What to Pack for Your Camping Trip: Comfort vs. Packability
Packing for a camping trip is an art. If you’re new to camping, it can seem a little overwhelming to figure out which items are essential for your trip and which you can do without. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you must only pack essentials and nothing else.
Your camping experience can be way more enjoyable and fulfilling if you bring some personal comfort items with you. It can help to bring some personal knick-knacks with you when sleeping on the ground and living in the wilderness especially if you’re a beginner at camping.
Here are some essential supplies you’re gonna need for your campaign trip and how you can make space to bring some other items to make the experience more fun. Read on to learn more!
Basic Camping Necessities
These are some of the things you’re going to need to ensure that you will sleep safely and securely when camping. Firstly, you need a tent to sleep in and they come with stakes and poles. Bring a mallet with you to ensure that your stakes are firmly secure within the ground. You will also need sleeping bags, sleeping pads, or light air mattresses and some travel pillows.
If you’re car camping, you could also bring a folding table and some chairs. Not only does it make meals easier to consume, but it adds a touch of familiarity to the whole situation. If you’re a newcomer to the camping scene, this could make the whole experience a lot more comfortable.
Clothes
If you’re camping out of a backpack, you will have to be careful about how much you bring with you. Even if you’re camping out of a car and have more space to carry extra clothes with you, it’s recommended you carry as little as possible.
Ensure that your clothes are lightweight and appropriate for the weather. Also, ensure that you pack long pants and long-sleeved shirts as it could get cold during the night. Wear comfortable and sturdy hiking boots or shoes with wool socks to easily trek across wild terrains.
Apart from these, ensure to pack a waterproof jacket, a lightweight hat, and some sunglasses. If you aren’t necessarily comfortable with only packing lightweight fabrics, you can allow yourself one heavy piece of clothing that will keep you warm.
Food
Make space in your bag for an appropriate fuel-powered camping stove. Also bring some cooking and eating utensils, cutlery, and a reusable water bottle. You will also need a water filtration system as you will most likely source water from natural water bodies such as ponds or lakes.
Also, take pre-packaged food and snacks with you for when cooking isn’t possible or when you go hungry. If you have a favorite snack that you’d like to take with you, that isn’t entirely essential, substitute it for another pre-packaged snack.
These are some of the basic things you’re going to need on your camping trip. If you’re looking for a place to shop for your trip, take a look at our collections at American Trailhead. We offer a range of camping equipment for both seasoned and first-time campers. Contact us to learn more!