Finally, it’s that season…camping season. Actually, not entirely true. Did you know you can go camping during any season of the year? Sure it’s nice to go on a perfectly sunny 75° day, but what fun would that be?
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to prepare for camping at any time of year.
What do I need to take camping with me?
Let’s break it down at a high level first. You’ll want to think about a camping trip in terms of gear, clothes, and depending on how long you’re going, campsite essentials like kitchen items and hygiene necessities.
For clothing, you’ll want to dress in layers, much like you would for a hike. You never want to be unprepared for a sudden change in weather. This can leave you soaked, cold, or incredibly hot - all of which can cause major problems in the outdoors.
You’ll also want to make sure you know what type of gear will be necessary for the type of camping you’re doing. Are you going to a campsite where they provide anything in particular that you don’t need to lug with you? Or are you just picking a spot in the wild and going for it.
These are questions you’ll want to answer before making a packing list.
Longer trips: what to take camping for a week
For longer camping trips, let’s say about a week, you’ll want to make sure you also have everything you need to eat and drink safely on your trip. Be prepared with a potable water filtration system so that you’re not stuck without a safe water source.
A lightweight camp stove and fuel will make cooking much easier along with a sharp knife, reusable plates, bowls, and cups. Don’t forget utensils.
There are a lot of options these days for easy-to-prepare campsite meals. These will come in handy if you are looking for quick and easy meals. Snacks, such as trail mix are also good to keep on hand for protein-rich sustenance.
Don’t forget about first aid and hygiene products for a week-long camping trip. Toilet paper, toothbrush and toothpaste, a quick-drying towel - these are all essentials to keep you feeling your best on your trip. Additionally, a multi-tool will most likely come in handy on a week-long camping trip and is always a good thing to bring with you.
What clothes to take on a camping trip
As we mentioned above, layering is key when it comes to a comfortable camping trip. Clothing that is moisture-wicking, lightweight, and quick-drying will definitely come in handy. Make sure to have both long sleeves (bug and sun protection) and short sleeve options as well as a lightweight jacket depending on the weather.
Waterproof socks and a waterproof hat are must-haves on any camping trip. While it may not rain on your trip, waterproof socks protect you from puddles, rain, sand, and mud. They prevent blisters and keep you dry and comfortable. Nothing worse than having soggy, cold feet on a camping trip. Take it from us, you’ll want an extra pair of these socks in your pack.
Camping clothes storage hacks
You will want to pack extra clothes for any camping trip no matter how long. You just never want to risk getting wet or dirty and being stuck with less-than-comfortable clothes. So, in order to get the most out of your packing, you’ll want to be strategic about how you pack.
Enter the military-style fold. Super easy, super effective and makes a huge difference in how much you can fit in your pack. To do this fold, simply fold your clothing item in half and then roll them very tightly. You can even do this for dirty clothes so that they don’t bog up your pack and are easily stored in one section neatly and compartmentalized.
Our camping checklist
So there you have it, a good basic overview of everything you need to have a successful camping trip. Let’s wrap it up by going over a camping checklist. You might not need everything on this list, but depending on how long you’re camping, where you’re camping, and in what weather you’re camping, we’re pretty confident we’ve thought of everything.
Camping Checklist
- Tent + stakes
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow
- Folding camp chair
- Folding camp table
- Sunshade or tarp
- Multi-tool
- Tent repair kit
- Stove
- Fuel
- Water filtration system
- Utensils
- Knife
- Pots and pans
- Bottle opener
- Cups - reusable water bottles
- Food
- Snacks (bars, trail mix, fruit, etc)
- Navigation tool
- Moisture-wicking layers including t-shirts (short and long sleeve) and underwear
- Light jacket or fleece
- Heavier jacket depending on the weather
- Boots and shoes
- Socks (preferably waterproof)
- Hat (preferably waterproof)
- Trousers/shorts
- Sleeping clothes
- Rain jacket and trousers
- Gloves or mittens (preferably waterproof)
- Toilet paper
- Biodegradable soap
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- First-aid kit
- Towel - preferably quick-dry
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Cellphone
- Portable charger
- ID and money
So there you have it, the ultimate camping checklist to get you ready for any camping trip. So, get a trip planned because there really is nothing better than waking up amongst the stars and nature.
