According to the North American Camping Report, over 48 million families went camping at least once in the United States in the year 2020. Although the COVID-19 pandemic put many plans on hold, this outdoor activity could still be done safely across the country. With summertime fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about the next camping trip.
Whether you’re an experienced camper or a novice, keep reading to learn about five camping essentials that you can’t leave your home without!
1. Camping Essentials: Nightime Necessities
Tents are probably one of the most commonly thought of camping essentials. A tent will act as a home away from home, providing campers with much-needed shelter. A tent will protect campers from all kinds of weather, such as the harsh sun, the wind, and rain.
A tent will also protect from any bugs, such as gnats and mosquitos, which reach their peak of activity in the summertime.
The tent is a safe place to sleep. To make tents more comfortable, many families opt to bring along sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, or air mattresses. Every tent should also come with stakes to keep it in place and more resistant to harsh winds.
2. Flashlights
When packing for a trip, it is important to remember flashlights, headlamps, or lanterns. Once the sun goes down, campers lose any natural light, and navigating a forest in the dark is difficult. Having a portable light source is important for knowing your surroundings.
Ensure that your light source has a long battery life, or opt for bringing backup batteries.
3. Outdoor Kitchen Supplies
Most families opt for cooking while camping to get the full outdoor experience.
One outdoor kitchen necessity includes a camp stove. However, as long as you can manage to build a fire, then you can settle for a frying pan or a cast-iron skillet. Some camping gear, such as the Barebones Living grill, offers a cooking surface and a grill base to provide the most versatility for outdoor cooking.
Other packing essentials for the kitchen include a cutting board and several sharp knives to prepare food. Some sort of reusable dining ware, including plates, bowls, mugs, and silverware, is also important.
4. Clothing & Personal Hygiene
Every camper should arrive at the campsite equipped with terrain and weather-appropriate clothing.
Campers may prefer to bring hygiene products, such as toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. Protective gear, such as bug spray and sunscreen, can also be included in this category.
5. Basic Survival Kit
Anyone going on a camping trip needs to have a survival kit in case of an emergency. Every survival kit should be stocked with first aid supplies, at a minimum. It should also carry tools, such as multi-tools like knives or pliers, as well as navigational tools and fire-starter equipment.
Having materials that could be used to alert first responders, like flare guns or whistles, also comes in handy.
If it isn’t already included in your gear, bring food, water, protective clothing, and a light source as well.
Happy Camper
Although everyone’s camping list will look different according to their campsite, length of trip, and desired camp experience, there is a minimum of materials that are needed for every trip. These five camping essentials are a great place to start.
If you’re interested in learning more about camping or other hobbies, check out the rest of our site!