Americans didn’t start going on organized camping trips until the mid-1800s. Back then, people didn’t bring much along on camping trips outside of primitive tents and sleeping bags. Camping has come a long way since then, though, and today, modern travelers need more than just tents and sleeping bags to enjoy their outdoor adventures. Check out our ultimate guide to camping essentials below to see what else you’ll need to pack the next time you camp.
Begin by Buying the Basics for Your Campsite
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Even though camping has evolved quite a bit over the last 175 years or so, there are still certain basics you’ll need to bring when you camp. This includes the aforementioned tent and sleeping bag. It also includes things like:
- Camping pillows
- Sleeping pads
- Camping chairs and tables
- Hammocks
- Tarps
- Clotheslines
You won’t necessarily be able to make a tent feel just like home, but you can come pretty close to doing it when you have these basics handy. It’ll make your campsite feel so much more comfortable than it would otherwise.
Pick Up the Right Camping Clothing and Footwear
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The clothing and footwear you bring on a camping trip can make or break it. If you forget to pack clothes and boots that will keep you warm while you camp, you might be forced to cut your trip short. Rather than putting yourself in this position, grab a durable, waterproof camping bag and fill it with:
- Moisture-wicking T-shirts
- Fast-drying pants
- A lightweight jacket (ideally with plenty of pockets for storage!)
- All-terrain boots
- Rainwear
- Lots of socks (the more, the better!)
- Swimwear, if there will be a beach nearby
You might not want to fill your camping bag up too much and weigh yourself down while you hike to your campsite. At the same time, you don’t want to leave any clothing or footwear at home that could benefit you as you camp.
Pack the Necessary Kitchenware for Camping
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Building a fire and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over it might be fun on your first day of camping. But eventually, you’ll want to give yourself more options when you’re cooking while you camp. For this reason, you should pack a camp grill and fuel for it so that you can prepare steaks, chicken, sausage, and more during your camping trip. You’ll want to pack these kitchenware items as well:
- Pots and pans
- Cooking utensils
- Cutting boards
- Coolers
- Griddle
Make sure you have easy access to a folding knife, too. Bring it camping along with other tools, such as a hammer, a saw, and a high-quality multi-tool. They can be used both when you’re preparing to cook at your campsite and when you’re tackling other tasks throughout your trip.
Invest in Health and Hygiene Items for Your Campsite
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You won’t be able to take a hot shower or bath when you camp in most cases, but that doesn’t mean you should stop practicing self-care altogether. You can still take good care of yourself when you bring the following health and hygiene items on a camping trip:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Bath towels and paper towels
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
Bringing an emergency first-aid kit would also be a terrific idea. You never know when you or one of your fellow campers might get injured or fall ill when you’re camping. Find the best survival backpack kit possible, and it’ll provide you with peace of mind while you camp.
Take a Look at the Latest Camping-Related Technology
When Americans first started camping, they likely couldn’t imagine living in a world in which satellite phones, solar power banks, and advanced GPS systems would exist. But all these items are available to modern travelers, and you should take full advantage of them. If you’ll be staying at a campground and want to be able to get around in it quickly, you might even want to consider investing in an off-road ebike. It’s yet another piece of technologically advanced equipment that can make camping an even more enjoyable experience.
Get your hands on as many of the camping essentials listed here as you can. They’ll enable you to make the most of every camping trip you take from now on. They’ll also keep you and those you’re camping with safe and allow you to make memories that will last for a lifetime.
