7 Essential Items You Should Have When You Go Camping

Whether in national parks, private campgrounds, or backcountries, camping is rising in popularity as it can be a great way to spend some ti...

Whether in national parks, private campgrounds, or backcountries, camping is rising in popularity as it can be a great way to spend some time in the outdoors with family or friends. However, it can also become a living nightmare when you forget some of the essential items you should bring to your campsite. 

Typically, putting the necessary things in your backpack can make a huge difference in having a restful outdoor vacation around the trees and other natural resources. 

If you’re going to a camping activity anytime soon, below are the seven essential items you should have from the get-go: 

1. Tent 

While you can always sleep under the moon and the stars, having a tent is extremely important. Sometimes, you may not know when, say, a snowstorm will come to your campsite. Hence, it’s best to bring a tent that can protect yourself and your gear from natural weather conditions. Also, after a long, tiring day of hiking, it can be a comfortable place to sleep at night. 

However, when bringing one for your situation, don’t forget to bring its accompanying accessories with you, such as the tent poles, stakes, rope, and a rain fly. In doing so, you can rest knowing that your tent can be set up properly in the campsite. 

In addition to accessories, you should also consider the size of the tent and the number of persons who will occupy it. For example, if you go camping with your entire family or group of friends, you should consider using a 3 room camping tent to ensure everyone can have some level of privacy while relaxing. 

2. Sleeping Bag

Aside from the shelter, you should also have a comfortable, lightweight sleeping bag in your backpack. Camping in the woods can be a strenuous activity, which is why if you want to get a good night’s sleep after a long day, using a sleeping bag can provide you with the comfort that you need. 

Also, with a significant temperature drop and several insects roaming around at night, going with a sleeping bag can ensure you have the right level of protection for your body.

3. First Aid Kit

Camping is an outdoor adventure, which is why burns, bumps, cuts, or scratches are some of the things you might experience throughout your journey. To ensure these skin issues will be treated right away, you should bring your first aid kit. This camping essential will serve as your first line of protection against any potential infection in case you get a burn or a cut during your camping. 

4. Water Filter

Water filters or purification tablets are some of the camping items you should bring before you head to the campsite. If you want to survive the scorching heat of the sun while wandering the woods, you should always have an adequate supply of water for your entire journey. This is especially true if drinking in the lake or pond near your campsite can be dangerous to your health. 

However, if the nearby stream is safe for drinking, get ready with your water filter so you can refill water for your consumption. By doing this, you’ll never be stuck without a fresh supply of water while camping in the great outdoors. 

5. Navigation Tools

Another camping essentials are navigation tools. Given the possibility of navigating unfamiliar forest landmarks, going camping unprepared can cause you to wander in a wooded area and get lost for a few days. 

That’s why if you’re hiking in a specific remote place for the first time, navigation tools, like your mobile phone, compass, and even a high-technology navigation system, can help you find your way back to the camp. Also, when you use these tools, you’ll never get lost because these can help keep you on the right path and be safe throughout your camping journey. 

6. Flashlight, Headlamp, Or Lantern

Camping in the woods means using a campfire to keep the night beautiful and bright. However, the light provided by the campfire is only limited to a certain distance. So, if you want to have an additional source of lighting for your camping, don’t forget to bring flashlights, headlamps, or lanterns. 

These lighting tools, for instance, can help you locate an item in your tent or become a light source when you stumble to the bathroom after dark. 

7. Extra Clothes

Of course, you don’t need to bring many clothes when you go camping. But, due to the different circumstances that may happen throughout the journey, having extra clothes in your bag will make a lot of sense. 

For example, if you’re having a morning hike, wearing a jacket can be a good idea. If your clothes get wet, replacing them with an extra t-shirt saves you from a lot of discomforts. 

Final Thoughts

Camping with family or friends can be an exciting and memorable experience only if you have the essential items mentioned above in your bag. Remember, preparing all these things in advance can make your outdoor trip fun, instead of a frustrating one. 

So, plan your next camping now and bring all these essentials before heading to the wilderness.