Emergency Case for Camping Trips: What You Need to Pack

If it’s your first time packing for a camping trip, you’ve got a lot to learn. 

Preparing for a camping trip is a lot different from prepping for a vacation on a tropical island. If you forget something on your vacation, you can buy it at the nearest convenience store. But when you’re out there in the wilderness, you need to have your most essential items with you – you won’t have access to them anywhere. 

Don’t worry, we’ve rounded up the best must-bring camping essentials to help you pack for your exciting adventure. 

1. Sleeping bag 

If you don’t intend to sleep well and warm on your camping trip, you can skip this part. A waterproof sleeping bag is helpful – it keeps you comfortable while you sleep on the rough, cold ground. Plus, sleeping in the cold can make you uneasy – it can even put your health in danger. 

Make sure to bring a sleeping bag that’s lightweight, easy to clean, and appropriate for the season. 

2. Weather-appropriate clothing

 If you’re backpacking for the trip, clothing can be tricky to pack. Bring too much and you’ll end up with less space for your other camping essentials. 

When it comes to packing camping clothes, choose ones that are made with lightweight and moisture-wicking material. You’ll never know when you need to reuse the same clothing several times throughout your trip. 

Aside from lightweight shirts, pants, and socks, a pro-tip would be to invest in convertible mittens. They convert from warm mittens to fingerless gloves, keeping your hands free while you tinker with gadgets. 

3. Personal items 

Going on a camping trip doesn’t mean you can forget about hygiene. Equip yourself with toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and your toiletry kit – which contains your soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. Don’t forget to bring your prescription meds, if any. 

4. Hiking boots 

Investing in a good pair of hiking shoes is essential if you're a camping or backpacking enthusiast. Make sure to find one that fits your feet perfectly to avoid blisters. Allow some time to break in your new hiking shoes before your camping trip. You don’t want to break in during the trip itself – or else you’ll have aching feet the entire time. 

5. Tent 

A tent will keep you warm and safe from harsh environment, so make sure to bring a good one. A good tent is one that’s waterproof and easy to assemble. Choose a tent size and type that fits your group size and space preference. Ensure that your tent is well-ventilated to keep you and your buddies comfortable. 

6. Lighting 

Keep yourself well-lit, especially in the dark hours of the night. A good light source to bring is a solar lantern – it’s especially recommended during fire bans. Since you can recharge during daytime, you won’t have to worry about changing batteries or finding an electrical source. 

7. Food and drinks 

When camping, you’ll have to prepare your own food. If you don’t bring everything you need, chances are you’ll end up starving throughout your trip. 

Some camping food essentials to bring include camping stove with fuel, cookware, water bottle and filtration, utensils, cutting board, and of course, food and drinks. 

You’ll want to pack some snacks before leaving, such as trail mix or protein bars. Freeze-dried camping meals are also a convenient way to eat during camping trips. 

8. First aid kit 

A lot can go wrong while you’re out camping. Make sure to prepare for emergency situations, such as cuts, blisters, and splinters. A handy first aid kit should have the essentials you need to treat wounds and certain injuries. 

9. Bug spray 

The wild has plenty of surprises in store – and a lot of them crawl, bite, and itch. Protect yourself from mosquitoes, ticks, flies, chiggers, and gnats by bringing a bug spray or lotion. Find one that provides hours of protection so you won’t have to reapply as much. 

10. Navigational tools 

Getting lost in the wild is the least of the things you want to happen. Bring navigational tools with you to ensure a safe and successful trip. A portable GPS is useful, but in case of emergencies, a handy map and compass won’t let you down. 

Camping doesn’t just connect you with nature, it also helps you connect with yourself. Don’t let unpreparedness hinder you from enjoying your trip. Pack light and pack well ahead!