Going on a camping trip is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday living. However, if you are new to camping, knowing what to pack can seem slightly overwhelming. Yes, sitting around a campsite requires less clothing and household utensils, but for your getaway to be fun and successful, there are a few essentials that you will need. To help make your first camping trip a bit more enjoyable, along with the fishing poles, board games, and water toys, here is a checklist of the essentials you don’t want to forget.
Clothing
Whether you are planning on hiking or simply sitting by the lake with a fishing rod in your hand, choosing appropriate clothing is essential. The essential clothing you pack should include:
- Clothing that is made from lightweight, moisture repellent fabric
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirts, even in warm weather, the nights can get cool, and you want your arms and legs protected from possible insect bites while hiking.
- Lightweight and waterproof jacket
- A lightweight hat to protect your head and face from the sun
- Water shoes
- Swimwear
- Hiking boots and a pair of comfortable tennis shoes
- Socks
Cooking and Eating Supplies
There aren’t many restaurants near a campsite, so you’ll need to bring along everything you’ll need for cooking, including:
- A camping stove and fuel or small portable charcoal grill and charcoal
- Pots and pans
- Cooking and eating utensils
- Water or a reusable water bottle and water filtration
- Towel, washcloth and soap
- Small cutting board
- Food, which should include items that you can cook on open fire as well as pre-packaged snacks and don’t forget the ingredients to make s’mores
- Hand-operated can opener
- Dishwashing liquid
Campsite Essentials
When it comes to sleeping gear, it is important to choose items that will allow you to sleep comfortably as well as safely, including:
- A well-made tent
- A tarp or sunshade
- Sleeping bags
- An air mattress or sleeping pads
- Small, travel pillows
- Folding chairs
- Lanterns
- Waterproof matches
Personal Essentials
Packing the essentials for a camping trip is much different than packing for a weekend at a hotel. Some of the essential items you will need include:
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Bug spray and a topical itch relief cream
- First aid kit
- Toilet paper
- A toiletry kit that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo and soap
- Prescription medications and over-the-counter pain relievers
- Lip balm with SPF
A camping trip requires a bit of preplanning, so don’t forget to make reservations at the campground at least one month in advance. To avoid heavy traffic, try to leave as early as possible the morning of the day your trip starts. Prepare all of your gear at least a few days before you leave and remember to check all battery operated items beforehand to ensure everything is working and be sure to pack extra batteries. Prepare a menu that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner for each day and prepare as much of the food as you can beforehand, such as cutting up vegetables and marinating the meat.
At NTK Global, we are your go-to for all of your camping essentials. Visit us online to start shopping, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for updates sent to your inbox.