You might think camping is as simple as packing your bags, driving to a campground, and pitching a tent. But even the most experienced campers make mistakes when preparing for their trip.
The proper preparation and planning are essential to ensure an enjoyable and safe camping experience, no matter how long or short your trip is.
To get the most out of your camping trip, you must have the right equipment and supplies packed in your car. Packing the wrong things and forgetting essential items can ruin even the best of trips.
So let’s get started and discover ten camping essentials that will help you have a fun, stress-free, and safe camping trip and that are available here at RV Online Shop.
Camping Tents
A good camping tent is one of the essential items on this list. You want one that is large enough for the number of people sleeping in it, sturdy enough for all types of weather, and reliable enough to last you for many years.
Don’t skimp on the price, as a good quality tent will be one of the most valuable items you own.
A few things to consider when shopping for tents are the number of people it’s designed to accommodate, the type of environment you’ll be using it in (desert, mountains), and the type of material it’s made.
And remember that tents come in different sizes and weights, so make sure that the one you choose is lightweight enough to carry comfortably and is easy to set up.
Sleeping Bags or Blankets
Sleeping bags are a popular choice for camping, but you can also use blankets if you’re camping in warm weather. And if you’re camping with kids, choose a thick sleeping bag or blanket that can easily be folded or rolled up and carried with you.
Choose a sleeping bag or blanket made from a breathable fabric and large enough to fit everyone sleeping in the tent comfortably.
It would be best if you regularly cleaned your sleeping bag or blanket to reduce the chance of catching lice or fleas. If you’re camping in warm weather, use a bug net or insect repellent to prevent insects from climbing inside.
And if camping in cold weather, bring an extra blanket to layer with your sleeping bag.
Stove and Cooking Utensils
Suppose you plan to cook while camping; ensure a good-quality stove and sufficient fuel to last your entire trip. Also, ensure the stove is gas powered, not electric, as most campgrounds don’t provide electricity.
Stores that sell camping equipment sell large pots and pans with handles that fold in or snap shut, making them easy to pack and store in your car.
If camping in a group or with friends, you may consider buying a portable cooking kit with pots, pans, and a stove. It will make it easier for everyone to use the stove and cook their meals.
Remember to pack a sufficient amount of dishes and utensils for each person and cleaning supplies, like a sponge or dishwashing liquid, to keep them clean.
Flashlight with Extra Batteries
We all know that one day, the lights will go out. When that day comes, you’ll be thankful to have a flashlight with extra batteries ready to go in your pack. A flashlight is one of the essential pieces of survival gear you can put in your bag.
You can use it for lighting, self-defense, and first aid. If you’re camping in a tent, you’ll want to ensure that your flashlight is small enough to fit inside your bag and has enough light to guide you around the tent or campsite.
If you plan to go camping in a remote area, you’ll want to pack a large, heavy-duty flashlight with a long-lasting battery. A remote area may not have electricity, so you’ll need a bright flashlight that can last many hours.
Camping Toilet
If you’re unfamiliar with camping toilets, they are simply a bucket or boxes you can use to dispose of your bodily waste. You can buy or make your camping toilet, which is effortless. Most camping toilets come with a toilet seat, so you don’t have to sit on the ground or an open bucket.
These toilets also have a bag inside that can be replaced as needed. But if you decide to make your camping toilet, make sure you dispose of the waste properly.
Find an inconspicuous spot away from the camp and bury your waste in a hole. Make sure to use a spade or shovel to dig the hole and close the hole with dirt after you’re done.
Water and Food Supply
If you plan to bring food with you on your camping trip, ensure it’s kept in a cool and dry place to prevent spoilage. You can store it in a dry bag or fridge, such as the myCOOLMAN, or wrap it in a cloth or t-shirt to keep it from becoming damp.
You should also pack enough water for everyone, especially camping in a warm or hot climate. You should also pack water purification tablets or a water filter if your water supply becomes contaminated.
If you’re camping with children, make sure you pack enough food for them and for any adults who are accompanying you on your trip. You don’t want to run out of food before the trip ends, so ensure you have enough supplies to last you the entire time.
Rain-gear and Umbrella
If you’re camping in a warm or hot climate, you’ll want to pack a rain jacket, suit, or umbrella that can double as sun protection. The umbrella can also shield you from harmful UV rays, should you find yourself in a place with no shade.
In addition, an umbrella makes a great companion for hiking trips and long walks in the woods. It’s easy to carry and protects against rain and the intense sun.
If you plan to visit a cool area during your camping trip, you’ll want to bring a raincoat and an umbrella to shield yourself from the cold rain.
Finally, an umbrella is beneficial if you’re hiking or trekking through a forest, as it will provide a shield against the rain and falling leaves or branches.
Firewood & Equipment
If you’re planning to start a campfire during your trip, ensure you have enough firewood to last you the entire time you’re camping. You don’t want to run out of firewood when you’re in the middle of the woods with no way to get more, so pack enough firewood for the entire trip.
You can buy firewood from a local store, or you can collect your firewood during your camping trip. However, you choose to get your firewood, make sure it’s properly dried out before you pack it in your bag.
If you plan to use a fire pit or a fire ring during your trip, make sure that it’s large enough to hold your firewood while providing enough room for everyone around the fire to sit.
Survival & First Aid Equipment
If camping in a remote area, you should bring survival and first aid equipment. This equipment can help you and your group survives if you become lost or injured or are forced to spend more time in the wild than expected.
First aid equipment should include bandages, tweezers, a pocket knife, and a first aid guide. You may also want to pack a pressure bandage, butterfly bandages, and gauze or cloth.
If you plan to travel to a forest or jungle area, you should pack a machete or long blade to help you cut your way through thick vegetation, a water bottle, and a compass.
Insect Repellents
The reality is for most campers, no matter the season, there are bugs, and depending on how prepared you are can be the difference between enjoying your camping trip or not.
While there are plenty of home remedies and tips and tricks you can learn while camping, it is best to be prepared.
RV Online have a great selection of insect repellents that will ensure those nasty bug bites and insects stay away.
