Preparing for an outdoor camping trip can be both exciting and scary at the same time, especially if it’s your first time around. However, with the proper precautions and planning, an outdoor vacation can be the perfect adventure for you and your family. You also have to have the proper items on hand to make sure that you have a fun time and to ensure your safety as well. Here are some of the essential items that you should take with you on your next trip.
Choose Your Clothing Wisely
If you’re going on an outdoor vacation, choosing the right clothing is essential. Sure, a pair of jeans is perfect for any ol’ vacation, but if you’re going to spend most of your time outside, you better be prepared for the elements. You should first invest in a pair of wind and waterproof pants that can also be converted into shorts. Clothing with Insect Shield is especially helpful in warding off ticks and mosquitos. Long underwear or tights add another layer of protection. As far as tops go, go for materials that absorb sweat and are also breathable and try to avoid cotton at all means. You should also have a good emergency poncho or rain gear just in case.
Footwear will depend on what you intend to do. If you’re going kayaking, then you should think about buying waterproof shoes. If you’re going to go light hiking, then hiking boots and shoes might do the trick, but if you intend to go on rock heavy trails, then you should pick something more sturdy.
And you should also make sure that you bring enough toiletries and personal items as well. That includes toilet paper, sunscreen, bug spray, a first aid kit, hand sanitizer, toothbrush and paste, as well as any medication that you might need.
Food and Cooking Equipment
Unless you intend to hunt for your food, you’ll most likely have to think about cooking equipment and food. As far as equipment goes, you’ll need a cooking surface. A good camping stove can be found for less than $100 on a site like Woodbury Outfitters and come in all styles and sizes, so choose one appropriate for your party size. You’ll also have to think about utensils, cookware, a portable water filter and a small cutting board. You also have to make sure you bring soap with you; cleaning dirty utensils and cooking equipment in the wild can be more of a nuisance than you might think.
As far as food goes, try to go as dry as possible. Trail mix and energy bars are a great pick me up for long trips and are great snacks while on the trail. Freeze dried meals are also a great choice for an easy and delicious lunch on the go.
Navigation Tools and Camping Necessities
Navigation tools are essential if you’re going to go camping in a remote location. Even if you’re in a populated camping site, if you intend to go hiking or rock climbing, having a GPS and a compass and map can be a lifesaver. You’ll need maps so that you don’t have to rely on technology if something goes down as well as two-way radios if you’re traveling in a large group.
As far as camp necessities go, you’ll need a large enough tent for your party, a mallet to secure the tent, travel pillows, tarp or sunshade, sleeping pads, bags or an air mattress and folding chairs and table. You should also pick up a trusty pocket knife with you for quick cutting needs.
As you can see, preparing for an outdoors trip is not that complicated once you know the essentials. If you’re going for a long outdoors trip, make sure you keep this checklist in mind.
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