Are you planning a camping trip? If so, then this post is for you! Camping is one of the best ways to explore our beautiful country. There are so many unique places to visit and things to see. To make your first camping trip as successful as possible, you must have all of the necessary gear beforehand. The following article will review what equipment you need to have an enjoyable experience on your first camping trip!
Camping Gear Needed List
Tent:
A three-season tent is best for most camping trips. It should be big enough to fit all of your gear and sleeping bag comfortably but not too bulky if you plan on carrying it far distances over rugged terrain. You may also want to consider purchasing an additional tarp or ground cloth to minimize the amount of dirt that gets tracked into the tent during outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, etc.
Sleeping Bag:
Make sure that you have at least one sleeping bag per person plus another spare! Sleeping bags come in many different temperature ratings, so it’s essential to choose wisely depending on what climate zone you will be staying in during your trip. A summertime backpacking trip would require only a light rating sleeping bag. In contrast, if you will be in the cold, you will want to pack a sleeping bag rated at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit, more than the average nighttime temperature.
Water:
You should always bring enough water to last for your entire trip. This is important because, depending on where you will be camping, it may take some time before finding fresh drinking water. Even if there are streams or rivers available nearby, they could have high bacteria levels in them due to runoff from nearby cattle yards. If possible, use containers that can store large amounts of water, so you don’t need to carry extra weight with each refill.
Fire Starter:
It’s no fun being out in nature without access to warmth! You’ll want something like matches as well as lighter fluid or fuel such as fire starters when going into the woods for an overnight trip. Also, one of the significant parts of camping is being able to start your fire!
Weatherproof Clothes:
Even if it’s summertime, you might need to prepare for the weather. The temperature can change in a matter of minutes, and there is nothing worse than being unprepared and freezing!
Eating Utensils:
Several different kinds of utensils work well when camping, such as long-handled spoons or forks, which give your hands more freedom while cooking. You’ll also want something like plates, bowls, or cups so you don’t have to worry about packing up dishes every night before bedtime, as they will eventually break anyways. Make sure you get ones made from material like plastic because metal ones can be noisy at night and scare away animals nearby with their clanging sound. Just remember that any one-time use utensils need to be appropriately disposed of. Keep your campground clean and litter-free!
Map and Compass:
Even though everyone has GPS on their phones nowadays, it’s nice to have a map and compass just in case. You never know when your phone will die, or you’ll forget it at home, so having this as a backup option is ideal to have on hand.
First Aid Kit:
A first Aid kit is one of the essential items you can have on hand while camping. You can even make your first Aid kit using a shoebox or other container. Remember to include bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, burn cream (for the campfire), alcohol for sterilization, and butterfly closures.
Pocket Knife:
Having a good sharp knife on hand is a great idea when camping. You may think that you don’t need it for cooking and eating, but a knife is essential to have on hand in case of any emergencies or accidents that happen while out hiking, fishing, or hunting.
Fishing Pole:
Suppose you plan to do any fishing while on your camping trip; you’re going to need an upright pole. Fishing poles are pretty inexpensive and can be found at almost any retail store.
Chair:
You’ll want an excellent chair to bring with you if you plan on sitting around the campfire and cooking dinner or even just watching others fish or do other things at the campsite. You may not think that this is an essential item, but it will make your time more enjoyable when there are many hours of daylight left before dark.
Foldable Table:
If there aren’t any picnic tables nearby, it might be wise to have a foldable table. This will allow for a flat surface to set up your cooking area and eat from.
Headlamp/Flashlight:
A good flashlight or headlamp is another essential item when camping. You never know when you might need it in the middle of the night or during an emergency.
Extra Clothes:
It’s always a good idea to pack some extra clothes, including shoes and socks, underwear, shirts, jeans, etc… just in case something happens while on your adventure that requires spare clothing. Having these items will make for an enjoyable camping trip with fewer worries about not changing into clean clothes after getting dirty from playing outside all day.
Multi-Tool:
You’ll also want a pocket knife or multi-tool so you can have other handy tools at your disposal when needed, such as cutting rope or opening cans – things like this are necessary if you plan on doing any cooking or even wood whittling! This is the great outdoors, do something relaxing and enjoy yourself!
In Conclusion:
Camping is one of the best experiences you can have with your family and friends. Having the right gear on hand always leads to having a more enjoyable trip, and being prepared for anything that might arise will leave you feeling ready and determined to take on the woods! Here is a recap of the gear we recommend for your first camping trip. This gear is included but not limited to a tent, sleeping bag, water, fire starter (lighter or matches), first aid kit, fishing pole, and reel with lures already attached to the line for quick retrieval in case you snag a fish. A pocket knife is also helpful if you plan on cooking as well as opening cans of food.
Weatherproof clothing such as rain jackets and hats are needed so that camping doesn’t turn into “sitting around all day” because it’s pouring down outside! Eating utensils like forks, knives, and spoons will make mealtime easier when out in nature without your plates and cups – don’t forget bowls too! Finally, chairs can be used both inside the tent while sitting by the campfire! Grab the hotdogs, make some smores, and start creating beautiful memories with your family and friends!