Camping is an incredible way to enjoy time outdoors with friends and family. It’s truly a luxury to escape the busyness of everyday life, breathe fresh air, and soak in gorgeous views of mother nature.
But if you aren’t an avid camper, you’re probably wondering how to pack for a camping trip. What if you don’t bring enough? What if you bring too much? What if you forget something important?
The truth is, packing for a camping trip is far easier than you may realize. Especially if your trip will only be 1 or 2 nights. Follow this camping checklist and our clothing recommendations to make it easier to get into the woods and enjoy your time.
What to Wear Camping
If you want to enjoy your camping trip, it’s important to wear the right clothing. Always check the weather forecast before venturing outdoors, and bring warm layers and rain protection as a backup.
You’ll want to avoid cotton clothing if possible. Cotton, once wet, takes a long time to dry and will not keep you warm.
Bring clothing made of synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon, or natural materials such as merino wool. These dry quickly and will keep you warm, even if they do get wet.
Wear quality hiking boots and bring comfortable shoes to wear around your campsite, such as sandals or outdoor slippers. A hat to protect from sunburns helps too.
How to Pack for a Camping Trip
When it comes to gear, here’s what to bring camping. It helps to break it down into these 4 categories;
- Campsite
- Kitchen
- Personal items
- Activities
The campsite and kitchen categories are the most important. You need shelter and food in the wilderness, just like back at home.
The best options for shelter are tents and hammocks. Tents are great when multiple people, such as couples or families, need to share space.
Hammocks are perfect for individuals who don’t need a full tent to sleep comfortably. Many people prefer sleeping in hammocks instead of sleeping on the hard ground.
Make sure to bring a hammock with a bug net and rainfly to stay comfortable. Check out these hammocks for comfort and protection. Your campsite equipment will also include sleeping bags and pads, chairs, and a lantern or flashlight.
When it comes to the kitchen, you can bring a camping stove to heat and cook food, or bring food that doesn’t require cooking, if on a shorter trip. Make sure to bring plates, bowls, utensils, matches, and a knife.
And don’t forget your personal camping essentials; sunscreen, bug spray, deodorant, sanitizer, and earplugs. You can also bring equipment for outdoor activities, such as kayaks, mountain bikes, or trekking poles for hiking.
How to Go Camping
Camping is one of the easiest outdoor activities to try. If you are a new camper, simply plan a 1-night trip to test it out. That way, if you do something wrong or forget an important item, it’s not a big deal.
Don’t worry so much about how to pack for a camping trip. You’ll make it through 1 night and learn what you do and don’t need.
To go camping for the first time, just search for a nearby campground, state park, or national park and schedule your trip. And if you need additional tips, you can check out some more posts on our blog.
