Going on your first camping trip means having the right equipment to make the experience as pleasant as possible. However, not having all the right equipment means making an unpleasant discovery just when you need it the most.
What follows is a list of important items you need to have when going on your first camping trip. In addition to this list, you should consider any unique circumstances such as cold, heat, or unusual conditions.
Table of Contents
Basic Equipment
If you are going out on any camping trip, you should take the following items.
- Tent, if you are not sleeping in the Camper
- Sleeping Bags, Pads, and Pillows
- Flashlights, Matches, and Lantern w/Fuel
- Camping Chairs and Table
- Clothing, Food, and Water
These are the basic items needed to at least survive your camping trip in some comfort. In addition, you should always have a first-aid kit that can take care of minor injuries, cuts, and scrapes. But there are other items that you should seriously consider taking along to make your stay in the outdoors more enjoyable.
- Axe, Saw, and Hammer
- Duct Tape, Knife, and Extra Cord
- Repair Kits for Tent Poles, Pads, and Mattresses
- GPS or Satellite Phone
Cutting tools are virtually essential, especially if you are chopping wood to build a fire. They can also come in handy for quite a number of things. Duct tape and a knife can temporarily repair many items. But having a repair kit for your pads, mattresses, and tent if you are staying outdoors can be quite beneficial. Do not forget having patches to temporarily repair any tent or shelter.
Be sure to tell someone that you are going out camping. They should hear from you by a pre-set date. If they do not, that person should be instructed to call the proper authorities.
Cooking
If you plan on cooking on your trip, then you will need to have a stove. Either a built-in stove inside the camper or a portable one. In addition to the stove, you will need the following.
- Fuel, Frying Pan, Plates, Glasses, and Utensils
- Cutting Board, Cooler, and Sink
- Water Bottles and Biodegradable Soap
Of course, you will also need the food as well. Make a checklist of necessary items and be sure they are in your camper. An easy way to base your list is with the items in the home that you use for cooking.
Other Items
It pays to take along extra items, although you may be pressed for space. What follows are a few items that can be quite handy to have along.
- Storage Bins, Water Jugs, and Portable Containers
- Grill, Rack, and Charcoal
- Portable Coffee or Tea Maker, Marshmallows, and Hot Dogs
There is nothing like cooking over an open fire. Plus, if you are traveling during the winter, extra clothing and coats will be necessary. During the heat of the summer, you’ll want sunscreen, insect repellent, and perhaps a solar-powered fan w/battery just to keep the air inside the camper moving.
