If you’re heading off on a camping trip you need to make sure that you have everything that you need to hand. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination to discover that you’ve forgotten something essential – such as your tent!
Whether you’ve never been camping before or whether you go all the time but just want a better way of making sure that you don’t forget the basics, this checklist will make sure you stay on top of everything you require.
Staying Sheltered
It goes without saying that you’re go to need a tent, and all the components that go together to put it up. You should also consider taking some extra stakes to make sure that it is properly anchored in case of high winds and a hammer to make sure that the stakes are properly fixed into the ground.
Sleeping
You might be camping, but that doesn’t mean that you have to rough it! You should take a camp bed or an inflatable air mattress together with a cozy sleeping bag and pillow to keep you warm and comfortable through the night. Don’t forget to take your air pump, otherwise you may end up having to blow up the air mattress yourself! Also, consider taking a repair kit, just in case you accidentally puncture the air mattress.
Food Preparation
One of the most fun parts of camping is preparing meals in the great outdoors, but it can also be a tricky part of your trip too. Make sure you have everything you need by bringing along a water carrier so that you can have sufficient fresh water, a cooler so you can make sure your perishable foods stay out of the heat, and a camping stove with sufficient fuel to keep cooking on gas throughout your stay! If you’re bringing a BBQ or campfire grill, don’t forget to bring some charcoal, fire starters and matches, otherwise you’ll be wasting your time. It’s also important to remember some plates and bowls as well as some silverware, otherwise you’ll end up eating with your fingers off the floor. There are some other useful items you should also consider packing. Dish soap, garbage bags, aluminum foil, paper towels, clothes pins and food containers are all helpful items to have in your camping kit. Don’t forget to take along some pots and pans, some cooking utensils and a can opener. You’ll also need some cups, ziplock bags, a scrub pad and some dish towels.
Hygiene
Staying clean and using the bathroom are two difficult parts of any camping trip. If you’re staying on a regular campsite, you’ll be able to use the onsite facilities, but if you’re wild camping you may need to think about how you’re going to manage. A portable toilet could be the ideal solution, especially if you don’t want to go in the woods!
Clothes
It can be hard to decide which clothes to take on a camping trip. Even in the middle of summer, you could get caught in a rain storm and even in winter you could find an unseasonably warm day. Dressing in layers is often the best solution. You’ll certainly need some sturdy boots or shoes for walking in mud, and some jeans or long legged pants will help to protect your legs. You should, however, also take some shorts and t shirts for warmer days, as well as extra socks just in case your feet get cold or wet. A jacket is an essential, and a roll up raincoat will also be very useful. If you’re planning on swimming, don’t forget to take your swimsuit and towel.
Personal Items
There’s a whole lot of personal items that you’ll need on your camping trip. Flip flops for the shower, a washcloth and towels, shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, a razor, brush and personal medications are all essentials, and don’t forget to take the toilet paper! You should also make sure that you have a first aid kit ready just in case.
Hopefully, now that you’re well prepared you’ll have a wonderful camping trip. Relax and enjoy yourself, knowing that you have everything you need.