If you want to be bold and adventurous, you should try camping. I’ve been to many camping trips before, and I could definitely say that you should be doing it, at least, once in your life. My first ever camping trip was when I was in the boy scouts many, many years ago, and the camping gear has evolved ever since.
The beauty of camping is that you’re able to experience what nature is all about. The sights, the sounds, the animals that you will see, all add up to the amazing experience. So, if you’re planning to go on a camping trip with your buddies or with your family, then you have to read this article. Today, I am going to talk about the ten must-have camping gear.
1 Tent
This is probably the most essential when it comes to camping. The tent is your mobile home, and it has to have the qualities to ensure that your trip is going to be fine. You want to have a tent that is waterproof. This is essential because anything can happen out there; it might rain when you least expect it.
Furthermore, the tent should be durable enough to withstand the elements. It should be sturdy enough not to be damaged by strong winds and heavy rains, and it should have enough insulation so that you won’t freeze up while you’re inside.
2 Sleeping Bags
Although most tents already have a bit of cushioning which you can use to create a makeshift bed, sleeping bags are much better. They allow you to have a good night’s sleep without ever worrying about what is outside (or inside) of your tent.
Want to get warm and cozy? Sleeping bags can help you with that. To find the best one for you, get one that allows you to adjust it for maximum comfort. The material should be made of durable fabric that provides enough insulation while also cool to the touch.
3 Lighting
Another thing that is essential for camping is the lighting gear. There are many ways you can have light while you’re out there; campfire is probably the most prevalent. But, that has been discouraged by most people because campfires can be quite dangerous, especially if you’re surrounded by a lot of trees and plants that can catch fire easily.
Instead of relying on a campfire, there are many LED lamps out there. You can also opt for fuel lamps, but you have to be extra careful with it. I highly recommend LED lamps, though, because they are quite versatile and some of them even have a spare power to charge up your phones!
4 Stove
Even though you’re going to be out there- one with nature, you still need to cook your food just to be safe. Bring with you a handy stove where you can cook your meals.
Find one that has enough durability to withstand the elements. Most campers use propane burners, and that is okay, provided that you be extra careful with it. If I were you, I would choose a stove with adjustable legs for the optimal height when cooking. You can also get one with a handy timer so that your food will not be burnt while you’re sipping a beer, for example.
5 Waterproof Tarps
As previously mentioned, you will not know exactly how the day will treat you when you camp outside. It might say on the forecast that you’re going to have good weather during the day, but what if it will rain at night? A waterproof tent might not be enough to fend off the heavy rains. For that purpose, you should have waterproof tarps with you.
There are a lot of waterproof tarps out there, but the most common ones used during camping are the poly and vinyl tarps. They provide excellent water dissipation, and they are so light so that you can bring them anywhere with you. When buying one, make sure to inspect its construction. It has to be sturdy enough not to be damaged by strong winds, and it should also have the materials that will repel the water.
6 Shovel
A shovel is also necessary when you’re out there. You can use this tool to dig up the holes that will be used for your tent. Moreover, the shovel is a useful tool that you can also use to create embers, use it as a makeshift hammer, and you can even use it to squash some nasty bugs (there are plenty out there). Get a shovel that is durable, preferably one that is mostly metal in construction.
7 Utensils and Cookware
Although some people would opt to use their bare hands while eating, there will be some who prefer to use some utensils. Get utensils that are stainless steel for durability and cleanliness. For the cookware, they also need to be durable.
Most cookware that is permissible on a camping trip would be ones made of anodized aluminum since it prevents it from rusting and is quite sturdy. If cookware that is built from that material is not available in your place, then buy one that is made of metal. For plates, use plastic ones so that they won’t break during transport and use. For your cups, you can opt to buy those disposable plastic cups.
8 First Aid Kit
All of the seasoned campers agree that you should have a first aid kit with you when you’re camping. There are just a lot of things that could potentially bring harm to you. You might get cuts and bruises, and the only way for you to remedy them at the soonest possible time is to have first aid kits.
You need band-aids, insect repellents, bandage, cotton, and alcohol. That is usually the standard. Of course, you can add in more if you need to.
9 Fridge
The beauty of going outside and camping is that you get to experience the sights and the sounds that nature has to offer. But you also have to bring with you food and beverage. The best way to keep everything fresh and cool is to have a portable fridge with you.
If a portable fridge is out of your budget, you can also use sturdy coolers out there. The key here is that the cooler should be durable enough to withstand the harsh conditions of the environment, and it should also be able to trap the cold inside to keep your food and drinks fresh throughout your camping trip.
10 Water and Wash Area
Last but definitely not the least is water. You must have water that is potable for drinking, and you should have enough for cleaning as well. You can also add a makeshift tub or sink that allows you to wash your dishes or just about anything that needs to be cleaned.
Conclusion
Camping is a lot of fun! You can see what nature has to offer, and it is a great way to bond with your friends and family. But, you have to ensure that you have the necessary things first before you head out. Make sure that you have a tent, waterproof tarp, first aid kit, and the things that I’ve listed above so that you will have a fun and worry-free camping experience!