Anyone’s first camping trip can both be exciting and scary. Exciting because of the fun ideas to implement while in the outdoors. But frightening because you do not know what to expect for your very first time in the wilderness.
Besides that, you should thoroughly prepare for the trip, which constitutes the necessary supplies. Unlike those expensive vacations, the outdoors does not require you to pack a ton of nice clothes, even when the weather is not entirely conducive. Let’s delve into your must-have essentials while out there.
Camp Shelter and Related Necessities
Unless the camping site has provisions for sheltering essentials, you would be right to plan for where you would sleep in the night. So, the crucial things to bring along are as follows:
- Tent, which should have all its accessories including stakes and poles
- A mallet for securing the poles in the ground
- Sleeping bags and alight mattress, together with light but comfortable travel pillows
- A folding chair and a small portable table
- A pocket knife for when you would want to cut your food or anything else for that matter
Clothing and Other Personal Items
Since you will be spending the most part outdoors, you will want to find yourself some Australian swags. Look for clothing that consists of lighter fabrics, they should serve the purpose, as they can suck in the moisture and make you more comfortable. You can then toss in a waterproof jacket and a sunhat. Those hiking boots, wool socks, long pants, and equally long-sleeved shirts should come in handy. Do not forget sunglasses to protect your eyes against the bright sun.
Other must-have personal items include a camera and a whistle good for emergencies. Pack a higher SPF sunscreen, toilet paper, and insect repellant. Another critical item is a first aid kit, which should have some painkillers and any prescription medications that you usually take. Also, bring a hand sanitizer and lip balm that has sufficient SPF.
Food Preparation Essentials
Camping is all about self-sufficiency, and chances are you will have to prepare your meals. Also, those woods do not have restaurants for you to dash for a quick meal. So bring along a camping stove and a few cookware. Pack some utensils too, and have a reusable water bottle with you at all times.
Since you may have to survive on water from a river, pond, or any other source, carry a water filtration gadget. As already stated, pack a small sharp knife and a cutting board. If you are cooking averse, then bring prepackaged snacks. Still, those frozen-dried camping meals can come in so handy when you have no choice on where to get fresh stuff.
Navigational Equipment
Coaming is all about fun and discovery. It is why you should bring critical navigational tools such as binoculars, portable GPS, and a map. Depending on the size of the camping group, carry a two-way radio too. Bring a lantern and a powerful flashlight with extra batteries.
In brief, the above are must-haves for your very first camping experience. Still, you may need more or less, depending on your personal needs. Finally, if you are doing it alone, leave elaborate details on the exact area of camping, including directions. Provide your contact info, and have a handheld radio with you at all times.
