Camping Essentials: A List To Aid You Bear In Mind The Things You Have To Bring In

By Author: Jo Alelsto
Total Articles: 405
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Save for those who are obsessive-compulsive who double or triple check their camping checklist, most of us end up forgetting something. It's so frustrating when you realize you have forgotten something and there's nothing you can do about it because you're in the middle of nowhere. Okay, maybe not in the middle of nowhere but far enough from the nearest store.

What do you need to include in your checklist?

Camping essentials are those items which you can not simply do without in the campsite and these are shelter and bedding, cooking and eating, food and drink, first aid kit, personal hygiene, clothes, and cleaning items. There are also articles which are not necessary for camping set up but you'll be glad you brought them along such as binoculars, a deck of cards, a hammock, sewing kit, and of course, a camera or camcorder though some people would consider these as camping essentials.

Here is your list:

1. Shelter and bedding
Tent, poles, stakes
Sleeping bags
Sleeping pad
Headrest
Tarp

2. Cooking and eating
Cooler
Camp stone/burner
...
... Can opener
Matches
Charcoal
Knife
Eating utensils
Cooking wares
Water container

3. Food and drink
Water (at least 600mL per person per day)
Food (as much as needed and then some for emergency)
4. First aid kit
Personal medication
Bandages, gauze, medical tape, tweezers
Antiseptic, alcohol
Aspirin, sinus tablets, antacid
Bug repellant
Sunburn ointment
Band aids
Eye drops

5. Personal hygiene
Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
Soap, shampoo, shaving cream, razor
Comb, hair brush
Deodorant
Toilet paper
Towel

6. Clothes
Jacket (depending on the weather)
Shirts, pants, underwear
Shoes, hiking boots
Hat/cap
Socks
Gloves/mittens

7. Cleaning items
Detergent soap (biodegradable is preferred)
Dish rags
Dish pans
Broom, dust pan, garbage bag (separate biodegradable from non-biodegradable)

There may be some items you'd like to add to the above list and please do add what you think you will need. However, don't pack too many unnecessary articles, bring only what you need. You may be taking some time off from work to enjoy the great outdoors but you're not going to have a luxury vacation so please leave that linen blanket behind.

Another important thing you should remember is to be a responsible camper. Therefore the cleaning items listed above are essentials. Separate your wastes into biodegradable and non-biodegradable, and as mush as possible use only biodegradable detergent and soaps.

One more thing you shouldn't forget to bring with you is the digital camera or a camcorder. Some very unforgettable moments are bound to happen and you better be ready to capture them. The great outdoors is also a wonderful venue to put those hidden photographic talents to work.
The most famous line among campers, hikers, and mountain climbers is: "Take nothing but pictures leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time. So do you part, gather all your garbage, even those which are not yours, separate them accordingly and throw them at the designated area. Be sure you put out the fire when you leave the campsite; many a bushfire begin from a forgotten camp fire.

Armed with the checklist and some tips, you'll be all set for that long-awaited time off, away from the bustles of the city life. So enjoy the sunshine, the fresh air, the bird songs, cicada symphony, and the clear, starry night sky. But remember, be a responsible camper so that others today and in the years to come can also take pleasure in the great outdoors.
Jo is a writer for ‘Great Outdoors' (http://www.greatoutdoorsdirect.co.uk), a major seller of the most excellent camping and outdoor equipment in UK. If you are preparing to go on an outdoor escapade and are looking for a high quality branded tent like the Coleman tents or some outdoor outfits and footwear and other outdoor equipment that are sold at affordable prices then check out Great Outdoors.