Camping Must-Haves for a Safe, Worry-Free Trip
Planning to go on a camping trip? While there is so much to bring and so much to pack, make sure you don’t forget to take these five camping must-haves with you to ensure that you have a safe, enjoyable trip:
A Compass
One of the worst and most dangerous things that could happen to you and your group on a camping trip is to find yourselves lost in the forest, unable to determine where to go and how to get there. To avoid such a troublesome situation, make sure that you have a compass at hand to help you find your way to your campsite.
It would be best if each of the members of your camping group has his compass. That way, in case one of you becomes separated from the group, he might be able to find his way back.
A Map
This camping must-have goes hand-in-hand with the compass. So that you don’t lose your way while hiking to or from your group’s campsite, make sure that you have a map of the camping area, along with your compass, to help you find your way. And before you start your camping trip, make sure to review your map, taking note of the trails your group must take in order to reach your campsite.
As a final reminder on maps, be sure to keep yours from getting wet or dirty – they get damaged easily, so cover them with plastic if possible, in order to protect them from the elements.
A First Aid Kit
Sometimes no matter how careful we are accidents are still bound to happen, especially when we’re camping in the great outdoors – which is why the first aid kit is a camping must-have. What exactly to store in your first aid kit is up to you, but some common first aid kit items include bandages, aspirin, and water purifying tablets.
Also, be sure to check the expiration dates on the medicine contained in your first aid kit.
A Fire Starter (Preferably a box of matches or a lighter)
It can get really cold in the outdoors, especially at the onset of dusk, when you will most likely need to start a fire. Matches or lighters are ideal campfire starters, so make sure to bring a couple of them with you when you go camping. Matches in particular should be protected from getting wet, so keep them in a water-proof bag or container. In case you’re camping with children, be sure to keep your fire starters away from their reach to avoid accidents.
Keep these must-haves handy when you go camping and you’re sure to have a worry-free trip.
Choosing the Right Camping Outfit: Go for Function and Comfort
When it comes to planning a camping outfit, function and comfort usually come before fashion. So when you’re deciding on the clothes to pack for a camping trip, be sure to bring items that you feel most comfortable in and that will best protect you from the elements.
Here is a list of must-have clothing items for your camping outfit, separated into fair weather camping and cool climate camping clothes.
If you’re camping on fair weather, here are some essentials:
Light, cotton T-shirts
Choose shirts that are a bit loose instead of shirts that are form-fitting; the latter might leave you feeling uncomfortable when it starts sticking to your skin while you’re under the hot afternoon sun.
Shorts
Similar to the shirts, make sure to wear and pack “breezy shorts”, instead of ones that are too tight they cling to your body when you sweat and make you feel uneasy.
Socks
Always bring a few extra pairs of socks - you never know when you might step on a puddle or on ankle-high mud. They can also serve as your feet’s protection when it gets very cold at night.
A Hat, Cap or Visor and Sunglasses
At least once in a camping trip, you’ll be hiking under the very strong heat of the sun, and you would need something to cover your head and your face as well as protect your eyes from harmful, damaging rays.
Also, it is advisable to purchase sunglasses that have built-in UV protection to help further minimize your exposure to harmful light.
Rain Gear (A Rain Poncho or a Raincoat)
Although you’ll be hiking under presumably fair weather, a sudden rainstorm might hit and affect your camping trip. Hence it is always best to pack rain gear to protect your from the effects of unexpected weather patterns.
Along with the items above, here are some clothing pieces you should bring in case you’re camping in cold weather:
A Sweater
When hiking in a cool climate, it’s advisable to dress in layers – for instance, wearing a sweater over a shirt, that’s over another shirt – so that when it gets cool you can just take off the first layer of your outfit, and when it gets quite cold, you can just as easily put it back on.
Wool Pants
When camping in cold weather, you’ll need clothes that will provide insulation, and wool pants are a great alternative to expensive pants made out of synthetic fibers
Always remember that when preparing a camping outfit, function comes before fashion. Of course, a little style never hurt anyone, so don’t forget about that altogether either.
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