Camping is a great way to enjoy nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are lots of ways to prepare for camping.
There are lots of things to consider before heading out into the wilderness:
- You’ll need to decide where you’re going.
- You’ll need to pack appropriately.
- You’ll need to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the trip.
You don’t need a lot of stuff to have an enjoyable experience. However, if you’re planning to spend more than a couple of days you should plan just in case. Here’s how to stay comfortable while camping:
Where to Go Camping
There are lots of choices when it comes to places to camp. You could head to your local state park or reserve an area near water. Or, you might even consider reserving a space in a developed campground. Whichever choice you make, know that finding a good campsite is one of the most important steps in the process.
Things you’ll need for camping
While you will technically need all of these items to survive out in nature, many people choose not to carry everything with them. It’s important to remember that you need certain basics like food, sleeping bags, toilet paper, etc.
Food: You’ll likely need to bring snacks and some type of meal preparation system. Some people prefer to take their food, but others buy prepackaged meals.
Sleeping bag: A sleeping bag is vital to staying warm during cold nights. Remember that you may need to sleep in multiple layers in colder temperatures. Also, if you live in warmer regions, make sure that you choose a lighter sleeping bag to keep your bed cool.
Toiletries/personal hygiene products: This includes toothpaste, soap, deodorant, sunblock, shampoo, conditioner, and wipes. While you probably won’t forget any personal care items at home, packing extra ones will ensure that you’re prepared for unexpected events. If you will be roughing it and won’t have access to showers, you can skip the traditional shampoo and conditioner and opt for a dry shampoo or waterless shampoo foam instead.
Cooking equipment: This includes pots, pans, spoons, forks, plates, knives, cutting boards, camp stove, etc. These items are necessary if you want to cook anything while camping.
Lighting: You’ll want a camp lantern and a few flashlights to ensure you can navigate your campsite after the sun goes down and when the fire is put out.
First aid kit: All types of first aid kits come with antiseptic cream, bandages, emergency medical tape, gauze pads, pain relievers, sunscreen, lip balm, etc. Make sure that you have this kit with you on every camping trip.
Water bottle: Water bottles are extremely useful when camping. They help you stay hydrated because they allow you to drink directly from the source instead of relying on bottled water. They also make it convenient to refill water bottles when needed.
Bug repellent: Insects are sometimes unavoidable when camping. To prevent bites, apply insect repellant to areas of skin that may be exposed. You may want to bring a citronella candle to keep bugs away from your campsite as well.
Conclusion
These tips can serve as a starting point for anyone who wants to enjoy a weekend hike or overnight camping trip.