You are out there amongst nature to have a lovely time and a break from everything. While there are no rules to having a fun camping experience, it’s best to prepare well to have a lovely time outdoors. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced camping enthusiast, it doesn’t hurt to have a checklist ready before you go out on your expedition. Here are some of the most common camping essentials we think you’ll need.
1. The Perfect Campsite
Look for a camping site that is functional and does not take up a lot of space. Then it’s up to you to make that site perfect. This is all you’ll have to carry along:
Tent
A camping trip without a tent is like fishing without a rod. You will not regret investing in a good-quality tent that comes with everything you need. Consider getting extra tools that will aid you in setting it up.
Sleeping Bag
Spending time outdoors does not have to hinder your beauty sleep! Make sure you carry a sleeping bag on your camping trip to keep you warm at night. Throw in some pillows and blankets to make your trip even more comfortable.
Camping Lanterns
Having good lighting at your camping site is the safest way to enjoy your time outdoors. Not only will camping lanterns allow you to have a better vision of your surroundings in the dark, but they also create a cozy atmosphere.
Lighter/Matchsticks
A camping site is never complete without a campfire. Most campsites sell firewood these days, you just need to carry a lighter or box of matchsticks with you to light your campfire. You’ll also need them to light your stoves.
2. Cooking Essentials
Cooking outdoors means getting creative with what you have, but that does not mean you have to compromise on having a good meal. After all, good food makes everything better. So, don’t forget these cooking essentials:
Camping Stove
Cooking using a camping stove is the safest and easiest way to enjoy your camping experience. It’ll allow you to cook anywhere while containing the fire, not letting random sparks fly. Make sure to carry the extra fuel for the stove.
Cooler
Having suitable storage for your food items is as important as having a portable stove. With a cooler, you won’t have to worry about your food and beverages getting spoiled when you are out in nature.
Cooking Utensils
Carry basic cooking utensils like knives, mixing spatulas, shatterproof cups, a plate, and a spoon for each person. Try to go for utensils that are durable and anti-rust as they are more suitable for outdoor conditions.
Cleaning Supplies
You wouldn’t want to return from your camping trip with stinky dirty dishes! So carry cleaning supplies like dishwashing soap (consider getting biodegradable soap), sponge, trash bags, etc. Be mindful of your surroundings and take care of your trash.
3. First Aid and Hygiene
Out in nature, it’s easy to get cuts and scrapes and insect bites. Packing a basic first aid kit along with essential toiletries will help you stay clean (almost) and prevent any infection.
Biodegradable Soap
When it comes to getting toiletries for camping, going for a biodegradable option is such a great way to be a responsible camper. These soaps have fewer chemical additives than your usual soaps and they decompose easily.
Mosquito Repellent
Ah, mosquito! The universally hated irritants. They quite literally suck the fun out of camping. If you don’t want to end up with bite marks and the diseases that come with them, do carry a mosquito repellent. You could also get an insect repellent as it will prevent you from mosquitos and a range of other nuisances.
Quick Dry Towels
Try and keep the use of paper towels and wipes to a minimum and use only quick dry towels. Using a quick dry towel is the most effective way to keep yourself clean while also reducing the trash. They dry in a short period of time and hence can be reused throughout your trip.
First Aid Kit
Even minor cuts can turn into bigger problems and cause infections. In order to prevent that, it’s important to carry a well-stocked first aid kit. It should have all the basic stuff like bandages, antiseptic cream, painkillers, gauze pads, sterile wipes, anti-inflammatory medicines, etc.
4. Footwear And Outdoor Clothing
Carry all the right clothes depending on the season to ensure an enjoyable camping experience. At the same time, do keep in mind that the outdoor weather can be unpredictable. So do pack some backup clothes to be safe.
Extra T-shirts And Underwear
The unexpected is always waiting for you outdoors, so don’t expect to make it through the day in just one set of clothes. Even if you are skipping a shower, you still need fresh underwear to change into. This makes packing extra clothes an absolute necessity.
Light layers
Wearing light-layered clothing is the smartest thing to do while on a camping trip when the weather can be unpredictable. Even if the weather gets cold or hot, you can just add more layers or get rid of them. Jackets, t-shirts, and such can be easily layered together.
Raincoat and Sweater
Depending on whether you are camping during monsoon season or winter, you should carry your raincoats and sweaters. You’ll never know when you might need them! If you are planning on hiking, these might come in handy. A waterproof jacket can also be used on various occasions.
Hiking Shoes
Again, depending on the weather, it’s safer to carry waterproof hiking shoes or sneakers. The waterproof hiking shoes will prove to be a game changer during wet and cold weather (there’s nothing uncomfortable like wet socks sticking to your legs). During dry or hot weather, it’s best to wear sneakers.
5. Personal Belongings
Some essentials will be on the top of your mind when making a camping trip. Although you are going to be amongst nature, you wouldn’t want to forget necessities like your phone or wallet!
Phone, Portable Chargers, Extra Batteries
Living without a phone is impossible, period. You never know when you might need to contact someone. Better carry your portable charger and extra batteries so that your device does not run out of battery the very moment you need it.
Wallet, IDs, Forest Pass/Permits
Your wallet and ID can’t be forgotten wherever you go. These are necessary especially if you are camping in a reserved area.
Repair Kit
Your tent is not a pucca house. It’s very natural for the tent to get tears. What’s important is to be prepared for it. You wouldn’t want a small tear in your tent to keep you up all night. That’s why your repair kit has essentials like duct tape, multi-tool/knife, zip ties, super glue, etc.
6. Games And Recreational Gear
Although games or recreational gear are not necessary for a camping trip, they make it fun. The whole point of camping is to have a fun time outdoors, so here is a list of some things that will make your camping experience a memorable one:
- An instrument to play around the campfire.
- Frisbee, football, or lawn games like badminton.
- Your favorite novel, sketchbook, watercolors.
- Fishing equipment.
- Binoculars, telescope, or a DSLR.
Summing Up:
With the essentials we mentioned above, creating a checklist for your camping trip is going to be a cakewalk. So, what are you waiting for? Get those tents out and rev up your engines because nature calls out to those who listen!
FAQs
What Is The First Rule Of Camping?
The number one rule of camping is to ‘Leave no trace’. You have to respect the natural landscape where you are camping. Don’t leave any trash, make sure the place is clean before you leave, and carry all your trash back with you.
What Should You Not Keep In A Tent?
Don’t keep anything that leaves out a scent in your tent. That includes any kind of trash, food items, and scented products, which may attract insects and bugs, and other animals.
Can Tents Survive Rain?
Most tents are water-resistant and can survive light rains or drizzles. If the tent is set up well, it’ll keep you dry for as long as a day. If the weather is worse, your tent could flood from below. So, camping in the rain is something that beginners should definitely avoid.
What Not To Pack For Camping?
Avoid packing any valuables or fashionable clothing. Also, don’t carry breakable items, perfumes, or anything with a strong scent that can be dangerous to carry on a camping trip.
What Can I Cook While Camping?
Dal or baked beans are easy to cook on a camping trip. Peanut butter sandwiches, sausages, poha, omelets, etc are also good food options.
Is Camping Safe In India?
While most camping sites are safe in India, do take the necessary precautions required for an outdoor camping trip.
How Many Days Is Ideal For Camping?
Ideally, 2-3 days are enough for a camping trip. Camping trips are also great for a weekend getaway.
