What To Pack For Your Camping Trip

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What To Pack For Your Camping Trip? Packing for your camping trip is an essential step in setting the stage for a stress-free vacation.

Camping doesn’t necessarily mean “roughing it.” You can ensure that you are well prepared for what nature and seclusion have to offer, by packing the right equipment and supplies. To meet all of your basic needs and a few luxury items as well, make an organized list of what you need and then pack those items for your camping trip.

Shelter

If you are camping in tents, make sure that you have enough room for everyone on the trip. A five-person tent will fit four or five people, but not comfortably. Pack a five-person tent for every two people on the journey to ensure comfort and room for clothing and other needs.

Pack some extra stakes and tie-downs in case one of them breaks, or you need some additional support for high winds. When choosing a tent, consider the area you are camping in. If your campsite is in a clearing, chances are the sun can be pretty brutal in the mornings, so choose a tent with a vented roof and side panels for extra airflow.

If you’re camping along a riverbank or creek, prepare for mud and dampness by selecting a tent with a roll-out mat near the door for shoes, with a pop-out awning to keep your items dry.

If you are camping in an RV, camper, or tent, thoroughly clean the shelter to prepare it for your trip. Get rid of the things you do not need so that you have more room for the things you do need.

Have your RV serviced so that it is running in tip-top shape. For cabin camping, bring cleaning supplies, especially if you are renting the cabin.

Pack a separate gazebo-style tent for food storage and preparation. Food attracts wildlife, and it is best to keep the food separate from your sleeping area, in case of a midnight raid. Additionally, a different food shelter keeps mealtime more organized and keeps snacks accessible to everyone.

Keep your coolers, boxes of non-perishables, dishes, and eating utensils in the shelter. Set up a card table or picnic table inside that tent as well for food preparation. This will make meals easier to prepare. Cutting meat or vegetables is difficult to do without a sturdy flat surface to do it on.

Clothing

Clothing is just as important as anything you pack. Keeping yourself ready for the elements will keep you able to participate in all of the activities available at your camp area, rather than being stuck in your tent, cabin, or camper. Pack warm weather clothes like shorts, tank tops and sunglasses or hats for the sun.

Pack light layers as well. Hooded sweatshirts, jackets, jogging pants, and thermal tees will be useful for colder evenings or early mornings. Pack lots of socks to keep your feet dry while hiking. Pack appropriate footwear as well. Water shoes are a sole-saver when you are walking through creeks or shallow areas of rivers and ponds. Likewise, hiking boots are a must. A good pair of hiking boots provide moisture protection, foot support, and tread.

Food

Pack meats in coolers, completely covered in ice. This will keep them from getting too warm and spoiling. Also, pack your dairy products this way, as dairy quickly spoils.

Keep non-perishable items and bread in boxes or crates with a plastic liner (garbage bags work great) to keep the boxes protected from moisture. Leave the top open to prevent heat-stimulated moisture from humidity.

Plan your daily menu ahead of time to save yourself the possibly long trip to the nearest grocery or convenience store. Pack all of the ingredients and cooking/eating utensils that you need for each meal. Pack extra items for snacks as well. Marshmallows are great for campfires, and granola bars are a quick way to get some extra nourishment on a hike.

Personal Care

Pack soap, shampoo, towels and wash rags for bathing. If you are unsure about the available facilities, bring baby wipes. Baby wipes will help to keep your skin clean, even without water.

Bring along a hairbrush or comb to keep your tresses untangled and if you have long hair, pack extra hair ties in case yours breaks. Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss. Forgetting your oral hygiene needs on a trip can make you very uncomfortable.

Pack feminine products if you think you may menstruate during the trip. If you’ve ever been unprepared for your period, you can imagine how stressful it would be to be surprised during a trip in the wilderness. In addition to feminine products, pack some small colored plastic bags (shopping bags work well) to dispose of your used items and keep them discreet until you can dispose of them.

Luxury Items

If you’re camping for relaxation, it is probably best to keep your cell phone, and laptop turned off, but they can be wonderful for emergencies. Bringing a laptop or smartphone gives you access to all sorts of information about the nearest sights to see, plant identification or medical articles, and nearby hospitals.

Pack a book that you’ve meant to read. When you aren’t out exploring the area, you will have some downtime at the campsite, and it makes for a perfect time to read your book. Pack some games or playing cards if you are camping with a large group.

Make a list of all of the things that you need or want to bring along for your trip. Double-check your bags and boxes before leaving. Enjoy your trip.

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