How to pack for camping
Camping is an enjoyable activity where you can have fun with your friends, family, or even by yourself. Part of what makes camping fun is that you only need to bring the basics, no need to lug the entire house. Packing for a camping trip needs only one rule – pack what you need.
Prepare your bags, containers, and other storage
Separate the storage for food, clothes, tent accessories, cooking utensils. Put the items you’re bringing in different bags or boxes will help you to organize and prevent your luggage from mixing.
Pack the basics
One of the great sides of camping is that you do not need to bring a lot. Make a checklist of the things you need for the trip and do not bring more than what you need.
Pack your clothes
Pack according to the weather, you may need to check the weather forecast for your camping trip. To maximize the space inside your bag you can:
- Roll up your clothes so that they will become smaller
- Bring lightweight clothes (if the weather is sunny)
- Use airtight bags to store your clothes and compress the air out of the bags
Pack your cooking utensils
Make sure your cooking utensils are in a box with a sturdy lid and for washing dishes bring eco-friendly soap.
Here are a few essential cooking utensils to bring:
- Pots and pans
- Glasses
- Spoons, forks, knives
- Potable water or a filter
Prepare the food early
For camping trips, make what you can at home. Plan what to eat for every day so that you can know what to buy and plan how to pack them in a way that makes the most of every ingredient.
Pack your personal stuff
Don’t forget your essentials when on a camping trip:
- For hygiene – toothbrush, shampoo, tissue, soap
- For emergencies – ID, keys, cash, portable GPS, maps, extra batteries
Pack emergency supplies
Pack for emergencies especially if you are going camping by yourself in an isolated campsite. Bring a first aid kit, extra food and clothes, and navigational items in case you get lost.
Packing with kids for camping
Packing for your whole family is not an easy job and if you forget something at home, it will drag down the fun in the camping trip. Make sure that does not happen with this camping list, make it fun and enjoyable for both you and your kids.
Aside from the essentials, never forget to bring these when packing for kids:
Their toys
The concept of camping may be new for your kids and they might find themselves uncomfortable in an unfamiliar place. Bring something familiar to them such as their toys to help them adjust to the new environment.
Snacks
Kids have a lot of energy to spend. Let them run and play to their heart’s content while on a camping trip and bring enough snacks to replenish their energy.
Seperate storage per person
Make sure that your kids have different storage bags or boxes for their clothes, underwear, toys, etc.
Sunscreen
Bring sunscreen and reapply always. This prevents sunburns on your kid’s skin and in the long run, it prevents skin cancer.
Mosquito and insect repellant
An insect repellant protects your kids from insect bites or diseases that can be transmitted through insects. Reapply often as suggested on the bottle.
Hats
Take your sun-protection methods up a notch by bringing hats for your kids. Let them wear these especially during hot sunny days where they have to be outside all the time.
Extra towels
Bring extra towels for your kids. You never know when you might need them.
Toiletries
Don’t neglect your children’s hygiene especially on a camping trip. Bring child-friendly and eco-friendly shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.
Packing with pets for camping
Bringing along your pets on a camping trip increases the likelihood of fun and adventure. Having a pet that loves the outdoors also requires you to pack essentials for them:
I.D tags
ID tags are very important and very useful in case your pet gets lost. Update your information and if you can, implant a GPS chip on your dog.
Leash
A leash keeps your pet from straying too far and it also keeps them close when other animals or people are near.
Collar or Harness
This depends on your preference but collars are good for letting others know that your pet has an owner and harnesses are safer on their necks while walking or running.
Own bed
Your pet also needs its own space to sleep on. Camping trips can get cold.
Bowls
Bring bowls for their food and water. Don’t let your pet eat from the ground.
Poop bags
Leaving your pet’s poop anywhere is a big no on camping grounds. Always bring poop bags and clean after your pet.
First aid kit
Walking on the rough ground can result in cuts or injuries for your pet. You can buy a pet first aid kit or make your own.
Toys
Toys will keep your pet occupied when you need to do something alone like pitch your tent.
