Camping is a great way to get back to nature, but it can also be dangerous. Bring the right gear, and you will have a great time; bring the wrong equipment, and your camping trip could end up being a disaster. It’s important to take precautions when camping for the first time or if you are not used to roughing it.
For instance, if you go camping with no tent or flashlights, then it can be very uncomfortable and dangerous. Fortunately for you (and every other camper out there), we’re here to tell you what you need to bring on your next camping trip.
Tent, Blanket, and Sleeping Bag
If you’re going on a camping trip, you will need to bring something to sleep in. This means that if the weather is bad, and you cannot build a fire, your shelter needs to be water-resistant and offer protection from insects such as mosquitos and spiders. Your best bet would be to invest in a good quality tent, which should also include lining for the floor.
This will ensure that you stay dry in bad weather and keep insects from entering your tent by crawling up through the gaps in the lining of your tent. A RoofBunk can come in handy since you can just install it wherever your vehicle is parked. When you’re camping, it is important to keep your body temperature regulated at night so that you can sleep comfortably. A good idea would be to bring a blanket with you on your trip, but this depends on if the weather permits or not.
If it is raining or very cold when you go camping, then it will be wiser to bring a sleeping bag instead of a blanket. A sleeping bag is another great option for keeping warm while you sleep, while still offering protection from insects and water. It’s also best to buy a good quality one that will keep your body temperature regulated without making you feel sweaty or uncomfortable.
Flashlight or Headlamp
This category includes flashlights and headlamps, which should both include new batteries. You cannot light up your surroundings without power, so it is important that you bring a supply of batteries with you. When buying a new headlamp, try to get one that has a rechargeable battery pack so that your batteries aren’t being wasted during the camping trip. You should also consider investing in a bright flashlight for emergencies and for finding things at night or in bad weather conditions. Again, you should have new batteries to avoid being disappointed when the flashlight fails you.
Fire Starting Mechanism
If you are planning to spend your camping trip cooking or just staying warm by a fire, then it will be essential that you bring the right equipment with you. The best idea would be to take along waterproof matches, which are windproof and can be used in wet conditions. You should also take along a lighter since it is safer for both starting fires and barbecues. A great idea would be to bring a fire starter with you in case your matches or lighter start to run out of fluid during the trip. If you don’t want to buy anything beforehand, then make sure that you buy these items before the trip.
Candles
If there’s no power where you’re camping, then candles can help to keep your campsite illuminated. Camping stores sell long-burning candles, which are very cheap and will provide enough light for cooking and setting up your tent at night. It’s also a good idea to bring tea lights, which are cheap and will help you to get around in the dark. Additionally, carry a few battery-powered lanterns or flashlights with you too because candles can be expensive if they get blown out. They’re also dangerous when used indoors, so it’s best to rely on them for outside use only (and never in your tent).
Food and Cooking Equipment
When you’re camping, the food that you bring with you will depend on how long you’re planning to stay. If it’s just a short day trip, then all that you might need is some sandwiches and snacks like nuts or fruit. However, if you plan to camp out for a few days, then you will need more of a supply. It is wiser to use canned food due to less cooking time involved. However, if you don’t want to bring canned food with you, then make sure that you have enough dry goods on your trip. You should also bring water purification tablets or boil water before drinking it.
To cook your food, you can use a portable stove rather than bringing an entire kitchen with you. Portable stoves are very light and compact, so they won’t take up much room in your tent, either. Butane cartridges will provide fuel for the stove, which is also lightweight and easy to carry around on your trip.
Insect Repellent
You should definitely take insect repellent with you, which is used to keep away annoying and possibly dangerous insects such as mosquitoes. There are many different brands of repellent, including natural options that use citronella, eucalyptus, or lavender to mask your scent.
However, these insecticides can be extremely harmful to the environment, so it is best to avoid them if you’re camping in an area that is environmentally protected. Instead, bring along some long-sleeve shirts and pants for extra protection. You can also use it when you’re fishing or swimming because it will keep insects from biting you and ruining your day out in the open air.
Mosquito Net
Don’t forget to take a mosquito net with you if you’re camping in areas infested with insects that bite, such as the forests of Alaska or Canada. If you don’t want to buy one beforehand, then try finding out if they are provided at your campsite. If you’re bringing a tent, then it should have a built-in mosquito net that drapes over the inside for your protection. In this case, you can just leave the mosquito netting at home and focus on insect repellent instead.
The important things you need to bring on your next camping adventure are numerous and depend largely on the duration of your trip. Ensure you go over the things you need with your group or family.
