Spending some time outdoors can be beneficial for your mental and physical health. Camping gives you a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the wilderness. While camping, you get to live amidst nature, soak in the fresh air and sunlight, and rejuvenate.
However, a camping trip can prove to be the best thing in your life or a disaster. And it all depends on how you plan your trip and what you carry with you. Having the essential items in your rucksack can make all the difference between a good camping trip and a bad one. Even if you are an experienced camper, having the essentials is vital for the best camping experience.
From carrying sleeping bags to a camping coolbox, here is a list that covers all the basics you must carry on your camping trip.
- Tent
Camping is incomplete without the experience of setting up a tent and spending the night in it. Even if you want to sleep under the stars, you must always have some shelter in hand if the weather gets bad. A tent provides you with a comfortable space and protects you from atmospheric elements such as rain and cold winds, thus protecting you from hypothermia and such medical conditions. Moreover, a tent can house your gear.
The tents come in various sizes, and you can opt for a regular two-person or even go for a whole family-sized tent.
- Sleeping bag
Sleeping on the grass or the rocks does not sound welcoming, and you will undoubtedly wake up with a sore neck. Sleeping bags are highly portable and easy to carry while being lightweight. You can roll them and place them over your rucksack. A sleeping bag acts like a mattress and a blanket wherein a person can sleep comfortably. They effectively protect you from the cold winds by keeping you warm and even from the tiny insects that might find their way to you.
- Firestarter
Camping is not fun without the sound of crackling wood, the warmth of the fire, and some toasted marshmallows. So, to start a fire, you will need proper tools to do the job effectively. Seasoned campers can start a fire with just stones, but it is always a good idea to carry the tools for the fire starter. You can bring flint and steel, matches, a lighter, or a magnesium fire starter.
Once you have decided what kind of tool you need to start the fire, ensure it is waterproof. It is also essential that you take some form of kindling material with you to feed the fire, like dry bark or strips of paper. It is best to go prepared, as you might not find the proper wood to start a fire in some weather conditions. Nowadays, there are ready-made fire starter kits available, and all you have to do is follow the instructions.
- Camping coolbox
If you go on a long trip, where you plan to set up a base and hike every day to different locations, you need proper tools to store your food and water. It is essential to store food items in a cool box or a fridge if you are camping in hot weather to prevent your food from perishing. The coolbox will keep your food items and water cold and fresh throughout your camping trip.
A cool box is a good option as it does not require any power to function, and it is highly portable. All you need is a large chunk of ice or cooled ice gel packs to keep in the insulated box. The insulation and the ice pack can make the inside temperature of a camping coolbox relatively colder than the ambient temperature.
- First aid kit
While exploring the wilderness, things can go wrong at any minute. So, it would be great if you were prepared for such emergencies wherein you might need to administer yourself or someone else with first aid.
You must always carry a first aid kit while hiking as you are more prone to blisters and minor infections. Even if you have the smallest cuts, you must treat them immediately as they can get infected.
A first aid kit must have over-the-counter pain relievers, scissors, gauze, soap, and an emergency whistle.
- Weather appropriate clothing
You have limited space to pack clothes while camping, so that means you only have a few changes of clothes. Walking in wet clothes can expose you to hypothermia and other problems. So, check the weather of your camping location and carry appropriate clothing and shoes for a better experience. Don’t forget your hiking leggings for a comfortable camping trip.
Hope the list has helped you in planning your camping trip. Besides these basics, you must carry things appropriate to the terrain or the condition of your campsite.
Image Source: BigStockPhoto.com (Licensed)
Related Categories: Recreation, Nature, Reviews
