With
summer comes the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the long warm
days and the cool crisp nights. It’s a time to leave the confines of the
city and head to seclusion of the wild. Leaving your cares and worries
behind, so you can simply relax and in turn, relax simply. It’s time to
go camping.
So, let’s be honest, for some people the mere thought
of camping is far from a vacation. To others, however, it’s a great
escape; a chance to spend time outdoors and to reconnect with the spirit
of nature. Now, if you’re a first time camper it is important for you
understand a few things up front. Unlike staying in a traditional hotel
or condo, you have to differentiate between essential items to pack and
those that are more luxurious and probably not needed. For example: will
you be staying in place that has cell phone service or Wi-Fi? Do you
need an entire make-up bag or can you get by with just a few basic
items? Most importantly, how do you plan to stay warm, dry, and fed
during your camping trip? The key to safe and successful camping is
knowing what necessities to bring with you and what to leave behind.
Your
needs may be very different depending on the type of camping you plan
on doing. If you are camping in a rustic cabin, tent camping at a
campground, or hiking into the woods and pitching a tent they will all
call for varying items. Since it is a good idea to have some camping
experience under your belt before you go off deep into the woods, your
best bet is to start by reserving a campsite at a campground. Even then,
there are some important thing to consider when packing for your trip.
Utilities
Before
you even start to make a list of items to pack, be sure to find out if
the campground has available utilities. If they do not provide
electricity, for example, then bringing that plug in cappuccino machine
won’t be of much use. Alternatively, you can bring battery operated
equipment, but be sure to take additional batteries. If the campground
offers running water and hot showers, then you don’t have to worry about
taking gallons of water to weigh you down. Finally, find out if there
is a grill or fire pit provided so you can plan on how you will be
cooking your meals. Getting this information ahead of time will go a
long way in avoiding unneeded frustration later.
Weather- Plan for Rain
As
much as we would all like to think that our trip will be rain free and
that weather forecasting is a perfect science, the fact is, it is always
best to plane for the worst. This means planning for both rain and
sunshine alike. There is nothing worse than waking up in the middle of
the night, only to find the floor of your tent soaking wet. So
regardless of the forecast, place a tarp or large piece of plastic under
your tent to help keep you dry. Also, be sure to have plenty of seam
sealer and duct tape, just in case you spring a leak… or two.
While
you’re at it, it’s a good idea to also pack some ponchos, raincoats, or
umbrellas as well. These items can help you stay dry so that you can
still enjoy your activities even when the weather doesn’t want to
cooperate. I always like to bring additional socks with me, too. Since
there is no clothes dryer nearby, it is pretty miserable to have to go
around with wet feet. These items don’t take up much room, so they’re
worth adding to your list to pack.
Protect Your Skin
While
it can be fun soaking up the warmth of the hot sun, it’s no so fun
getting a nasty sunburn. The sun can be deceiving, so make sure to bring
sunscreen with a high enough SPF level to keep your skin protected.
Generally, this is going to be a SPF of 30 or higher and I tend to
prefer the type that won’t run with sweat. Be mindful of younger
children, the elderly, and those with fair skin may need a stronger
version. Having a hat with a visor to wear while you are out walking, by
the lake, or on the water will add an additional layer of protection
during those unexpected heat waves.
Protect Yourself from Insects
Regardless
where you camp, a few different kinds of insects will probably cross
your path. Bring at least one can of insect repellent with you on your
trip. You will most likely enjoy the outdoors a lot more if you’re not
spending all of your time swatting away pesky pests. That being said, be
sure to check your clothes for any insects that might be hiding in
there.
Thick Layers
Because warm days can
quickly turn to chilly nights, you will want to pack for all occasions.
Go ahead and throw a swim suit in your bag, but you will also want to
pack a long sleeve shirt, long pants, and a sweatshirt. If you are
camping in a warm climate you may not be concerned about the chilly
nights, but it is still important to think ahead, consider weather
patterns, and pack accordingly. Bottom line; it is always better to peel
layers off than to wish you had brought warmer clothing.
Food
One
of the greatest things about camping is being able to experiment with
cooking. Whatever you decide to cook on your trip, also consider the
essential tools to make the process easier. Tinfoil works wonders when
cooking vegetables, for example, and don’t forget to bring a spatula or
grilling fork if you’re cooking meat. As much as you might like to only
pack paper plates and plastic utensils, you will not be very happy when
your plastic fork melts while flipping steaks over the campfire. This
doesn’t mean you have to pack the whole kitchen (after all the goal is
to pack light), but you will want a few multipurpose tools to make your
cooking experience a little easier. Finally, if you are packing meats,
condiments, or dairy products, be sure to have large enough cooler that
will maintain temperature during your trip. Remember, depending on where
you are staying, ice may not be readily accessible. You don’t want your
food to spoil before it can be eaten.
Planning for a camping trip
may seem like a lot of work, but planning ahead and ridding your
packing list of unnecessary items can help simplify the process. When
all is said and done, the most important things to consider are your
basic fundamental needs: food and water, shelter, clothing, and safety.
Everything else is optional and can only add to the enjoyment of your
camping experience.
Camping is an opportunity to reconnect with
nature, enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, and experience a
different way of life. Enjoy the essence of camping by leaving a few
luxuries behind and getting away from the hustle and bustle of your
everyday routine. By keeping it simple and planning ahead, camping can
be a fun and stress free way to enjoy the great outdoors while spending
quality time with friends and family.