Camping is always an exciting adventure, but planning a camping expedition is an important start to an enjoyable trip. It is crucial to conduct a proper study of the campgrounds and find out what supplies are available – accordingly pack required provisions for the trip. Select the right outdoor survival equipment to keep your family as safe as possible.
Irrespective of the location, given below is a basic list of necessary camping gear that is essential for any camping expedition. Making a check-list is a great idea to ensure that nothing is left out.
Tent: A sturdy tent is the basic and most important part of camping gear. A tent would include the poles and stakes that come along with the tent as well as a mat or tarp to put on the ground. It is always advisable to carry extra stakes and an extra sheet of tarp or fabric. A hammer will be required to help set up the tent. For campers who are buying a new tent, check the sizes and capacity of people the tent can contain and choose one to suit your requirements.
Sleeping gear: Camping gear has to include sleeping bags for each individual camper. For extra comfort, additional pieces of bedding like sheets or blankets, pillows and even an air mattress can be included in the list of sleeping gear. When carrying an air mattress or air pillows, include an air pump and a handy repair kit for any puncture that may accidentally occur.
Flashlights / lanterns: These are also of high priority in the list of camping gear. Take along a couple of flashlights and extra sets of durable batteries. Lanterns are also a good option as they can stand alone and throw a wider spectrum of light. These are useful for playing board games or keeping lit as a night light. A word of advice: When entering the tent at night, switch off the flashlight before getting in and switch it back on only once the tent is zipped up. This prevents bugs and insects from entering the tent.
Campfire and cooking supplies: Charcoal, dry firewood, old newspapers, matches, and some fuel will help keep the campfire burning. For cooking, it is more convenient to carry a stove and some cooking utensils. A bucket or a large jug, spatulas and spoons, lightweight or disposable plates, cups and bowls are also part of the cooking supplies. If disposables are being used, ensure that they are not strewn around the camping site.
Personal items: Clothes will comprise of a couple of spare sets of clothes, underwear, boots, socks, hat or cap and a towel. Carrying rain gear based on the weather will be a good idea. Toiletries will include a toothbrush/paste, soap, deodorant, hair brush/comb and toilet paper. A laundry bag will be handy to take care of the used clothes.
First Aid kit: A first aid kit is a “must have” when camping. Small quantity of the basic requirements is enough to set up a first aid kit. Gauze bandage, adhesive tape, band aids, cotton, antiseptic liquid, antibiotic cream, anti-acids, burn ointment, painkillers, tweezers, scissors, bug repellent and sunscreen are some of the most essential items in the kit. Personal medication also can be included in this list.
Miscellaneous: This list consists of a variety of items like dishcloths, scrubbers, cleaning liquids, trash bags, heavy-duty aluminum foil, Ziplocs, can/bottle opener or a multipurpose pocket knife, coil of rope, whistle, cards and board games, handy tool kit and various other small items that you may find useful for your trip. Be sure to carry pre-packed and non-perishable foods as well as an ample supply of bottled water.
Although camping in the great outdoors is a lot of fun and “roughing it out” is an adventure by itself, being prepared for all eventualities is very important — especially if the trip includes children. Every individual has their own specific requirements and taking that into consideration this list can be adapted and improvised upon to fit those needs.
