Are you ready for camping?
Are you eager to go camping, but don’t know what to take with you? We can help you figure out what are the necessary things for camping and how to better organize yourself for the trip to have the best experience. Camping is something everyone should try at least once in their lives. It is a great way to get a little bit more active, get some fresh air and reconnect with friends and family. If you wish to go camping here are a few tips to help you get prepare.
Necessary things for camping
Shelter: like camping tent
A tent is a great way to shelter yourself during camping. It is one of the essential tools needed for camping. If you are planning a trip for a bigger gathering of friends and family members and need more space, then bringing a trailer or something such as a minibus or a minivan is also a good idea. Check out some cool tents here:
Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon Tent
Black Diamond HiLight 1-2 Person Tent
Sleeping bag or camping quilt
No camping is complete without a sleeping bag or camping quilt. If you want to make your trip much more comfortable and relaxing then do not forget to bring your sleeping bag or camping quilt with you. These days camping quilts are becoming more popular. The camping quilt does not have the insulation below you however, the agreement is that that insulation is ineffective anyway so you can do without it. If you are a sleeping bag fan here are some good sleeping bags:
Slumberjack Country Squire 0 Degree Long Right Hand Sleeping Bag
If you are a camping quilt fan I suggest that you check out:
Pillows
If you want to feel a lot more comfortable while being on your trip it is never a bad idea to bring more pillows for everyone. They are very easy to carry and what is sleeping without pillows really? So next time make sure you bring a few pillows if you want to make sleeping more comfortable for yourself and the others.
If you are looking for a comfortable inflatable pillow try this one: Klymit Pillow X Inflatable Camp & Travel Pillow.
Extra blankets
If you are planning to spend a few nights out in nature then you should definitely not forget to bring a few extra blankets, for you may never know who might need a few extra to keep themselves warm. Sometimes even with a fire by your side some nights can be quite chilly so it is best to make sure you keep yourself warm and cozy.
I like this 90% Wool Blanket.
Food
Food is definitely one of the essential things to bring camping. It isn’t a bad idea to have a few meals already prepared at home before you go. Making a list of all the necessary supplies and meals will make it easier for you to keep track, depending on how long will your trip last. Whether you will make some sandwiches, burritos, fruits, take some food to cook on the road, like meat, marshmallows for toasting on the campfire (the basic standard food for camping ofc.) or just bring simple snacks for the kids as well, make sure you always keep it cool so it doesn’t go bad. See some useful non-perishable camping food ideas here.
Don’t forget to bring some sauces and condiments.
Portable Fridge / Cooler
Speaking of cooling, if you are planning to go on a few days trip or longer, it is not a bad idea to have one of these portable fridges to help you keep your food and beverage nice and cool. It does not take up to much space, and it is very useful during longer trips. Nothing is worse than spoiled food. So if you don’t want to take a cooler on a longer trip then you may want to opt for canned, packaged or dried food.
Electric coolers are recommended if you are bringing perishable food camping for more than a day or just want to keep your food and drinks cool. Here are some good cooler options for camping where you have access to power (from an RV, camper, truck cab, car or SUV or a generator):
Coleman 40 Quart PowerChill Thermoelectric Cooler
Koolatron P75 36-Quart Kool Kaddy Electric Cooler/Warmer
Koolatron 26-Quart Soft-Sided Electric Travel Cooler
Water
What trip is successful without water. Staying hydrated and fresh is one of the most necessary things for survival. So whenever you go camping or on any other trip make sure you take some clean water with you, as much as you think you will need. There are some alternatives to purify water (from a creek/lake etc..) but even then you need to have access to those types of water where you are camping, so it is probably best to bring water and only use those water purification options for an emergency. This water container is perfect for camping.
Cutlery, crockery & cooking gear for camping
If you are only bringing sandwiches then you may not need cutlery, crockery & cooking gear for camping. But if you do proper camping then you are going to want to bring this stuff. There are some specifically designed cutlery, crockery and cooking gear specially designed for camping that you can buy to make this easier. You may want to look at getting some of these:
Stoves:
Cutlery:
13 Piece Stainless Steel Family Cutlery Picnic Utensil Set with Travel Case for Camping
4-IN-1 Stainless Steel Utensil Set (Spoon, Fork, Knife, Bottle Opener)
4-in-1 Camping Utensils – Portable Stainless-Steel Spoon, Fork, Knife and Can / Bottle Opener
Crockery:
Camping Hiking Cooking Stainless Pots Pans Cookware Set
Cast Iron 6 Piece Cookware Set
10 Piece Nesting Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Fire Starters
What is camping without a real campfire? If you are having trouble making a fire outside on your own, then it would not be such a bad idea to take some things with you to help you start one such as: matches, unusable paper, a camping lighter, some cotton balls with a smear of petroleum jelly or some commercial fire starters.
Camping hatchet or hand saw
If you want to have a campfire you are going to need wood. There some good camping hatchets that are perfect for this. Check out the review of the best camping axes & hatchets for camping, backpacking, and survival or buy the recommended hatchet here. Another more budget option is a fiskars x5 hatchet. A hand saw is a great tool to help with your hatchet. Some jobs are more suited to a saw and other jobs suited to a hatchet. Check out my review of the best bow, folding, chain and wire saws for the outdoors here.
Bug Spray/Repellent
If you are planning to go on a camping trip in nature especially on hot days, taking some bug spray / bug repellent would not be a bad idea. It is not expensive and it can make your trip a lot safer and more comfortable.
Battery powered camping bug zapper
Camping mosquito coils (smoke)
Camping First Aid Safety Kit
The camping first aid safety kit. Safety is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing. Camping can increase the risk of injury. Sharp sticks, climbing and other activities have a risk that you will be injured. No matter what kind of trip it is about you must never go anywhere without your first aid safety kit. It is very useful and reassuring for all trips, so always bring your safety kit with you, for you never know when and if you may ever need it.
Here is a really great survival first aid kit.
Keeping safe is the MOST important thing. See the National parks service tips for safety.
Camping chairs
Need a place to rest? Make sure you bring a few of those portable camping chairs on your camping trip. They are very practical and do not take up to much space, so you can take them anywhere with you. They are great for trips like that, especially camping. Setting them up by the nice warm fire or near the river while doing some fishing is a great way to help you relax and enjoy yourself.
If you are looking for a bit of comfort try this camping & fishing chair or this reclining camping chair.
Flashlights
Whenever you are planning to go on any kind of trip it is always a great idea to take a flashlight with a few extra batteries just in case. Yes, there is the fire to keep you warm and the light on, but you can never be too sure when and if you will need a flashlight also. So it is a good idea to bring one and do not forget the extra batteries as well.
I like this LED Camping Lantern & Flashlight.
It has the dual flashlight/lantern function which makes it more versatile.
Maps, area information
No matter what kind of trip you decide to take on, having the right maps or the right information of the place would be a smart idea. It will help you better orient yourself and find your way back in case you lose track or get lost. So having a map by your side or doing a bit of research of the place that you are about to visit is not such a bad idea. Just make sure you do a little bit of research in reading location maps as well, which is not such a difficult job, but you can always do with a little bit of extra information just in case.
Fun Things to Do While You’re Camping
There are some fun activities you can do on your camping trip such as swimming, fishing, dancing, playing soccer, go hiking, having a barbecue, animal or bird watching, or even hunting.
There are a couple of things you can bring with you to make your trip a bit more fun, exciting and enjoyable. Here are some of the things you can take with you on your camping trip:
- chessboard kit
- football
- frisbee
- waterproof playing cards
- books
- guitar (any musical instrument)
- fishing rod
You can find a list of fun things to bring camping here. Going on a short hike? Read about what to bring on a short hiking trip.
Conclusion
I hope you found our list of necessary things for camping helpful. If you follow these few tips, you will have a great and enjoyable camping time with your family and friends. Stay safe and organized and most important have a great camping trip!
Did we miss something out? Let us know your opinion, and if you have any other must take camping stuff, please make sure you let us know in the comments below.
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Comments 1
Hi! I’m new to camping, so I’m searching for all the information I can get about a gear and essentials. I get the basic soo far, so I’m wondering, what do you think is the best way to start camping on the regs- one night or few days? I’m in doubt. Thanks!