EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR THE PERFECT CAMPING TRIP

 

 

Did you know that spending time in nature can help you de-stress? Especially after the year plus we’ve all had. So if you’re ready to go camping this summer, here’s what you need.

 

 

 

 

 

You’ll Need a Few Navigational Tools

 

 

Pack a compass, a map and a portable GPS. Bring chargers for whatever devices you’re bringing. Although you should turn off from the ultra-connected world, there’s no reason not to take advantage of technology to get you where you’re going, and keep you safe and not lost.

 

If you’re heading to a new area, bring a guidebook or map. Two-way radios are helpful if you have a large camping group. Definitely bring headlamps or flashlights, along with extra batteries.

 

 

 

Camping Tools and Items

 

To sleep at night comfortably, you’ll need sleeping bags or a light air mattress, and travel pillows.

 

Pack a tent — make sure you have all the stakes and poles! Duh, I know, but don’t say we didn’t warn you if you turn up with a tent and no way to secure it in the ground…  Bring a mallet.

 

Depending on the weather, bring a tarp or a sunshade. Don’t forget folding chairs. If you want to bring a gazebo there are lots of options to consider. Gazebos are nice.

 

 

 

What Clothes Should You Pack?

 

Pick lightweight clothing pieces that are moisture-wicking. You will be able to reuse different bottoms or tops throughout your trip. Don’t forget to bring wool socks, a waterproof jacket, and hiking boots. You should pack a lightweight hat and sunglasses. Depending on where you’re camping, you might want some long-sleeved tops and pants. At night, the temperature will drop. Bring a bathing suit and flip-flops for when you visit a waterfall or head to the lake.

 

And there will be bugs, long sleeves will help with that, but bring bug repellent. A lot.

 

 

 

Food and Beverages

 

When camping, you’ll prep your meals most of the time. Depending on your location, you might go to a restaurant for but the point of camping is to be away from the towns and cities!

 

Bring a camping stove that has fuel. Pack knives and utensils, cookware, and a small cutting board.

 

Bring a water filtration tool if you need to get water from a lake. (And don’t forget soap and towels, although these should not be eaten). For snack items, pick up trail mix, granola bars, and dried fruit.

 

 

 

Toiletries and Basic Necessities

 

Pack a few bottles of sunscreen, the afore suggested bug spray, lip balm with SPF, and a topical antihistamine. You’ll want to bring hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and a first aid kit. You don’t want to forget toilet paper. And you nearly did, didn’t you?

 

Your toiletry kit should include soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and a hairbrush. Don’t forget any prescription medications, and you should bring painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin.

 

 

 

What About Entertainment Options, you ask, worried all this nature stuff is going to bore you senseless?

 

Camping allows families and friends to hang out in nature and relax. Instead of watching a movie, you’ll have other entertainment options! Pack a camera, cards, board games, and binoculars. If you’re near a lake, bring your fishing or kayaking gear. Bring books. You probably have audio books on your phone…

 

At night, enjoy an evening by the bonfire and make s’mores. I mean, Jesus, you can live without Netflix for a couple of days, right? Sure you can…