Camping Equipment

One of the most important elements of planning of a successful camping trip is choosing the right camping equipment.  The equipment you’ll need will depend on what kind of camping trip you’re taking.  For example, if you’re camping because you’re on an expedition to climb to the top of Mount Everest, you’ll need much different camping equipment than if you’re heading out to your local woods to spend a peaceful night under the stars.  Let’s look at some of the typical camping equipment you’ll need for a camping trip.

Before I even begin, let me tell you the most important piece of camping equipment you’ll need.  No, it’s not a tent, it’s not a flashlight and it’s not even proper shoes.  It’s a first aid kit.  Even if you’re not planning on putting yourself in any danger, being outdoors always brings this risk.  Don’t worry, I’ve never had anything serious happen to me or anyone I know in all my years of camping, but I have utilized my first aid kit on more than one occasion.  Alright, now that that’s out of the way, let’s look at some of the other camping equipment you’ll need for your trip!

You’ll need some sort of tent for shelter and along with this, a hammer to get your tent stakes down firmly, a sleeping bag and possibly blankets for warmth, a pillow and some people like to bring some sort of sleeping pad to put under their sleeping bag just to cushion and protect them from the ground.  This is particularly nice if you’re going to be camping somewhere very cold.  In addition, if you know you’ll be in a place where it will rain or snow, it can help to have a tarp for extra protection while you sleep and also a bit of shelter when you’re eating and lounging around waiting for that storm to pass.

General tools and items that come in handy when camping are lanterns or flashlights; hatchets, axes or saws for cutting firewood; a fire starter or lighter for starting your campfire; ropes for stringing a clothesline and tying up a tarp; and trash bags with handles to tie up high if you’re in an area with dangerous animals.

The clothes you pack for your camping trip depends on where you’re going and what the weather will be like, but specific camping clothes like raincoats or ponchos and hiking boots often come in handy.  You may also need things like sunscreen and insect repellant.  Of course, you’ll want to bring your own personal care products and towels.

Some people like to bring a cooler for perishable foods and drinks.  If you’re going to a campsite where there will be electricity, you could bring a grill, portable stove, electric frying pans and slow cookers.  If this is the case, you might also consider pots and pans, dishes and eating utensils.

Make sure to bring lots of water if you’re going to be in a hot, dry environment or an area where you might only have access to unclean water.  Alright, enough talking about camping equipment.  Time to get packing!