Wise people say, ‘A bad day camping is still better than a good day working.’ And we agree! Staying close to nature is all the therapy humans need to ward off stress. Researchers have since long emphasized the significance of nature on emotional and physical well-being. Planning family adventure trips to spend time in nature will not only makes you feel happy and uplifted but also helps to reduce blood pressure, muscle tension, heart rate, and the production of stress hormones. And one perfect way to enjoy the time in nature is to go camping.

Camping is a healthy way to devote time to the outdoors along with your family and friends. It is an activity even kids enjoy! You can either plan to live in a tent or a recreational vehicle, but the point is to spend time away from the hectic city life and enjoy the open air. However, while camping is genuinely fun and enlightening, it can at times be truly debilitating to decide what camping essentials to pack.

Since you are planning to stay out in the wild, it is best to stay as prepared as possible. It is why here we have a camping guide which lists all things that you should remember to carry along when you go on your next camping trip:

 Dress For The Occasion:

It is normal to want to look pretty for that Instagram photo out in nature, but hey, wearing sandals will make your trip very uncomfortable. The same goes for other clothing items, which is why it is best to dress appropriately. Don’t hesitate to learn more by checking out Damascus Knives.

Being out camping is supposed to be a calming experience involving interaction with mother nature. Therefore, it is best to wear hiking boots since, most often, reaching the camping site involves trekking on foot. Hiking boots are perfect for walking on muddy, rugged ground. Moreover, they also protect your feet from any unwanted insect bites or injuries. 

Also, remember to wear moisture-wicking clothes since they will help keep your body sweat-free. Even though you may have your sunscreen on, it is best to wear a sunhat to protect your face from scorching sun rays. We want to make the experience as relaxing as possible. While you are packing, you may also consider putting in rain gear and a swimsuit. You never know when you end up planning to go for a dive in the lake nearby!

Decide On The Right Backpack:

We all know that camping involves backpacks – we have seen that in the movies, right? But of course, where else do you expect to keep all your camping essentials? Wearing a backpack while you trek your way into the wild is the ideal way to carry your camping stuff. But there are a few things that you need to remember when choosing a backpack. 

The first question that you need to ask yourself is how long you plan to camp. If the camping trip lasts for a day, a smaller backpack weighing between 10 and 25 liters will do. However, if you plan to hike for more than a day, consider getting yourself a pack weighing between 20 and 35 liters. Of course, the lengthier the trip, the more stuff you will need to pack to keep a provision for changing weather and unforeseen circumstances.

The next thing to look into is the place you are planning to visit. For example, if you are going camping in the desert or to the coast, you will surely need more gear than camping in the mountains. Therefore, keep in mind the destination and the needed gear before deciding on a backpack size. 

Plan Ahead For A Comfy Night’s Sleep:

Even if you are camping outdoors, you still have to take proper sleep to stay fresh and active. The entire trip can easily turn into a disaster if you wake up with a sprained back. And this is why it is best to carry with you some comfortable sleeping gear. 

First of all, you should have is great outdoor tents. You would not want to wake up dripping in rainwater now, would you? A lightweight, three-season tent is suitable for camping in summer, spring, and autumn. It can endure light rains and snowfalls. However, if you expect the weather to be harsh, a mountaineering tent would be perfect since it is made to withstand bad climatic conditions. 

Secondly, make sure you keep enough tents to accommodate all the people on the trip. Squeezing in with other people in a single tent is not a very comfy feeling. Apart from that, it would be best if you also packed a sleeping bag. But wait, do not forget to pack yourself a sleeping pad along with it. The camping grounds can be too rough at times, and a single sleeping bag might not do the trick. And of course, tag some pillows along too for a good night’s sleep under the stars. 

Keep A Whole LOT Of Snacks:

If you are as serious about your food as us, then you need to keep a good stock of eatables while on a camping trip. And with all that walking and exploring, you are bound to get hungry. So, therefore, never forget the food. 

Of course, the more stuff you keep, the heavier your backpack will be, which means you need to be wise when choosing your snacks. Items that are good to take on a camping trip include all weightless foodstuff that does not require much cooking and will not spoil easily. A few examples include granola bars, trail mix, cold sandwiches, beef jerky, nuts, etc. You can opt for any snack that you like but always remember to CHOOSE WISELY. 

Pack Some Cooking Supplies:

Unless it is just a night’s trip and you plan to survive on cold sandwiches, you will have to take along a few cooking supplies. You will have to cook meals, albeit slightly, but a few cooking gadgets will still be necessary. 

Keep with you a few matchboxes along with a few cooking pots and utensils. You will also need cups, bowls, and plates to eat your meals. If the site allows campfires, you will also need some fire starters and wood. Finally, if you are planning to do campsite grilling, which by the way is an amazing idea, you should also carry some charcoal with you. 

Know Which Gadgets To Carry:

While you are out in the wild, you may need a few important tools to help you stay safe and survive. Even though you may prefer camping in areas that have been tagged harmless, it is still better to be safe than sorry. 

Since you will be spending the night outdoors, it is best to keep some light source with you, such as a headlamp, a torch, or a lantern, which you can buy from hokolite.com. You should also keep with you a few extra batteries and wireless phone chargers for emergency purposes. In addition, a compass will help you navigate through in case you lose track while exploring. On the other hand, packing a multi-tool will ensure you have a few nifty tools stuffed in a tiny corner of your backpack. Multi-tools often include a tiny can opener, knife, hammer, etc. These are portable which means you get the ease of having numerous tools without carrying a heavy load. Such multi-tools come in very handy while camping. 

Do Not Forget The Basics:

When packing, we often focus so much on the critical things that we forget about the basics. For example, you would not want to have your hands dirty and have no soap to clean them. 

Since the purpose of your trip is to relax and not shoot an episode of the ‘Survival of the Fittest’ TV show, it is best to have your toiletries with you. These will help you stay clean and hygienic on your camping trip. Carry a few packs of wet wipes, along with your toothpaste and brush. Also, do not forget to bring along a few garbage bags to store your dirty laundry. 

Remember To Pack A First-Aid Kit:

Since you are outdoors, you should be prepared to tackle different situations, and some might even require medical attention. It is why carrying a few basic medical supplies is essential when you are out on a trip. 

You can either purchase a medical kit over the counter or make one on your own. You should include plasters in different sizes and shapes, bandages, sterile gauze dressings, tweezers, safety pins, etc. A few painkillers should also be included in the medical box. You can look at this checklist here in detail and learn what to include in your first-aid kit for your camping trip. 

Round It Up:

After you are done with all the packing, sit down and rack your brains if you have missed something. For example, have you packed a few portable camping chairs? Do you have your water bottles on you? Have you packed all your necessary medications? Do the kids have all that they need? Sitting down and doing a roundup of your preps will help you recall anything you miss out on. You can also ask your family and friends to do the same and remind you if they believe you have forgotten anything. 

On another note, one should also have the knowledge in first aid and CPR to be able to respond when faced with life-threatening injuries and in times of emergencies. If you plan on taking up a course in first aid and CPR, you can get it at Coast to Coast First Aid Aquatics in Nepean.

Conclusion:

Camping is an enjoyable experience for children and adults alike. Being close to mother nature is a great way to spend some quality time with your family and friends. Our lives are bombarded with stress and anxieties every single day, which is why camping retreats are ideal for unwinding and de-stressing. However, one time-taking task is to plan and pack for your camping trip. But we have now made this easy for you. Our straightforward camping guide above will help you remember all the things you need to pack for your trip.