What Camping Gear Should You Bring For Kids?
The most awaited time of every kid has come and there’s no reason to not feel excited as a parent, and a big no-no is spoiling the fun.
Something can definitely go wrong when anything is forgotten off the checklist especially when everyone is overly excited and busy packing. Most likely, you will bring non-essential things first over the important ones.
It’s an easy way ticket to make camping fun for everyone as the kids gear up for a great time of their lives. Just remember to be organized, plan ahead of time, and know exactly which items to carry with you.
Here are some of the most important and indispensable things that should go with your luggage department.
Portable chairs
Choosing the perfect camping chair is top of the list because more often than not, you would spend time sitting down especially when you’re just trying to relax.
Chairs are most important during meals where everyone should be as comfy as possible. However, there is a range of factors to consider on what kinds of chairs are perfect when it comes to camping.
These factors should be considered:
Type
Quad fold chair
This is the most popular type because it’s lightweight, compact, and cheaper than the others. It folds up to itself and does not take up much space. Quad fold chairs are also easy to carry around, making them ideal for camping.
Director chair
This is the sturdier type and has back support which allows you to sit straight without causing back pain. It comes with a side table for your food and drinks. The only downside of this chair is that it is heavier to carry.
Flat folding chair
This is the most expensive type of chair but it offers multiple reclining positions and side tables.
Lounge/ double chair
A lounge chair is similar to the quad-fold chair but is twice the size, making it perfect for sleeping and laying about while camping.
Portability
The weight, size, and the chair’s folded size will determine the portability of your chair–and whether it’s easier to carry around or not. You should also take into consideration whether your chairs fit inside your car as this can really become a problem.
Comfort
Comfort is subjective. You should choose between different options and weigh those according to which you find is the most comfortable for you.
Durability/ quality
Whether you are a first-time camper or a seasoned veteran, choose a high-quality chair that will last you for years. Always consider the durability of the chair before purchasing them.
Your weight
Your trip can easily turn into a disaster if your chair suddenly breaks down while you’re sitting on it. To prevent an accident from occurring, invest in durable chairs that can support your weight.
Tents with screen room
A screen room in your tent could be another space to place some of your equipment or storage. It keeps mosquitoes and other insects at bay, keeping you safe inside. Tents with screen rooms can also serve as an extension of your sleeping quarters or a play area for the kids.
Kid size sleeping bag
Children should have their own sleeping bags, separate from their parents. Consider the size and age of your kid in choosing a sleeping bag, and let them pick what they find is the most comfortable option for them.
Kids bottles
Kids’ bottles should also come in handy especially during long trips to the camping site. In this way, they can stay hydrated throughout the whole trip. Each kid must have their own bottle for hygienic purposes.
Boots
Kids’ boots must be on the checklist if they are going trekking, playing in the snow, or playing in the rain. This ensures that their feet are protected from harsh elements.
Backpack
There is no doubt that kids require a handful of essentials. When you’re out camping, you should always bring a backpack for your kids’ things, which should include, but is not limited to stuff like water, snacks, clothes, sunscreen, extra blanket and jacket, and most importantly means of identification like an ID.
Hats
Hats must be put into consideration, especially if it’s snowing. Even under the sun, it still offers great protection for your kids. Hence, make sure to carry one with you.
Headlight
Children should also have their headlights in place to prevent accidents from happening. Headlights are beneficial since they don’t have to use their hands–like in flashlights, to be able to see the trail. Instead, they can use them for other things like holding a grown-up’s hand for safe assistance while enjoying the journey.
Do Kids Really Need To Have Their Own Camping Gear?
Taking kids to the wilderness for an outdoor getaway creates excitement and thrill to their young hearts as they can explore the wonders of nature and of course, have fun. Being able to do stuff on their own paves the way for them to feel proud and confident in their capabilities.
Being responsibly in charge somehow creates a feeling of power for them. More so, seeing their parents equally equipped for the occasion instills courage and a sense of security in them. And of course, these things help them maintain safety during this whole experience.
Kids may get excited for a short while but after some time, they would get bored and would want to try on new things. One of the things that kids like and innately love to do is exploring the world around them.
Here are other things to bring when camping with kids:
Toys
Every parent fears their children being bored because that’s when the nagging begins. Also, some kids can’t go to sleep without their favorite toys beside them.
Hence, bringing your kids’ toys during camping will keep them entertained and at ease for the entire camping trip. You may bring sand toys (sand buckets, shovels, hoes, toy trucks, wagons), but if they are more of the indoor type, you may bring toy animal figures to portray wildlife and make nature come to life with their imagination.
Storage
After playing with their toys, children should be able to know exactly how and where to store them properly. There should be enough storage boxes or bins available for storage. Toys that are left scattered everywhere may pose danger or cause accidents if someone steps on them. Such a thing can very well be avoided with good discipline and of course, proper storage.
Binocular
Binoculars are a staple in all outdoor events and they will be useful starting from the time you are traveling. You will be able to watch the gorgeous sceneries and wildlife as you pass by them on the road. Thus, it’s wise not to leave this behind and miss out on the chance of watching breathtaking places and creatures from afar.
Magnifying Glass
As part of the whole camping experience, kids would like to explore the world around them, and the camping grounds will be the ideal venue for them to do this.
Using a magnifying glass, they will be able to observe the minutest of animals and insects that move around the earth. We never know, someday, they will develop a love and appreciation for nature.
Marshmallow sticks
After a fun-filled day of all camping merry-making and frolic, a much-expected gathering around a bonfire with the whole family and friends is the best way to end the day. Marshmallow sticks, or even s’mores, are a must-try for every camping experience.
Should You Bring Their Gadgets On Camping?
In a time dominated by technology, gadgets now play a major role in the lives of children throughout the world. Camping is a time to unwind and break free from your everyday life. It is recommended not to bring kids’ gadgets during a camping trip since they may not feel the excitement of exploring nature if their hands are tied to their gadgets.
This is a great opportunity for your kids to experience life in the outdoors, and gadgets may hinder that process. But, of course, the decision depends entirely on you. It is okay to bring gadgets especially when the kids get bored easily or when you are doing other tasks and can’t keep an eye on them all the time. If you ever decide to do so, ensure that they don’t spend most of their time on it.
Where Can You Store Their Gears?
There are many essential things to bring during camping, so organizing them accordingly is very important. Here are a variety of options where you can store your kids’ camping gear.
Storages
There are different kinds of storage from the foldable to the heavier luggage and bag types, depending on which you prefer. Storage bins are highly useful in keeping things organized. There should also be a label that specifies what kind of things are kept, such as toys, winter clothes, and tapestries like linen and blankets.
Bags
Backpacks and traveling bags are efficient means to store your kids’ camping gear. They are easy to carry and you can even have your kids bring their own tiny backpack to store their things.
Boxes
Storage boxes are a go-to these days as they are stackable, saves space, and allows more things to be stored. Bulkier equipment is best suited to be kept in boxes like those used in skiing or other outdoor activities.
Trash bags
Clean trash bags can be used to store camping gear. Sleeping bags and tents can also be stored in them since they come in different sizes; you can store almost anything in them. It is important to note that if you use trash bags, don’t keep them tightly sealed. Allow ventilation to prevent moulds and mildew.
Portable drawers
Children’s gear like pants, hats, mittens, and all clothing gear should be kept in the portable drawers, because like the boxes, these things are also stackable and provide easier access whenever you need them.
How to clean kid’s camping gear
The process of cleaning a kid’s gear depends solely on the type of material. For the steel types of gears, there are cleaning materials that can be bought from the grocery stores.
Shoes and boots can be cleaned first using a brush, especially the soles. You don’t have to do deep cleaning if the shoes are clean, you can just wipe them with a damp cloth. But if the shoes are filled with mud or dirt, you can use soap and water, together with a brush to clean the shoes. Leave it to completely dry to avoid molds and unwanted odor. All things made of cloth can be washed by either dry cleaning or manual washing.
