One of the most exhilarating leisure and fun-filled activities is camping. In order for it to be a great outdoor activity and a stress free vacation, you must be sure to pack all necessary equipment. It’s a given that we as humans tend to be forgetful at times. However, don’t let this fact of human-nature ruin your camping trip. It’s unlikely that you will forget the main gear like tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear, or food. However, there are some not so obvious items that are easy to overlook if you don’t have a good and complete checklist.
Tent Gear
As I stated earlier, people will remember to provide overhead cover with the tent but most people will tend to forget the cover under them. A plastic cover to place on the ground inside the tent can be the difference between a comfortable outing and a wet miserable one should water breach the tent. If you’re camping on rocky terrain, an air mattress may provide the additional comfort you need, especially if you are prone to back pain. If you do not want to bother with an air mattress, then you can use a foam pad to provide you more comfort on rough surfaces. The weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains, so an emergency blanket can really come in handy when it gets cool.
Small Tools
Small tools are gear that can easily be forgotten. This might include a mini shovel for digging a latrine or a rubber mallet for setting up your tent. A tent repair kit can really come in handy if a heavy rain comes and your tent has developed holes in it. Having one of these can help keep your tent sealed and dry. An extremely useful tool is duct tape. Duct tape is very useful in repairing other camping gear. The list of equipment you may need to take maybe long, but remember the whole point is to make your back-to-nature experience an enjoyable and unforgettable one.
Lighting
Having some light when the sun goes down can be really useful, especially when you are trying to get settled in the tent, or if you find yourself having to wander off in search of a good spot to relieve yourself when the time comes. A camp fire alone is not enough lighting.
First Aid
Other essential items that can be easily forgotten are insect repellent and lotions for rashes. There are all sorts of bugs and poisonous plants in the great outdoors that can provide some nasty bites and rashes. Having a good repellant and lotion can save you from days of misery. A first aid kit is a must have on any trip where immediate medical services are not available. This can be one of the most important pieces of camping equipment that you can bring and you don’t want to be caught without one if something unfortunate happens to someone in your group.