When I go camping, I like to be prepared. Not only do I take stuff like a tent and a sleeping bag, but I also take less essential things like ingredients for s’mores or a good book. However, sometimes, I like to keep packing as basic as possible, and after a bit of experimentation, I’ve narrowed the list down to ten essential items.
Keep in mind that these are just my personal picks; yours could be a lot different, depending on your preferences, familiarity with the campsite, and other factors.
And, of course, you don’t have to stick with just ten essential items; these are just the things that I’ve decided I can’t do without on a camping trip.
Before we dive in, note: I’ve decided to leave out obvious things like food and toilet paper since I use them whether or not I’m camping.
Camp Gear
1. Top-notch Cooler
I usually plan my camping trips for at least four days, sometimes longer. This means I need a cooler that can last at least as long, plus handle the occasional bump or scratch along the way.
After checking out the options, I read a Lifetime Cooler review and decided that this was the brand for me. It’s been a great asset so far and always keeps my food and beverages cold.
2. Portable Water Filtration System
Rather than bringing water with me, I prefer to save space and pack a portable water filter instead.
I’ve used filtered water bottles and straws with great results (a.k.a., I stayed hydrated and didn’t get sick).
If you aren’t familiar with water sources near the campsite like I usually am, I recommend getting a high-powered filter that removes various contaminants.
Some people would prefer to bring drinking water they can trust, which is understandable; in my case, I get water from a freshwater spring and filter it as an extra precaution.
3. Source of Light
A campfire can provide some light, but it won’t extend very far, and you definitely shouldn’t take it into your tent!
Bring a headlamp, lantern, or flashlight, and spare batteries, just in case.
I prefer a flashlight that’s large enough to be stood up on a table and that can also be tied to the roof of my tent if I need hands-free illumination. I also bring a backup source of light, usually a headlamp.
I try to time my camping trips between rain storms, but sometimes nature has other plans.
Even if there isn’t a…
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