COVID-19 has changed the way we vacation. In order to avoid crowded places, we now consider alternative types of holiday types and one great option is camping. A successful trip starts with having the right camping gear essentials. And, knowing a few camping hacks will help make your stay that more comfortable.
What's the difference between Camping and Backpacking?
Now, what you take on your trip depends on a lot on whether you are going camping or backpacking. The distinction between the two is simple. Campers drive to a particular location and camp out there. For example, you drive to a populated base camp and bring a nice, big stove.
While backpackers go on a hike and then make camp with what they’ve brought. For example, hiking 20 kilometers into the middle of a national park. Here you want something light and more portable than a big stove.
When you are buying camping gear, make sure you consider the weight and packability. Backpacking gear focuses on weight and tends to be pricier but it is great for both camping and backpacking. This dual-use is good for anyone planning on doing both.
Tip - Consider your specific needs instead of relying on a generic checklist, but a list of camping gear essentials remains the same for most trips.
What are the 10 Essentials for Camping?
When you think of camping, what’s comes to your mind? Tents, sleeping bags, backpacks are the most obvious camping specific equipment. Now this is all the expensive gear you really need but thankfully, you can get by with a lot less thank you think.
Let’s start with the most obvious camping-specific equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and all that other stuff that immediately comes to mind when you think of camping.
Tents
Number one on the list. Tents come in many sizes and types. There are ultralight tents for backpacking and you have spacious heaver tents best suited for hanging out near a car.
Most tents come in two varieties: three-season and four-season. Except for the deep of winter three-season tents are great for beginners, while four-season tents are more durable to handle snowdrifts (not for beginners).
Sleeping Bags
Similar to tents, sleeping bags come in different weights and handle different temperatures. Based on where you plan to camp and when you will have to research to find the ones best suited for you.
Sleeping Pads
This may not be considered a camping gear essential but, if you want a little more comfort, get a sleeping pad. This is an air-filled pad that sits between your bag and the ground.
Hiking Boots or Shoes
If you plan on staying around the campsite all day, then sneakers will do. However, if you plan on going for a hike or long walks, dedicates shoes that offer more support, padding and stability are required.
Again, you are spoilt for choice but to make things simple, you can break them down into four types.
- Boots are heavy but sturdy and offer a lot of grips.
- Trail runners are light but provide little traction or ankle support.
- Approach shoes are mostly meant for climbing and lie somewhere in-between boots and runners.
- Finally, you have hiking shoes. They are lightweight, have good traction, and solid durability.
Backpacks
Backpacks is where the distinction between camping and backpacking matters. If you are camping, you really don’t need a backpack. Although you want a good day pack if you are planning on going on small hikes.
There are three main distinctions in sizes: day packs, overnight, and the long haul. Which you need depends on what you are planning on doing.
Headlamps, Lanterns, and Flashlights
Spoiler alert! It gets dark in the woods, so you need something to help you see at night. An LED flashlight is a good option. You can get a lantern to help you move around the campsite and for inside your tent. Personally, I prefer a headlamp as is surprisingly useful, like when you are trying to set up a tent after dark.
Water Filtration Systems and Treatment Tablets
When we went trekking in the Himalayas, we were told that we could drink straight from the streams as the water was fresh. I was apprehensive about that and used treatment tablets. My wife, on the other hand, decided to brave it out. She got the runs by the end of the day. Save to say even if campsites have fresh water available, you should always have some kind of water filtration system available
First Aid Kit
Do not leave home without it. Make sure it includes bandages, gauze, aspirins, moleskins for blisters, aloe vera for burns, and bug sprays.
Pots and Pans
If you are camping and have access to storage, just use your pots and pans. You really don’t need any special camping cookware. However, you will want special cookware that is lightweight if you are backpacking.
Cups, Bowls, and Utensils
Camping cups, bowls, and utensils tend to be lightweight, plastic or stainless, and often designed to make them easier to pack.
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Camping Hacks
You can make your stay outdoors more enjoyable with a few creature comforts and camping hacks.
- Organize your campsite with shoe organizers. Keep your utensils, scrubbers, dishcloths, trash bags, and other cleaning gear in the shoe organizer so it’s easy to find and use.
- Carry collapsible cups as they have lids, easy to pack, and can be used for both hot and cold drinks.
- A common cause of accidents is tripping over the tent strings. Cut pool noodles and place them at the end of the tent strings. This way you can see the strings a mile away!
- Eggs for breakfast? Keep you ready to use scrambled eggs in a recycled container ahead of time. This will save you a lot of mess and you do not need to worry about the eggs getting crushed in the cooler.
- Store snacks or cereals in these recycled containers. This will keep them from getting crushed or stale when the bags rip.
- If the heat is getting to you, you can hang a fan from the ceiling of your tent or kitchen area to enjoy a nice cool breeze.
- Another great camping hack is Organizer Bins. Save time with unpacking and packing by using clear plastic tubs. Label them into the following categories:
- Kitchen Supplies
- Food & Snacks
- Clothes & Laundry
- Bathroom Essentials
- Tents & Sleeping Bags
- Music & Entertainment
- Toys
Everything Else
Do not forget to factor in the safety measures to prevent or contracting COVID-19. Ensure you maintain 6 feet of distance from others where possible, always wear a face mask, and wash your hands regularly. Make sure you carry enough wet wipes, and hand sanitizers.
Whatever you buy and pack, just make sure to consider your climate, needs, and environment. I hope you found this list of camping gear essentials and hacks for camping informative.Â
Now go read 40 Extraordinary Outdoor Quotes to Ignite the Adventurer In You!!
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Love this list and tips. It’s been so long sense I did anything outdoors, these items brought back memories. Like the collapsible cups. The only thing I thought you overlooked is how handy military resell stores can be for multi use light weight gear. Love your whole vibe glad I stumbled upon your blog.
We love going camping. I have never seen a water filtration hand pump before. I will have to check it out.
This “city girl” cannot appreciate the camping elements. This post, however, is certainly a comprehensive list of essential camping gear and prep. Organized nicely in order, and fantastic photographs. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Annie, if you follow the list and the related posts, I’m sure you wont be referring to yourself as “city girl” anymore! lol
This post is very informative. Thanks so much for sharing!
omg this came in the right time, we’re going camping next week, our first camping this year, can’t be more excited. I think I have everything except the water filtration system, that is so cool.
Hi chad, glad you found the list beneficifial
Headlamps are a must, glad to see that in the list as it isn’t something one thinks of right away.
your right angela. sometimes we forget the little things that can make life a lot easier for us when we go camping!
The water filtration systems and treatment tablets have to be must-haves! This is a very comprehensive guide for anyone thinking of going camping for the first time.
that is so try Ana. Back in 2014 my wife and I hiked in the Himalayas and the local guide said the stream water was super clean. We trusted him however my wife ended up with a severe case of the runs! we had to cut short the hike and take to the doc! after that we never drink water without treating it first, no matter what people claim!
Excellent checklist for camping trips, will definitely check this again before my next one, thanks!
thanks lily! perhaps you can also share it with your friends and family. they may also find it useful
Wow! this is a great and very helpful camping list. Thanks for sharing
Hi Alpa, glad you like it
We went glamping this weekend. 114 degree heat index so we mostly stayed inside the RV. Accurate list. Thanks.
hi mike! shame about the heat! hopefully next time the weather will be cooler!