At first glance, camping may seem like a really enjoyable experience, which everyone should do! Even though camping is fun and beneficial, it largely depends upon the site you pick, your company, the preparations, and the camping items you decide to carry with you. First-time campers tend to get confused about the items they should and shouldn’t take for a camping trip, so we’re here to help!
This blog discusses some must-haves for your first camping trip.
Emergency Shelter
Even if you plan on taking a nap directly underneath the stars, it’s essential to have a tent for emergencies, like rain. You may also get drenched thanks to the early-morning dew or snow. And, of course, nothing takes the fun out of your first-camping trip more than being wet, cold, and shivering.
Not to mention, you can also develop a cold and might have to cut your trip short and return home. If you’re planning on camping with several people, ensure that all of them have tents they can use.
Sleeping Bags
No matter where you’re planning to go, you need to bring sleeping bags. Whether you’re planning to sleep outdoors or take a nap in a tent, a sleeping bag can keep you warm, especially in areas with cold weather. Additionally, even if you’re camping in places with higher temperatures, always remember that the weather will turn colder once the sun goes down. So sleeping directly on the grass and leaves might not be as fun as it seems. Also, insects and germs can infect your body if you decide to take an overnight nap outdoors.
Camping without a sleeping bag is a risk you must avoid at all costs. So, why not pack a high-quality sleeping bag, stay warm during the night, and rest comfortably? You can also take a sleeping pad and make naptime as comfortable as possible! A sleeping pad provides a good sleeping surface and keeps your body warmer by keeping it off the ground.
Additionally, ensure that every person going with you has a sleeping bag, as sharing one can be inconvenient and uncomfortable. You don’t want several people to wake up grumpy and ruin the camping trip due to their bad mood!
Water Supply and Storage Options
Most popular camping locations have fresh water supplies nearby. But if you’re traveling to a new location and you don’t know if the camping site would have a safe lake or pond nearby, it’s a smart option to take as much water with you as possible. Drinking water from a pond or lake can result in infections.
Fill multiple bottles or cartons of water and store them in your car or camp. In contrast, if you know a fresh water supply nearby, you can take empty cartons or bottles with you and fill them from that pond when needed. We also recommend carrying some water purification tablets or a filtering tool in case you have to drink water from a new source in emergencies.
Cooking Essentials
Besides carrying tools that will help you store and purify water, it’s essential to take tools that will keep you and your camping partners well-fed during the trip, like a portable stove or grill. This portable grill will help you cook meals from scratch, especially if you’re also hunting or fishing during your camping trick. Even if you’re taking sandwiches, canned food, and snacks from your house, you’ll need a stove or grill to heat them when needed since the cold weather will make them inedible.
Also, remember to carry other cooking utensils like pots or pans that will help you boil water, heat canned food, prepare coffee, or even cook basic meals. You also need a few mugs, or bowls, depending upon the number of people that are accompanying you on the trip. Also, don’t forget to bring a knife or a large spoon with you, as it will help you prepare meals.
The food you eat on a camping trip can make the experience better or worse, and you certainly don’t want the latter, so prepare wisely.
First-Aid Supplies and Toiletries
There are very few chances of a camper facing a severe injury on a camping trip, but minor wounds are more common than you think. For instance, if you have been hiking for several hours, you can develop blisters on your feet, which requires medical care. Additionally, you can get small cuts and scrapes from slipping, nearby plants, or even the cooking equipment you’re using.
It’s essential to treat these cuts and scrapes as soon as possible, or they can get infected. You can also get sunburn or insect bites on a usual camping trip. So you need to pack a first-aid kit that includes antiseptics, bandages, sunscreen, insect repellents, blister-treating creams, a couple of OTCs, and a CPR-giving tool. You can also pack a few toiletries like soap, toothpaste, and a toothbrush to stay safe and hygienic during your trip.
Lighting Equipment
It’s no secret that when the sun goes down at a camping site, you can’t see anything around you. Instead of staying in the dark, you can invest in some lighting tools like headlamps and torches to keep your lamp well-lit after the dark. You can also light a fire for maximum lighting so remember to carry some matches, flint, and steel with you to get that crackling fire going!
Want Camping Gear? Check Outdoor Trends
With the help of this camping equipment, your first camping experience can be memorable and fun! At Outdoor Trends, we have published many camping guides and reviews on camping equipment. Our experts review of best natural gas grills reviewed and rated, portable kayak fish finders, and other outdoor equipment that can make your camping experience magical!
Additionally, we review sporting gear like mini trampolines and rebounders, surfboards for professionals, and discuss indoor games. We’re also affiliated with Amazon Smile. If you decide to purchase best spotting scope for hunting in 2022, top natural gas grills, or other camping tools through our Amazon Smile Affiliate link, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price to your preferred charity.
Reach out to us and start preparing for your first camping trip!
