Camping, these days, has become a popular way for people to escape from their busy lives and have some fun in the great outdoors. With the advent of modern technology, staying in touch with family, friends, and business associates has never been easier. But for some people, camping is about more than social media posts — it’s about enjoying nature and turning off electronic devices for a few days. Here are 5 items you should bring if you’re planning a camping trip.
1. Camping Gear
You need to have the right camping gear if you want a comfortable trip. Will you be backpacking into the wilderness or driving up to your destination in an RV? If you’ll be packing supplies, it’s crucial that you don’t put too much strain on yourself — especially regarding food. Make sure you’re bringing lightweight items that will help sustain life over several days if necessary. For instance, a tan mesh tarp is about as strong as you can find, and it’s made of light plastic. It’s easy to put together and take apart when needed, and it can be used for several different things, keeping out rain, setting up a place to sit, or even making a shelter.
Other items to include in your camping gear are a sleeping bag, a tent, a good sleeping pad, an air mattress (which will save you from rug burns), bug repellent, toilet paper (be prepared), a water purifier, and water bottles.
2. Food and Drink
Food is necessary for survival — you need it to maintain your energy levels to enjoy your time in the woods. If you’re backpacking to your campsite, it’s okay to pack lightweight foods that will provide a quick jolt of energy for several days. If you’re camping in an RV, pack foods that won’t go bad too quickly and will be easy to find when you’re stuck in a remote area of the woods. You can bring non-perishable food items such as granola bars, cookies, canned soup, spices, and seasonings. If you decide to have a fire, store these items safely away from the flames, so they don’t get ruined by smoke.
Also, remember to pack drinking water; you can bring a campground’s water supply, but it’s only sometimes clean or safe to drink. Check the local laws for rules about what sort of water is allowed to be consumed by humans.
3. First Aid Kit
Make sure you include your first aid kit for anyone who might be injured during your trip. You can include bandages, medicine, and poultices, or a plastic pouch with a clean cloth. You may want to pack antibiotic ointment and tweezers. This can be found in most camping stores, or you can make your own by following the instructions on YouTube.
A good first aid kit will cover basic needs such as bandages, gauze, and antiseptic cream, and the gear will definitely come in handy should you or a camper get injured on the trip. You may want to include diabetic medicine such as Ensure in your kit, just in case.
4. Tools and Other Supplies
Pack basic tools for repairing things that might go wrong on your trip. For instance, bring a shovel, a mallet, and some rope. You could need these items if you get stuck in a muddy area of the forest or if you need to repair anything that breaks down on your campsite. You can also pack things like zip ties, duct tape, sewing kits, and lighters or matches.
You may want to include paper plates and cups, a plastic tarp, toilet paper rolls, garbage bags, and plastic utensils. You can also pack some hand sanitizer and hand wipes for after everyone has finished eating.
5. Entertainment
When you get tired of nature around you, it’s okay to bring some entertainment along as long as it doesn’t weigh you down too much. Bring lightweight books that don’t take up a lot of space in your bag. You should also bring a portable radio or an MP3 player and headphones if you’re traveling by car or RV.
Conclusion
Camping is a great way to escape the world’s worries and enjoy nature. However, you have to have the right gear so that you can protect yourself and your belongings during your trip. Make sure you pack your camping gear properly so you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your trip.
