Being prepared for a camping trip with adequate camping gear is an essential part of having an enjoyable and safe outing. On the other hand, any camping pro will tell you it’s just as important not to be weigh down your backpacks with travel gear you don’t need. To help you prepare for your next outdoor trip, we’ve put together a list of the camping travel accessories that you should bring with you:
- Water!
We cannot stress enough how critical it is to have access to plenty of water throughout your trip. If the location of your campsite doesn’t have any water on its own, you should bring enough water for both preparing food and for all of the campers to stay hydrated throughout your trip. Dehydration is extremely dangerous, and can even result in death! - Shelter
OK, we have to admit, some people can enjoy a camping trip with nothing but the stars above them. However, if you’re reading this, we’re assuming you’re not that very small demographic of people who enjoy discomfort.
If money is no issue and you are not one to enjoy roughing it, you can find RVs with all of the comfort of home. Otherwise, you can find an inexpensive tent at any sporting goods or outdoor clothing store. If you’re using an older tent that you haven’t opened in the last year, make sure to air it out before your outing and look it over to make sure it’s not moldy or damaged, and includes all the stakes and accessories you need to have adequate protection from the elements. - Sleeping Gear
If you want to travel light, there are a lot of things you can do without; a sleeping bag is not one of them. When you are camping outdoors, you don’t have a guarantee that the weather will be appropriate for sleeping without a sleeping bag. This is another inexpensive item you can acquire from any camping or outdoor clothing store.
If you feel like traveling in a luxury, you can consider an air mattress or sleeping mat for extra comfort. These are things that you could survive without if you are okay with roughing it though. - Lighting Tools
Having a flashlight is not an optional accessory for your safe camping experience, and it is also important not to forget to bring extra batteries so you aren’t left in the dark. Using a lantern is an even better option, as it illuminates every direction and stands on its own. Most outdoor clothing stores offer flashlights for a few dollars, but we recommend making an investment in a better quality flashlight for your camping trip; having light in the dark is a critical part of staying safe. - Campfire Supplies
There are a few technological advances that separate us from the wild more so than our ability to create fire. Make sure to bring all of the fire-starting tools that you need for camp fire; at a minimum you need matches (stored in a Ziploc bag to keep water out) and kindling (such as firewood if it’s not readily available) to have maintain an adequate fire.
You should also keep in mind that most campsites have their own regulations for campfires to prevent wildfires. - Cooking Gear
If your camping outing is going to last more than three hours, you are most likely going to get hungry at some point during your trip. In addition to bringing the food you plan to eat, you should be equipped with the gear you need for preparing it. Most sports or outdoor clothing stores offer the essentials: campfire pots and pans, cooking utensils, a can opener, and a good sturdy ice chest. Don’t forget to bring plates and knives and forks for serving your feast! - First Aid Kit
Bringing a first aid kit on your camping trip is a non-negotiable. Having a first aid kit to treat any injuries that occur during your outing is incredibly important for keeping yourself and your fellow campers safe. In some case, administering immediate first-aid can be life saving. You can find a comprehensive first aid kit at any outdoor clothing store.
Do you know of any other must-have items for a camping trip that we didn’t mention? Please add them in the comment section below!