Regardless if you are a nature buff or just someone looking for a gadget-free getaway, camping is that one activity we want to add to our bucket lists. Spending time outdoors can be a great and exciting adventure, but it can also be unsafe if you come unprepared. If you are sitting at home planning your first camping trip, add these basic pieces of equipment that will help you conveniently survive in the wilderness.
Water Bottles or Tumblers
Every camper, first-timer or not, knows the importance of bringing your own and enough water supply when heading out. The last thing you would want is to be stuck on a path or campsite with no access to clean drinking water. Though there is a chance that you may come across a river or pond, it is not advisable to drink from there because the water may contain bacteria that can cause stomach ache and diarrhea.
Dehydration is one of the most common problems of people who go outdoors, especially during the summer. On average, a person must drink at least 16 to 20 ounces of water one to two hours before heading out. Camping includes a lot of walking and hiking, and it’s considered an active exercise, so you should consume 6 to 12 ounces of water every ten to fifteen minutes.
You should avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks like coffee and soda because they just lower down your electrolytes in the long run. Clean water is still the top choice of fluid to stay hydrated when outdoors. You can also Gatorade and packed fruit juice and fruit-based drinks if you want flavored substitutes for water.
Cooking Equipment
You might be bringing ready-to-eat foods like protein bars and precooked packed meals, but it’s also important for you to bring even the most basic types of cooking equipment. When camping out, you have to always assume that the site may not be near any convenient store, so it’s best to have a means of cooking than be hungry at any point of the trip.
Though there are so many cool kitchen gadgets and gizmos, do not be tempted to bring your whole kitchen just for the sake of ‘what if.’ For campers, little is always too much because chances are, you would be carrying all this stuff on your back most of the time. To begin with, here is the basic cooking equipment that will help you get through the trip:
- Portable Gas stove
- Extra Butane Can
- Utensils
- Knife
- Matchbox or Lighter
- Stainless Kettle
- Aluminum Foil
- Grilling Mat
- A deep pot
- Pan
- Cooler
Beddings
A sleeping bag is ideal if you are going on a trip alone. It is portable and easy to carry compared to a tent. When choosing a sleeping bag, the temperature is a feature that you need to pay attention to. If you are going on a camp during fair weather, then a simple summer bag will do. Generally speaking, summer sleeping bags are marked with a temperature rating of positive 35 degrees Fahrenheit and above.
If your trip is scheduled during cold weather, then a three-season bag is the best option for you. These bags can keep you warm because it has thicker material and ability to adjust to cold temperature. Some of the most common sleeping bags you’ll find are:
- Mummy Bag – designed to cozily fit the sleeper, mummy bags often have a feature that allows you to tuck your head in an insulated hood. It is the lightest type of summer bag on the market. For cooler temperatures, the mummy bag can retain more heat than the rectangular bag.
- Rectangular Bag – the rectangular bag is the most common type of sleeping bag. Its shape allows the sleeper to have room for movement. These bags feature double zippers that are used to combining two bags.
- Semi Rectangular Bag – the latest type of sleeping bag, the semi-rectangular bag is a combination of a mummy and rectangular bag. This is the best option for campers that often feel cold when they sleep.
Tents
The shelter is an important camping gear that you need to add to your list, whether you want a larger sleeping space or a shelter that can fit you and your family or friends. Tents can be a little expensive, and their prices differ based on the size and material used.
Generally speaking, the cost of a basic tent that can fit four people starts at USD 50, while a dome tent that features a wide roof and vents can cost between USD 80 to USD 300. The most expensive type of tent is priced between USD 300 and USD700.
If you are on a tight budget, you can try going to a vintage store or secondhand camping gear shops. You’ll be surprised to find good items in these stores at an affordable price.
Emergency Kits
Things can be unpredictable when you are in the middle of the wilderness. When putting up whole camping gear, never forget to include an emergency kit that contains even the most basic medical items. This can help you provide first-aid care during an emergency.
This should be prepared beforehand and put inside your bag to ensure that you do not forget it on the day of the trip. Some of the items you need to include in your first-aid kit are:
- Alcohol
- Iodine
- Gauze
- Scissors
- Medical Tape
- Alcohol Swabs
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Ibuprofen
- Anti-diarrhea medicine
- Butterfly Bandages
These are the main things that you must add to your whole camping gear. By packing these five items, you’ll be able to handle any emergency while surviving comfortably in the wild. Take the time to add more items to your checklist, and keep on looking forward to that day when you’ll be united with Mother Nature.
