Camping is one of the best ways to spend your holiday or pass the time on a long weekend with your significant other. Still, there’s more to packing for the trip that meets the eye, and we all know just how lame it can feel to find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere with a piece of gear missing from your trunk. Nevertheless, there are a few things which you can do when you are packing your bags and calling it a holiday to make sure you stay on the safe and well-equipped side of the camping agenda. If you want to pull out all the stops to a perfect camping experience, arm yourself with a list with all the essentials for the trip – and be sure to include these five must-haves.
1. The right tent for the adventure
Camping in unfamiliar terrain can be quite a challenge, especially if you’re not an experienced adventurer capable of pitching a tent and sorting out the campsite on your own. To stay on the comfortable side of the camping trip, be sure to pack a decently sized tent which will take in both your sleeping bags, you and your partner, and all your gear. For bonus design points, you should try to look your best on your LGBTQ camping adventure and top your cool clothes with a tent toting a rainbow print. (If you don’t want to flaunt your orientation head-on, any other tent design will do the trick, of course.)
2. Perfect bag for sleeping beauties
When it comes to sleeping outdoors, most people are not all too delighted with the notion of sleeping bags, but these will simply have to do if you’re determined to brave the wild as a true-blue camper. Hammocks and sleeping bags come in a wide range of designs and sizes, and you will be able to take your pick from an impressive range of sleepers available on the market. For maximum comfort and safety, go for weather- and insect-proof materials and opt for durability over appearances. After all, you need a sleeper that offers high functionality, whereas the concern for colors and extras comes second.
3. Camping gadgets and gizmos
Once you’ve picked the right hammock or sleeping bag and tent for the trip, it’s time to pack the necessary gizmos and gadgets you will need out in the wild. A compass, knife, whistle and flashlight are a must-have for a newbie and experienced camper alike so make sure you have them in your backpack if you’re to go on a camping trip you’ll never forget. In addition to that, you can also arm yourself with maps, protective gear and insect repellants, and also add sufficient quantities of wet wipes and toilet paper, just to stay on the safe and clean side of the adventure.
4. Safest place to keep valuables
The fact that you’re braving the wild like Bear Grills doesn’t mean you must leave all the valuables home. Getting to and from your camping site usually involves money, and it’s always good to have some extra cash in the event of an emergency. For this reason, it might be a good idea to pack a weather-proof carbon fiber wallet and stuff it with your ID, credit cards, and other vital documents which might come in handy if you find yourself in a tight spot while enjoying your camping trip.
5. Enough food to feed a camper
Food may not be your priority concern in everyday life, but it will certainly become one once you find yourself faced with wilderness without a takeout or a restaurant nearby. To stay on the well-fed side of the trip, you should pack sufficient quantities of dried food and cans. Also, it might be a smart idea to bring along a generous amount of snacks such as almonds, figs, and hazelnuts to tide you over in case your staples run short. That way, you will be able to endure at least a day longer on your camping, come rain or shine.
Ready to take your camping trip to a whole new level? Follow the packing tips above and your comfort and satisfaction will certainly not fall short of the mark. Good luck!