Packing for any trip needs to be considered in advance, but packing for camping is more complicated because there is no waiter, room service or shop to buy forgotten items. Campers are all alone, which usually means they have to pack more things, or at least they have to pack them in a different way.
Some camping methods have more space for activities than others. Backpackers want to reduce their load and make them as light as possible. On the other hand, car campers can almost stuff their kitchen sink into the back seat of their SUV. Therefore, camping must depend on how you plan to reach your campsite.
Sleep and keep warm
Even people who drive to camp need a place to sleep. But there are tents here and there are tents, ranging from simple to chic.
Find one with rain flies and ground cloth. The first is to prevent rainwater from entering, and the second is also called "footprints", which can prevent the tent floor from being torn apart by pedestrians and bad weather. In an emergency, the tarp can act as a footprint, and if the weather becomes damp, it can also act as an additional tent-in this case, put it on the campfire.
The temperature of the sleeping bag is between 30 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, even in spring and autumn camping. Add about 10 degrees to the expected temperature. Its temperature rating is the coldest temperature it can withstand, but it still makes you feel comfortable. In hot and humid weather, a sleeping pad or air cushion, some blankets or sheets are suitable. In any case, you may need to put a mat under the sleeping bag to protect you from hard ground.
Pillows and camping chairs are optional. Backpackers who don’t want to carry pillows with them—no matter how light they are—usually just bring a pillowcase and tuck the clothes inside to make a makeshift pillow. They also don’t want to drag the chair to the camp, but car campers can usually find some space in their car to make this creature comfortable.
What to wear?
Ease is the most important thing. Now is not the time to spend money on new outfits-your favorite jeans or leggings will neither pinch your feet nor bring unexpected discomfort. There will be dust and sweat, so clothes that you can hand wash at the campsite are ideal.
Don’t forget rain gear, even car campers will want shoes suitable for hiking. Be prepared for the weather, wear the right coat, and remember that outdoors, the temperature is often colder than on city streets. Wearing an extra pair of socks is a good idea-your feet will also sweat. Comfortable evening shoes would be a good addition.
Kitchen in the wilderness
The food you need to prepare also depends on how you go to the camp, whether you are hiking with big backpacks or driving directly to your predetermined location. Car campers can bring a lot of materials for some important cooking-make a list of materials, check twice, and then start pre-measurement, put them all in a sealed plastic bag. Backpackers may want to stick to small, light basic elements such as ramen. Don’t forget some simple and nutritious snacks that don’t require cooking. Peanut butter is healthy, high in protein, and can be scooped straight out of the jar without any fuss.
A decent camping stove can be a good substitute for hot dog sticks on the fire. Cast iron cookware is an ideal choice for hanging on an open flame, although backpackers certainly don’t want to drag such heavy objects and should replace lightweight aluminum cookware.
Bring fuel and ignition for the camping stove, or at least a few more matches sealed in a waterproof bag. Take plates and cutlery, preferably paper and plastic. "Real" plates and cutlery require biodegradable soap to clean. Bring trash bags so you can leave the campsite neatly for the next visitor.
Most importantly, don't forget to bring water. The existing water in the camp may not be drinkable, but you can boil it to purify it in an emergency—for every 1,000 feet of elevation, an additional minute is added. You can also buy some water purification tablets to take with you.
Play it safe
Carry a first aid kit with you, including at least bandages, ointments, painkillers, mole skin that may blister, calamine lotion, or aloe vera. Cell phones are unreliable in the wild, so bring a whistle and two-way radio or walkie-talkie as a backup. Determine the location of the nearest medical facility. Write down the emergency contact number and bring it with you.
Common sense is helpful for other must-have things: route maps and old-fashioned compasses are very important-no need to rely on charging mobile phones. Both the body and the camp should take insect repellent, such as citronella candles. Bring sunscreen, headlights, lanterns, flashlights, and some change in case the campsite needs a shower. Some sites require permission, so you need to investigate in advance. In many potential situations, rope is essential.
