Camping Season is Here
Spring and summer mean it is time to put away the winter clothes and unpack the camping gear. There is no better time to leave behind the constant fear-mongering of fake news media and head out into the open wilderness where you can sit back and relax without worrying about how many face masks you have on or how close you are sitting to anyone. That is, of course, if you remember to bring all the essential things you need for a happy and safe camping trip. Whether you are glamping it or roughing it, make sure to bring what you need for a good time this camping season.
Gather Important Basics Like Your Shelter and Bedding First
First things first, before you pack mobile video games and solar battery chargers for your electronic gadgets make sure you have shelter equipment. Bring a tent with stakes and guy lines. Pack a sleeping bag or quilt. You will also need a sleeping pad or mattress and a camping pillow. Bring a tent footprint or ground cloth to add durability to the tent floor and pack a mallet to pound in the tent stakes. Don’t forget to pack a doormat so as not to drag mud into your tent. Bring a sunshade, tarp, or screen house with stakes and guy lines, and duct tape for repairs. You will also need a small broom and dustpan to clean out your tent and tent lights to see what you are doing inside. A cot, sleeping bag liner, extra blankets, and sheets are also necessary as is an air pump to fill your mattress with air.
Don’t Forget A First Aid Kit
Don’t leave home and enter the wilderness without bringing bandages, antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizer, antibacterial ointment, insect repellent, lip balm, sunscreen, aloe, in case you get sunburned and moleskin or tape for blisters. Make sure to pack any prescriptions you may need and over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen, for headaches, antacids, for stomach aches and antihistamines, for any allergic reactions. Bring vitamins as well as a small multi-tool kit with tweezers and scissors.
What to Bring if you are Having a Swag
Having a swag means you can sleep anywhere and in any condition. Therefore, if glamping is not in your future and you decide to rough it by camping in a primitive site without amenities you may want to check out Luxe Rover Australia for unbiased reviews of camping, 4WD, fishing, and survival gear before you swag. Should you decide to swag it, you will need to bring a water filter for purification and water containers. You will also need to bring a trowel or shovel in case an outhouse or toilet is not available and pack a portable camp shower to wash your twig and berries afterward. Pack a hatchet or folding saw to chop wood for a campfire and some fire starter to get things going. Also, make sure to bring a tarp to cover the wood and protect your automobile from the elements. You will also need a Swiss Army knife, headlamp with batteries, a whistle, compass, phone with charger, and sunglasses. If you will be camping out in bear country bring a food hanging bag or paracord with you and make sure to bring portable power such as a battery bank or solar charger.
You Will Need Food and Drinks Too
What you eat and drink is a personal choice but whether you are vegan or carnivore you should at least pack some spices, like salt and pepper, cooking oil, or cooking spray and condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. Beverages should include water, juice, milk, beer, wine, coffee, tea, creamer and don’t forget to pack some ice to keep things cool. To keep things organized you will need some coolers, one for food and one for drinks and food containers, plastic bags, and aluminum foil. To cook you will need a portable stove and fuel plus some matches and a few lighters. Bring cooking pots with lids, a frying pan, and a potholder.
Keep in mind as you grow to love the camping experience that your camping supplies will gradually evolve over time and that you will upgrade equipment as you go on more camping trips. If you’re on a tight budget, consider renting or borrowing big-ticket items to get you started. Finally, don’t forget to bring toilet paper, tampons, if necessary and a toothbrush with some toothpaste. You will be glad you did in the end.
