding
The bedding you take on a camping trip is very much a personal decision, as some people prefer to leave a few of their favorite creature comforts at home when spending time in the great outdoors. However, you will still need a sleeping bag to keep warm, and though a pillow or two and an inflatable air mattress are not essential, you might want to consider bringing them along as well. Don't forget to pack an air pump if you bring an inflatable mattress.
Cooking Supplies
For camping enthusiasts, there's nothing like a freshly cooked meal prepared out in nature. If you want to cook your own food while you are camping, you will either need to have a portable grill, campfire stove or the ability to build your own makeshift fire pit. No matter what you choose to cook with, you are going to need cooking utensils such as fire-proof tongs, pot holders, a skillet or two, plates, bowls and silverware. Make sure you bring charcoal and firewood as well as a liquid fire starter along, too.
Food and Water
Whether you are going to be cooking your own food from fresh ingredients that you keep on ice in a cooler or eating simpler foods such as canned meats and vegetables, it is important that you take enough food and clean drinking water to last your whole trip. As a general rule, it is a good idea to have enough food and water for the duration of your trip plus a bit extra for a few days. If you get stuck because of a car problem or severe weather conditions, the last thing you want is to run out of food.
First Aid Supplies
A well-prepared first aid kit is vital for a safe, enjoyable camping trip. While the first aid kit you put together should be designed for the activities planned, there are a few items that should be in your first aid kit no matter where you are going. Hydrogen peroxide, bandages, scissors, razor blades, tweezers, sterile gauze pads, a flashlight and a thermometer are all essential items. If you are going on a short trip that does not have too many special considerations, you should consider purchasing a well-equipped first aid kit from a sporting goods or camping supply store before heading out.
Clothing and Personal Items
It is important that you bring enough dry, clean clothes and undergarments to last for your whole trip. An extra pair of shoes and plenty of dry socks are also essential items. Much like food and water, it is best to have more dry clothes and socks than you plan on using in case of severe weather or a prolonged trip. Personal items like toilet paper, a toothbrush, trash bags, soap, deodorant and any medicine you routinely take should be packed as well, and stored in your tent to keep them safe and dry.
Tools
While you may not need any of the tools listed here on your camping trip, it is always a good idea to have an ax, a flashlight, a spool of rope, a knife and a roll of duct tape just in case you need them for any reason. It's always better to be over-prepared that under-prepared.
Storage
Even if you are planning a particularly short stay, a way to store items such as dirty clothes, dirty plates, used food containers and used first aid supplies is essential. Large plastic bags and trash bags work very well for less dangerous items, and a tool box or other hard box can transport any used razor blades or knives home for disposal or cleaning.
References
- "Camping for Dummies"; Michael Hodgson; 2000
- "Camping & Wilderness Survival: The Ultimate Outdoors Book"; Paul Tawrell; 2006
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