The No. 1 rule to follow before you go camping is to plan. Make a checklist of supplies and stick to it. This is especially important if you're headed to a remote area where you can't get supplies you forgot. Whether you're making an overnight trip to a state park close to civilization or a one-week trip to remote desert, bringing the correct supplies will save you hassles and make your experience more enjoyable.
Mealtime Supplies
Pack everything you will need for cooking and eating on your trip. Whether you'll use a campfire or butane stove for cooking, you will need to bring matches to light the fire or stove, a skillet for cooking, a pot for boiling, serving utensils, and a potholder or large towel to handle a hot skillet or pot. Pack your mealtime plates and utensils, can opener, bottle opener, napkins and paper towels or dish towels. Pack detergent for cleaning the dishes. Storage containers and plastic bags come in handy; food, wet clothes and treasures you find on the trip all store easily in them. Determine how much food you will need by breaking your trip down into meals. If you are going on a two-day trip, bring enough food for two breakfasts, lunches and dinners, plus snacks. Take nonperishable items such as canned foods and dried foods. Drinking water is essential. You can bring your own, or use a water filter and treatment tablets to purify water from rivers, lakes and streams. Boiling water is another option; it will remove bacteria but will not get rid of residue.
First-Aid Supplies
The first-aid kit is essential to any camping trip. If you are camping in a remote area with no rangers, always let someone know your exact location and when you will be returning. Your first-aid kit should include bandages and tape, insect repellent, anti-itch cream for bug bites and rashes, and stomach-calming medicines. Always pack your prescription medication and information and emergency contact numbers. Bring sunblock and lotion for sunburn.
Sleeping Supplies
These supplies depend on whether you'll be sleeping outdoors or indoors. If you will be sleeping in a camper or trailer, pack sheets, blankets and pillows, or a sleeping bag if you prefer. If you will be sleeping outdoors, pack a sleeping bag and a tent or other shelter. Make sure the tent is the appropriate size for the number of people who will use it. Check that you have all the pieces you need to secure your tent to the ground. Bring sleeping bags that are warm enough for the climate. If you need extra cushion from the cold or as body support, bring a sleeping pad or an inflatable mattress.
Tools and Lights
Basic tools to bring are a multipurpose knife, small ax, hammer and small shovel. These tools can help you drive in your tent stakes, set up your campfire and clear brush from your campsite. Always bring two flashlights or headlamps with extra batteries. A lantern comes in handy for nighttime get-togethers.
Attire
Over-packing can be burdensome, but not having extra clothes in case of emergency can be dangerous. If you will be camping in cool or cold climates, pack an extra change of warm clothing. Include a jacket or coat, warm pants and shirt, thermal underwear, warm socks and all-weather boots. For milder climates, pack clothing you can wear and remove in layers. For hot climates, bring a light-colored and lightweight long-sleeve shirt and long pants for hikes. These will help protect you from poison plants, ticks and sunburn. For wet weather, a poncho, rain jacket and all-weather hiking boots are advisable. In any climate, pack one extra pair of shoes and socks to ensure you will have dry footwear to change into.
Toiletries
Toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, shampoo, soap, washcloths and towels are essential to a pleasant camping trip. Leave scented lotions, soaps and other toiletries behind; these can attract bugs and bites.
Member Comments
campingchick September 23
one thing i know i cant camp without is my maxxdaddy chair. i bought it from this company called koolest products about a year ago and i cant go without it. i'm a "bigger" woman than most so its hard to find products to accomodate my body type, but when i bought the chair i was shocked. its made to support my body type and anyone elses at that. i would recommend it to anyone looking for dependable camping gear.