You may believe that all you need for a lovely stay in the wild is a tent and a positive attitude. Well, when it comes to a camping trip, this kind of assumption will hold true until the first missed breakfast, rain shower, or sleepless night.
Whether you’re heading to the mountains, the forest, or the desert, it’s the equipment that will ensure a safe and comfortable camping adventure. With the right kit and supplies, a trip into the wilderness can become as fun as a night spent in your house.
No matter if you’re a first-time backpacker or a seasoned camper, there are a couple of things that you should always have with you during your stay in the wild. Let’s assume a backpack, sleeping bag, and tent are standard. Next, make sure to also include these 10 camping must-haves for a successful trip!
1. Something to Sleep On
The time to find out that the ground is cold and hard shouldn’t be 3 AM. If you’re a budding camper, I’m here to tell you that a sleeping bag provides only minimal cushioning. So you shouldn’t rely exclusively on it. Unless you want to feel every twig, root, and stone digging into your body, get yourself a roll-up or inflatable mattress.
A sleeping mattress also creates a thermal barrier to prevent the cold ground from pulling your body heat away from you. Make sure to also buy an inflatable pillow for sweeter dreams.
There are three key types of sleeping mattresses, so choose the one that’s right for you. Some folks that take different types of journeys and a variety of outdoor activities may have more than one camping mattress. However, if you’re just a first-time backpacker, one all-around sleeping mattress would be a great choice.
2. Lights for Your Camp
The moon and the stars may light up the night a little bit, but that’s not enough to see things in the dark. Go for a hands-free head torch or LED flashlight that’s easy on battery life. A great idea would be to also clip a light bulb inside your tent to avoid searching for things in the dark.
For me, a camping trip without some lights loses some of its charm. I mean, think about the campfire’s glow and those soft lights coming from the inside of the tent. Things like this really step up your trip into the wilderness.
Most of all, good lighting creates more than just ambiance — it allows you to safely move around after dark.
3. Bug Repellent
One of the most effective methods for keeping bugs at bay is conventional bug sprays or creams. If you’re wondering why these actually work, the answer is that most insect repellents contain an ingredient called DEET. In fact, the more DEET these have, the more effective they are.
Some folks don’t like DEET-based creams or spray for various reasons, such as the smell and potential for eye and skin irritation. Despite these issues, these products do a really good job. So, even if you use it as a last resort, it’s always a good idea to bring some traditional bug spray with you while camping.
Make sure that your bug spray is also waterproof, and don’t forget to spray repellent on your clothes, shoes, and hat as well. Avoid inhaling this spray directly, and if your skin tends to get irritated, avoid direct contact if possible.
4. Garbage Bags
Think about the beautiful landscapes you can see while camping. Wouldn’t it be a shame to spoil nature’s beauty by leaving trash behind you? Wherever you go, the thing is to leave no trace. This means hiking out with everything you brought in with you, either in a garbage bag or in your backpack.
Trash bags aren’t only necessary for trash, recycling, and generally keeping the camping area clean, but they can also be very useful for several different purposes. For instance, garbage bags can help you keep your dirty clothes. A few extra bags will also prove to come in handy as an emergency poncho, waterproof groundsheet, water container, or backpack cover.
5. First Aid Kit
Arguably the first thing that should go into your backpack, your first-aid kit, should have antiseptic wipes, painkillers, band-aids, and creams to safely face the typical challenges that the wilderness will throw at you.
You may not plan on getting insect stings, blisters, or sunburn, but with a first-aid kit in your backpack, at least you’ll be prepared.
That’s the thing about camping; it’s a great way to escape the city and modern life, but it also puts you out of your comfort zone. Situations like walking over tough terrain, being out in the elements, and running into potentially dangerous wildlife can all be risky. The good news is that you can deal with any incident by having a first aid kit with all the must-haves for your camping trip.
6. Sun Protection
Being in nature while camping is a liberating experience, but you should know that some parts of your body may not welcome the exposure. If you’re on the coast or in the desert, sunglasses and a hat or cap aren’t just for comfort. They provide essential protection against sunburn, heat stroke, and UV rays.
Follow the Saharan desert nomads’ example and choose breathable, loose fabrics to block out the sun while allowing sweat to evaporate. Typically, camping isn’t the time for layering up, so chances are you’ll have more skin exposed than covered.
Applying some broad-spectrum sunscreen before putting the clothes on will ensure you don’t miss a spot. This way, you’ll be less likely to get an accidental burn where the hem or strap of your clothes has been.
7. Travel Wash Kit
When you’ve spent the day walking on the trail, there’s no guarantee that you’ll enjoy a hot shower before bedtime. Pack a small wash kit with compact, light essentials, including soap, shampoo, and a washcloth or baby wipes for the times you’re in need of a refresh.
Throw a microfiber travel towel in your backpack too. Not only is it best for quick drying, but it also dries itself quickly, so you don’t have to carry a funky towel around with you for the rest of your camping trip.
Any container or bag that you can use to put all of your camping toiletries is a great option. Or you can choose a bag designed specifically for toiletries. It’s up to you.
8. Power Pack
Are you planning a short camping trip this weekend, but you’re afraid that you may drop the connection? Whether you need power so you can work remotely while surrounded by nature or you need connection in case of an unexpected situation or emergency, you’ll congratulate yourself on bringing a portable power pack.
For many folks (I have to include myself in this category as well), the difference between a camping adventure and a survival situation is that you get to bring your smartphone with you. But if you’re taking lots of photos and listening to music on the way, your battery will probably be the first to give up.
That’s why having a portable power pack is the best thing you can do. Most will provide a couple of full charges, while some even allow you to hook up to solar power.
9. Water Bottle and Filter
If you’re convinced that you’re adequately prepared to hydrate yourself during your next camping trip, you can throw yourself completely into hiking, cycling, or kayaking. Just bring as much water as possible in canteens, bottles, and camel packs.
If you know you’re going somewhere with a water source, make sure you have some purification tablets or even a Lifestraw to filter out the bacteria and gunk.
Water treatment is crucial in maintaining your health and avoiding getting sick outdoors. Yes, not all water sources are unsafe, but keep in mind that even the most pristine-looking ones can make you sick. If humans, wildlife, or livestock can reach an area, so can bacteria spread via their fecal matter.
Why take a chance on your digestive system when you have so many ways of treating your water?
10. Lightweight Stove
Sure, you could just have a can of tuna and a handful of trail mix, but it’s hard to beat a hearty meal after a long hike. On the other hand, you may want to go pretty light on your pack. Fortunately, there are many backpacking stoves available nowadays that make a great job of heating up dinner without adding weight to your backpack.
Also, in a perfect world, you’ll want to gather around the fire pit or campfire at night, toasting marshmallows and telling stories. However, starting a fire in many campsites, forests, or National Parks, isn’t allowed, particularly during summer.
If you want to heat food, brew a quick cowboy coffee, or boil water, pack a backpacking stove such as the Jetboil, which fits inside its own cooking pot.
You may also want to read: Is Forest Camping Safe?
