Visiting a luxury resort in the Caribbean or exploring a major European city such as London understandably appeals, but you can’t quite beat a camping experience. Whether you’re exploring a national park in Canada or driving a few hours away to stay in a glorious spot for the weekend, spending some time outdoors can be an amazing adventure. If you don’t prepare properly, though, then what is meant to be a memorable experience can turn into a nightmare.
The success of a camping trip can certainly boil down to whether or not you’ve packed the right essentials for a hassle-free, smooth stay. Some items can come in handy in the middle of the night, while others can actually save your life while being in a rural location. In order to enjoy a camping adventure to the maximum and immerse yourself in nature without any worries, there are a number of camping essentials that you should prioritize when packing. Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned survivalist, below is a look at some of the key items you’ll need for your next outdoor adventure.
A Suitable Tent
It’s obviously difficult to forget a tent when going on a camping trip, but not everyone takes an acceptable tent with them for such an adventure. It’s worth investing in a suitable tent that is capable of withstanding any adverse weather conditions, be it a freak snowstorm or heavy winds. Whether your preference is a two-person tent or a cabin-style setup, be sure to spend that bit extra on a quality product. You certainly get what you pay for in this particular area, so it’s worth investing in a tent that is designed for camping and comes with good reviews from fellow campers.
A Fully-Charged Smartphone is Recommended
One of the reasons people go camping is to escape the trials and tribulations of everyday life and to immerse themselves in nature. Of course, one appealing aspect of camping is the option of avoiding popular modern-day tools like a television or a smartphone device. These days, people are almost joined to their mobiles, constantly updating social media statuses, conversing on WhatsApp, and playing a range of games like authentic live dealer roulette products. When camping, though, even if you don’t want to use it, it’s important to have a fully charged smartphone in case of an emergency. Whether or not you’ll get a signal in certain locations will vary, but there is no harm in taking one with you as a precaution.
Don’t Forget your Fire Starter
When camping, a fire is arguably one of the most important things you’ll need. A fire can boil water, enable you to cook, keep warm, and scare off any potentially harmful animals. Fires can be started in a number of ways, including using a flint and steel, a box of matches, a cigarette lighter, or a magnesium fire starter. Whatever your preference is, make sure you’ve got enough of it and that it’s a suitable, working product. For example, be sure to pack waterproof matches. Likewise, fire starters can fail to work on occasions, so packing a second one could save the day.
A First Aid Kit is Essential
It’s unlikely that you’ll need it but always make sure that you have a first aid kit with you when camping. From minor annoyances like blisters to a potentially serious fall, anything can happen when camping in isolation. Thankfully, a first aid kit should have you covered.
Also bring a pocket knife, a water bottle, a flashlight or a headlamp, toilet paper, and a map or a compass.
What camping essentials are on your ‘must-have’ list? Let me know in the comments!