Camping is a great way to get a temporary escape from city life and enjoy the outdoors. But once you journey out into the wilderness, you only have yourself to rely on, so proper planning is a must for any camping expedition. Ensuring that you have all your basic needs covered is a vital part of keeping your excursion from turning into a disaster.
Shelter
Obviously, the most important piece of equipment you can bring tent camping is a tent. Modern tents are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles, and the best can stand up to almost any weather conditions. A sleeping bag is a good addition, especially if you’re in colder climates. You should also make sure to bring along a groundsheet and shovel for site preparation; if rain threatens, having plastic insulation underneath your tent and good drainage can make the difference between staying dry and a miserable, wet night.
Provisions
Food and water are also must-haves for any camping expedition. Even if you think you’ll have access to clean water, bringing along a supply or taking water purification gear is never a bad idea. You should also consider what will be necessary to prepare your meals—remember, in some areas building an open fire is prohibited. In these cases, a portable stove will allow you hot food without the risk of forest fires.
Backpack
A good backpack is important to any camping trip. Look for one that’s roomy enough to accommodate all your gear, while balancing the load comfortably across your back and shoulders. You should always try out any new pack with a simulated load to get a sense of how the pack feels, because you never want to find out your pack hangs uncomfortably after you’re already miles away from civilization.
Shoes
Good hiking shoes are vital for any outdoors trip, even if you’re not planning on doing much walking. Proper shoes should be comfortable and not too heavy, and should support your ankles when walking on uneven ground. Always be sure to break in new hiking boots thoroughly before taking them out on an expedition, as blisters on your feet can easily turn a nice afternoon outdoors into a painful nightmare.
First Aid
Unfortunately, sometimes the unexpected occurs, and being prepared for the worst can redeem a disastrous camping trip. A basic first-aid kit is always a good idea to pack along with you, as small injuries that would be trivial at home can loom large when you’re deep in the wilderness. Cuts, insect bites, blisters and burns are the most common types of camping injuries, and the supplies necessary to deal with each should not add much to your overall gear load.
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