Camping Essentials

Getting knowledge of camping essentials right from the start will make your holiday more enjoyable. It’s time to go camping and you’ll want to have everything you need organized. Nothing ruins a trip more than to forget essential camping gear. So how do you organize your trip? Your checklist of things you need can be double checked.

1.  Make a place in your garage or inside your home to put all camping gear in one spot, checking off your list as you go.
2. When it’s time to load your gear, take a new checklist and check off as you load gear in your vehicle.
3. Organize your packing so that items are easily found. When packing backpacks make sure you use a checklist. Once your gear is packed put a piece of tape or something to show it’s been properly packed.

Here is sample checklist to help you get started

Camping Essentials is about being prepared for the most likely eventualities. Remember the scout motto always be prepared that should be the basis of preparing for your trip. If you have some time the Telegraph has put together a great article about the 10 common camping mistakes.

• Tent, you will need shelter. Make sure you have assembled your tent before you go out camping. Don’t take a chance; assemble your tent even if it’s brand new!
• Food, make sure you have enough food to last an extra day or two. Unexpected things can happen, it’s better to have too much than to run out.
• Water, having water enough for everyone. If you don’t have access to fresh water, more is better to pack. If relying on water from a stream be sure you have a way to boil the water. Never drink water from a river or stream without properly boiling it. Bacteria from water can make you extremely sick. You need 2 liters or more water per day for each person. Don’t forget cooking and washing up.
• Proper clothing for the elements. Make sure you have clothing appropriate for the season. Have spare clothing enough for a day. Long sleeves and long pants are a must in case insects become a real problem. Summer time campers tend to pack shorts and short sleeves. At least one set of long pants and shirt sleeves.
• Light, having lights with new fresh batteries. Check bulbs before you leave. Headlamps are great for camping. Fire, don’t rely on a lighter. Fire starters can be purchased at quality camping stores. You can take lighters but always have a back-up.
• First Aid. A basic first aid kit is a must. Depending on the activity level you’re participating in should dictate first aid necessities. If camping where venomous snakes are present having a good snake bite kit is essential. Emergency signal and emergency whistle to help in case you need assistance.
• Insect repellent is a must, especially at night. Mosquitos can be a real nuisance so a good repellent will make night times much more pleasurable. Insect bite medicine or anti-itch cream will also make camping more enjoyable.
• Cooking items and food storage. Air tight containers for food. Eco-friendly soap for washing up.
• Tools, if you’re planning a fire, hammer for tent stakes, utility knife, hatchet or saw for cutting wood. All of these items can be found in hiking friendly sizes.
• Make sure that all gear is checked if it has been stowed away. Open up sleeping bags and shake them out, check zippers. You don’t want to be out in the wild only to find out your sleeping bag won’t zip or it has holes from insects or rodents.
• Prescription medications. Always have one week’s extra medication with you. Never chance running out.

Before you venture out into the wilderness camping. Check with park rangers for types of wildlife you will encounter. Are venomous snakes in the area? Most animals if you make noise while camping or hiking will move on. Know your environment before you head out.

Knowing and being prepared for emergency situations can save lives.

Take your time packing. Test everything that has some function for example your camping stove and lights. Never assume anything! Check it out, better to be safe than sorry…

Now you are equipped with knowledge of camping essentials you know need to find a camping holiday