For those unaccustomed to outdoor living, camping might seem like an intimidating adventure, but with only a handful of simple and generally obvious things to consider, you’ll soon be in the process of achieving pro status within a matter of minutes!
Among the list of what you need to camp are the following things.
If you’re planning to embark on your first camping adventure this year, here’s the must-have gear you’ll need to get started.
1. Tent
The most simple thing you’ll need is a tent Of course. Shelter is obviously essential because you don’t want to be vulnerable to elements or insects. The type of tent you’ll need is crucial, though, as it will depend on the length of your camping excursion and the kind of excursion, and how much walking you’ll need to do to get to the camping spot. For instance, if you’ll be hiking for a short distance to your campsite, you’ll want an ultra-lightweight tent that is easy to pack in backpacks. However, if you’re going to the drive-up option it’s possible to purchase a bigger sturdy, heavier-duty tent with larger space, and possibly comforting features. Whatever you choose, as this is your first visit opt for a tent that’s easy to set up and fold; save the bells and whistles to another year. Before embarking on your trip, make sure you do an exercise at home to ensure you’re confident in the setup process and know you’re not getting overwhelmed or missing anything.
Make sure you check out the Auto Leisure camping shop before your trip.
2. Sleeping Bag
Another essential item is a sleeping bag. Again, the type and size of sleeping bag you’ll require will differ in a significant way, and largely based on the location you’re camping in as well as what your forecast is similar to. You’ll want to consider the time of year when you’re camping and what the temperature is, especially at night. Keep in mind that even hotter weather can become frigid in the night, and you’ll require an outdoor sleeping bag that has plenty of insulation against the cold. To combat this, multi-season sleeping bags are a solid choice, as they are specifically designed to ensure you stay warm at temperatures of above 20°F. This way, as it’s not camping in the snowy tundra, you’ll be fine. Moreover, since it’s your very first trip to the camping area, you’re not likely to be trekking through the tundra.
3. Sleeping Pad
Set up your sleeping bag on an incredibly comfortable sleeping pad because no matter how pillowy and soft your sleeping bag is, it will be able to feel as if you’re sleeping in the dirt without proper padding. Also, getting enough sleeping conditions is vital to an enjoyable camping experience, especially for first-timers. Similar to camping tents and sleeping bags, there are many different sizes and styles you can pick from, and these will vary based on the length of your journey and the conditions in which your camping. The options range from foam-light pads to air-filled compact pads, and the more substantial self-inflating pads that are ideal for camping with a drive-up.
4. Pillow
Round out your sleeping situation with another comfort essential pillow. Of all the amenities that you can avail, this is one that gets most easily overlooked, resulting in using the clothes that have been gathered up to make pillows. Especially for first-time campers pillows are an absolute necessity. And as when you’re not backpacking, they’re relatively easy to tow along in your car. Naturally, there are plenty of pillow options to choose from. And since they’re small and compact you can take a few options and try them out for a for yourself at home.
5. Foldable Chairs
It’s now time to set up your rest of the campsite start by setting up the campfire. For those who want to lounge around the fire, or just the camp in general, simple foldable chairs are essential. Sure, you can lay out on the ground, or make the hammock, but chairs are much more practical, and they make a huge difference with regards to the comfort throughout the day when it’s time to read, eat, or just relax. Depending on the type of fancy you’d like to go you can opt for chairs that extend with legs rests or are equipped with cups holders. In addition, the size of the chairs you choose to go with will depend on how much hiking or walking you’re planning to do before getting your camp set up.
6. Portable Stove
Assuming that you’re likely to cook at the very most one or two meals over the campfire, it’s best to purchase an outdoor stove. In other words, unless you’re having a full-time diet of s’mores or s’mores, an easy two-burner campfire will work amazing things and allow you to cook meals that are full of flavor with relative ease. For something even more lightweight and easy one burner can allow the cook to play around with delicious recipes without taking up too much space in your car or backpack. While some foods could just be cooked directly over the flame, small stoves like these allow you to heat up your favourite foods like stews, coffee pasta, rice, and beans. Also, you’ll need to stock up on fuel depending on the stove you opt for usually, gaz or propane.
7. Utensils and plates
Now that you’re ready to cook, don’t forget the dishes! Reusable plates and utensils beneficial to the environment, but they can make a big difference when it comes down to dinner time. If you’re planning a weekend camping getaway, opt for a complete set of bowls, plates and utensils per guest as well as an additional shared set of food items just in cases. Bring a sharp knife specifically for meal prep and cutting boards, and for cleanup you’ll need to bring at least two small or medium tubs for washing and rinsing.
8. Bug Spray and Sunscreen
For essential comforts (and protection) insect repellent and sunscreen are items you can’t afford to miss. When you go camping, these are two easy-to-pack items that are requisite, even if the forecast or temperature may not seem like it. When it’s cloudy like this one, you’ll still want to shield your skin from the sun when you spend a lot of time outdoors. In the case of bug spray, it’s safer to be secure than to be sorry.
9. Lighting
After the sun sets, you can’t depend on campfire alone for lighting. Particularly after the fire is out and you’ve had enough, if you need to leave the tent for the bathroom, you do not want to be fumbling around in the dark. The headlamps are not just light and very easy to pack, but they help you explore the campsite at night or reading in the camp. They can be used to illuminate the inside of the tent or an outdoor table, tiny camplamps are handy also! Even when the fire is still roaring, they’ll help to ease your eyes when playing board games or eating.
10. Toiletries
It doesn’t matter if your campsite offers shower and bathroom facility or no, toiletry essentials like toothpaste, toilet paper, toilet paper, and toothbrush are essentials you’ll never want to leave behind — even if the campsite is likely to have some of these items This is yet another example where you’re better off being safe instead of sorry. Bonus: If you are able to find the space you have, make sure to stock a tiny toiletry bag with other items you might need or desire for example, a comb or toothbrush, travel-sized size shampoo, chapstick and soap.
11. Proper Clothing
The final thing to be prepared for is clothing, which will largely hinge on the place you plan to go for your camping excursion along with the weather forecast, as well as the climate, but a most reliable guideline is to steer clear of cotton as much as you can, since this tends to absorb moisture and not provide enough insulation to withstand the cold. Instead, opt for wool or synthetic fabric. The best basics to seek out include long thermal pants and shirts which are lightweight, while still providing layers of warming insulation. Take a few sets, and keep one that is specifically designed for sleeping. Other items you should have are thick socks and a puffy jacket and gloves. Scarves and hats aren’t required, but wouldn’t hurt to have them in the car to provide a backup. The general rule is to take your clothes in a way that is convenient and layers in your head. If you’re going walking in the morning and you’re likely to be hot it is best to wear uncomfortable hiking clothing, hiking shoes, a couple pairs of athletic long-sleeves or T-shirts as well as a waterproof jacket for rainy days.