A camping trip (either remotely or at a public campground) allows you to experience the great outdoors either alone or with family and friends. Camping is not only about having fun--it is also about implementing basic survival and outdoor skills into the trip. Bringing along the right gear and supplies for the trip is essential. Creating a list before packing will serve as a good check-off system, so no item is missed or left behind.
Food
For most campers, bringing along a combination of both perishable and non-perishable food sources will allow for proper menu planning throughout the course of the trip. The non-perishable food supply could consist of pre-packaged snacks such as trail mix, peanut butter crackers, granola bars or dry cereals that have an extended shelf life. Perishable items such as eggs, milk, cheese, hamburger, steaks, chicken breasts and turkey should be kept in a cooler with ice. Certain fruits and vegetables such as grapes, apples, peppers, corn and peas should be kept cool and dry for maximum preservation.
Cooking Gear
Bringing along the proper cooking gear is essential. Many campers use propane stoves. Most one or two burner stoves come with a generous cooking surface and portable propane canisters that can be refilled. A tripod grill is a portable grill with three legs and an adjustable grate for temperature control over hot logs. Cast iron skillets, frying pans and cookie sheets can be used on almost any cooking surface and should be brought along to assist with food preparation.
Utensils such as Teflon-coated spoons, tongs and spatulas will assist while cooking over a flame. Throw-away eating utensils, tableware and mugs should be brought on the camping trip unless washing dishes is an option.
Reusable plastic containers will provide an easy way to store leftovers and perishables in the cooler until they can be consumed.
Maps
Maps are a necessity for both campground and back-country campers and should be brought along on every trip. For those who are trekking through the back country, the assistance of a topographic map to establish distance between physical landmarks and locations where riverbeds and dense forest are present is essential for finding a campsite. Regular road maps may also be used to find area attractions surrounding a campground or to locate entryways and directions to the campground itself. Campground maps can be used to assist campers as to where activities, stores, beaches and designated areas are located inside of the campground or park.
Shelter
Camping shelters are designed to provide protection from the elements and offer a place to store clothing, radios, electronics, food and personal items. Many campers choose to bring along either an RV, trailer or a tent. RVs and camping trailers are often used in public campgrounds where there is a full electrical, sewer and water hookup available. Back-country campers should bring sleeping bags, air mattresses, extra blankets, pillows and mosquito nets.
Supplies
Supplies are important to bring along on any camping trip. These include navigational systems such as GPS, compasses and trekking equipment. Bug spray, rope, scissors, first aid kits and lanterns are also needed supplies for most campers. Tarps, waterproof gear, portable heaters and hand-held radios can also be brought along to make the trip more manageable.
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