One of the best formulas for passing memorable moments with your family and allies is going for a weekend camping trip. It offers more bonding experiences than hosting a party at home. However, this can turn out to be the worst nightmare if you don’t plan adequately so always remember these things when camping.
Camping Tips You Shouldn’t Forget
Here are some crucial things to remember when camping.
1. Choose the Right Camping Gear
If you’re not using an RV for camping, then you should plan on where you’ll be resting, what you need for rest, and how to be safe wherever you will be sleeping. The number of items you will carry will depend on the size of your means of transport.
The essential gears include:
- Strong Tent: One which is not easily blown away by the wind when you’re not inside. You can also reinforce the tent by pegging it on the ground to ensure it won’t collapse in the middle of the night. The size of the tent will depend on the number of people who will be sharing it. Remember, this will be your shelter while you’re in the bush.
- Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad, and a Pillow: Carrying along your home mattress and blankets can be a tedious thing when camping. Get the best sleeping bag, pad, and pillow to give you comfortable sleep after the day’s adventure.
- Clothes: Go for moisture-wicking attires and woolen socks. These materials will keep your body dry and free from sweat. While cotton attires are good for staying in the suburbs, they are not ideal for camping. Do not forget about hiking boots, raincoats, and sun huts. If you need to hunt you may also have FFP scopes. It is good to check quality FFP scopes.
2. Important Gadgets to Carry
Don’t carry your latest gaming device to the camping site. Instead, you need gadgets that will keep your camp safe, convenient, and worry-free. They include:
- LED Lantern, Headlamp, or Flashlight: Your sleeping time isn’t immediately after sunset; there are minor activities that take place at night when camping. You can choose to play poker with your camping mates as you enjoy watching the stars or even lighten the paths to your tents.
- Extra Batteries: The LED lights may go out of charge; carrying extra batteries will help you stay in the light.
- Survival Multi-Tool: It’s a handy tool that can help you perform different functions in the bush. Some come with a pair of pliers, a can opener, a screwdriver, and a knife. It’s a must-have tool when in the bush.
- Phone Charger: Your phone may run out of charge, and you still want to keep in touch with your friends and family back in the estate. For such reasons and emergency purposes, you need to carry a charger and a power bank.
3. Source of Fire
You will need to cook, enjoy some grilling, and even a light campfire. All these require you to have a source of fire so remember this when camping.
Here are some fire sources that you can carry:
- Charcoal: It’s ideal for grilling beef steak, hamburgers, hotdogs, among others.
- Matches: You will need to light a fire at the camping site; matches come in hand.
- Propane Stoves: They are portable and easy to light for quick meals. It’s ideal where campfires and grills aren’t allowed.
- Firestarters: They are ideal for lighting fire in case your matches get soaked up.
- Firewood: Whether it’s the first camping night or the last, you’ll need to light a campfire. You need firewood for this purpose, which can either be bought or collected in the bush. You should, however, confirm from the camping site authority whether they allow campfires.
While you have all the materials you will need for putting on fire; you should also keep water and sand nearby should you need to put out the fire quickly.
4. Camping Utensils
You need to cook and eat, and you won’t enjoy eating from fast food packaging materials. You need cooking pots, plates, bowls, cups, spoons, and forks. If you’re lighting campfires for grilling hotdogs or beef steak, don’t forget to carry telescoping forks.
Camping utensils are small necessities that can easily be forgotten when parking; therefore, it’s important to pack them early.
While working on the utensils, you should also remember camping food supplies. What will you be taking for breakfast? Plan with the people you’ll be going with on what you’ll be eating when camping.
You should plan on shopping for them a day or two before your camping trip. If the camping site doesn’t have a clean water source, you’ll need to carry enough gallons of clean water.
You’ll also need to plan on your toiletries. Remember when camping to carry your toothbrush, toothpaste, adequate toilet rolls, and bathing soap.
5. Be Safe
Your safety and that of your colleagues should be of concern, especially when you’re camping in a remote area.
Most camping sites are prone to a wide variety of insects and bedbugs, especially when the site is near a water body; beware of them. Get an insect repellant, and you will enjoy your camping excursion. And by the way, insect repellant is a must-have on any camping trip.
Harsh weather, especially during the summer, can also be a threat to you. Sunburns are common occurrences. You cannot avoid sunburns by staying in your tent or RV all day long so get some SPF protection, and you’re good to go.
A first aid kit shouldn’t miss in your safety arrangements. When parking in remote areas, there are no pharmacies to access in case of an emergency. Equip yourself with a first kit that has painkillers, bandages, and gauze. Don’t start your camping trip without confirming the first aid kit is with you.
If you’re camping in the forest, beware of wild animals. Learn how to raise the alarm in case of invasion.
On the extras, you can carry a set of binoculars, foldable chairs, a cooler box for your drinks, and a camera for capturing your best moments.
Final Thoughts
Camping is an exciting way of spending time with family and friends in an extraordinary setting. However, it can be disastrous if you don’t plan ahead carefully.
Get the right camping gear, choose your ideal sources of fire, stock your camping utensils, food, and water. And finally, remember to carry your first aid kit; it’s essential for survival.