Essentials To Always Take Camping

1. Tent

Image Source - reddit.com

Rule number one should be to never forget your tent when getting your items together when packing for a camping trip. It doesn't matter if this is a two or ten-man tent, you're going to need some shelter from the elements, so you're able to get a good night's sleep and not suffer the effects of Hypothermia! The hardest part will be getting the tent set up.

2. Sleeping bags

Image Source - fierceturtle.co.uk

If camping during the winter months, a tent will not be enough to keep you warm, you will also need to bring along some sleeping bags on the trip to make sure you're feeling fresh after a restful sleep. There is nothing worse than going to bed at home without a duvet, so having access to a sleeping bag is essential. just make sure you have enough for all your camp mates!

3. Pillows

Image Source - reddit.com

Staying on the topic of sleep, after packing your tent and sleeping bags, the next on the list should be pillows. One should be enough, so shouldn't take up much room in your car. This camping essential will allow you to get your head down after a hard day camping and can even double up as your weapon of choice in a spontaneous pillow fight that could break out.

4. Flashlight

Image Source - reddit.com

This item could easily be left on your kitchen side as you're rushing around getting everything sorted before leaving for your destination. A flashlight is essential for when you go camping, this will help you retrieve any items that you may miss-place outside your tent in the dark of night and will also make your route visible if you go on a midnight hike!

5. Camping table and chairs

Image Source - reddit.com

You wouldn't want to eat your meals on the floor at home, so why would you want to do this whilst camping? So you're able to eat in comfort whilst, on your holidays, it's important that you bring some camping tables and chairs. This will also provide you with a place to rest your legs if spending your days exploring the wilderness around your campsite.

6. Grill

Image Source - reddit.com

Who doesn't love a barbecue? It's important that you bring your portable grill when planning your next camping holiday. You're likely to be setting up camp in the middle of nowhere, so there will be no takeaways to grab a quick bite! Having your grill handy will mean you'll be able to cook up a storm in a field, keeping all your camp mates happy!

7. Cooler

Image Source - reddit.com

What's cooler than being cool? Ice cold! Make sure you don't forget your food/drink cooler when planning for your upcoming camping trip. This is essential, as this will keep any food you bring fresh and ready to cook, it will also keep any drinks including alcohol, nice and cold when you're wanting to quench your thirst. So bring your champagne glasses.

8. Hammock

Image Source - reddit.com

A surprise inclusion on this essentials list is a Hammock which may be classed as a luxury item, as these are usually seen in the Caribbean. If the weather stays warm and dry, you'll have the option to swap the sleeping bag for the Hammock and have a night sleeping under the stars. This also reduces the risk of receiving any bug bites throughout the night.

9. Hairbrush

Image Source - reddit.com

If you suffer each morning from a bad case of bedhead, then bringing a hairbrush is essential for all your family and friends when getting ready for camping. Having this item handy at all times will allow you to maintain your appearance and can even double up as a microphone if you have a night of camping karaoke. Which song would you choose to sing?

10. Clothes

Image Source - reddit.com

This should go without saying as you also need these things for everyday life. Number ten on the essential list is clothes. Unless you've booked a nudist camp, then to ensure you don't get arrested you will need to make sure you wear clothes. Bringing clothes that are practical for the expected weather conditions is also important for health reasons.

11. Pyjamas

Image Source - reddit.com

The evenings won't be as comfy when having a pyjama party, however, it is still important that you pack a few Pyjamas before heading to base camp. Nobody wants to sleep in hiking pants or jeans, so this item will ensure you have a better chance of getting a better quality of sleep due to improved comfort and movement in your sleeping bag. How many sets are you bringing?

12. Towels

Image Source - reddit.com

Packing a few towels before you go camping is very important, this is an item we take for granted and would certainly be missed if forgotten. Having a towel will also mean you're able to stay healthy keeping you dry and warm after showers each day. For those with long hair, towels can also be wrapped around the head to replace the hairdryer used at home.

13. Shoes

Image Source - reddit.com

Have you planned a weekend of hiking to go alongside your camping? If so, you will need some practical shoes for the long walks to protect your ankles and feet. If you bring the incorrect footwear, then this increases the risk of suffering a slip or fall on rough terrain. Having a fall could cut your trip short as a hospital visit could be required.

14. Food

Image Source - reddit.com

Food is an essential item for life, however, is also very important if you're planning to go camping. To save you from foraging off the land to survive, bringing a full stock of food that can be stored in the cooler and cooked on the grill and this will keep you satisfied and energized whilst on your trip. What would be your number one camping meal?

15. Water bottles

Image Source - reddit.com

Alongside food bringing enough water is also an essential item when camping. It has been proven that a human can only survive up to 3 days without water, so you will need to turn around and head back home if you don't have any. Water is not only for drinking whilst camping, this can also be used for washing any clothes, cutlery, or even your hair.

16. Bluetooth speaker

Image Source - reddit.com

Without any Bluetooth speakers, there will be no campsite parties. So this is seen as an essential item if you're a secret party animal. This will also be a handy tool to make some new friends, as those without a speaker will want to get in on the action and be involved with your campsite nightlife. What would be the name of your campsite nightclub?

17. Portable power station

Image Source - appleinsider.com

Unless you've chosen to go glamping rather than camping, then during your holiday you're going to have no access to electricity. This makes a portable power station an essential item, to ensure you're able to keep all your other portable devices fully charged, including the Bluetooth speakers previously discussed and cell phones which could be needed in an emergency.

18. Books

Image Source - reddit.com

If your portable power station has been forgotten and you don't have access to electricity, then bringing some books for the trip is essential. These will help you relieve any periods of boredom when on your camping holiday and will also broaden your knowledge at the same time. How many books would you bring for a week-long holiday and which one is your first choice?

19. Maps

Image Source - visittampabay.com

Bringing maps of the local area is very important when going camping, especially if you're visiting an area that you're not familiar with. This will ensure that if you do get lost whilst on a trail you'll have the tools needed to get back to camp and this will also help improve your navigation skills. A map will also help you plan which excursions you want to take.

20. Insect repellant

Image Source - reddit.com

There is nothing worse than coming back home from a week of camping covered head to toe in insect bites. These can be extremely annoying and uncomfortable, which can potentially ruin your camping holiday. To avoid this, it's essential that you bring some cans of Insect repellent, having access to this will ensure your holiday will be itch and scratch-free.

21. Sunscreen

Image Source - reddit.com

Do you see yourself as a bit of a sun god? If you do and you're planning to camp in a location where the temperature is going to be high, it's essential that you bring a variety of sunscreen, especially if children are joining you on the trip. This will prevent anyone from falling ill due to sun exposure and needing further treatment at the local hospital.

22. Sunglasses

Image Source - reddit.com

Sunglasses are also seen as an essential item when getting ready to go camping. This helps in the same way sunscreen does which has been previously discussed. When spending some extended time in the wilderness the sun's glare can cause damage to your eyes which can include fatigue and muscle damage. So they will provide you with protection and make you look cool.

23. Mirror

Image Source - reddit.com

This item is always an easy one to forget but is needed whilst camping for a number of reasons. Having a mirror is first required for how you would use it at home, to get ready for the long days on camp. As you won't have access to a standard bathroom this will also be used to clean yourself and even in emergencies can be used when signalling for help.

24. Swimsuit

Image Source - reddit.com

When preparing for a week of camping it's important that you pack for all possible scenarios, so this is why a swimsuit has been included in the list of essential items. The trip could provide you with an opportunity to go for a dip in the local lake or for a spot of sunbathing. Having this item of clothing available ensures you won't miss out on any of the fun.

25. Flip flops

Image Source - reddit.com

After a long day out hiking on the local trails, all you're wanting to do is rest and put your feet up. As you're likely to be in pain and maybe have some sore blisters, it's essential that you have something more comfortable to wear on your feet. This is why you shouldn't forget to pack some flip-flops before leaving home. These are not only for the beach.

26. Games

Image Source - reddit.com

It can be quite a shock to the system when camping in the wilderness, you're away from everyday reality and have to come up with other ways of keeping yourself entertained. This is why games make the top 30 list of camping essentials. Bringing your favorite games will make sure you and your camp mates are never bored. Which games are on your list to bring?

27. Clothesline with clips

Image Source - reddit.com

The weather when camping can always be unpredictable, so when you're getting your items all together to bring with you, it's essential not to forget a clothesline with clips. If there is constant rain on your trip, then your clothes are likely to become wet and damp. When this happens you'll be able to wash your clothes with your bottled water and then dry them on the clothesline.

28. Firewood

Image Source - reddit.com

It's important to keep warm when out camping and the best way to do this in the wild is to create your own fire. One essential item required for this is firewood, now if you don't have any wood at home, don't worry, you should be able to source this on or around your campsite. If you need to do this, don't forget to bring an axe or other cutting tool.

29. Trash bags

Image Source - reddit.com

Camping for a week or longer can be a very messy holiday, with the amount of food, drink, and other condiments that need to be packed. Due to this, it is essential that you also bring some trash bags, to be able to tidy up all the trash that is left from your camping stay. Don't be the group that leaves all their trash behind for others to pick up.

30. First-aid kit

Image Source - reddit.com

When camping generally you are miles away from urban areas, so if there is an emergency on the campsite, it is essential that a first aid kit is packed. If there is an incident and emergency services are required, it could take hours for them to arrive, if they're able to access your location at all. So having a first aid kit handy could be a life saver.