hello, I’m going camping for the first time this upcoming summer, what would you recommend i take/ pack? Please let me know, it would mean a lot to me to get some help from experts! Thanks :)
hello, I’m going camping for the first time this upcoming summer, what would you recommend i take/ pack? Please let me know, it would mean a lot to me to get some help from experts! Thanks :)
It really depends on the kind of camping your doing. Leave things that might distract you from the experience. Things battery powered entertainment devices especially. A small radio is alright if your going somewhere that might get a signal. Good for weather updates. A book is nice too. You’ll need a flashlight, headlamp is preferable. A physical map of the area and a compass.
If your going car camping you can bring a lot of extras. Pillows perishable foods in a cooler of ice. Beer etc…
If your going backpacking it boils down to the essentials. If you have a plastic egg container you can bring some eggs, make sure they pass the smell test before eating. Granola, Potatoes, bell peppers, pepper, canned meat and jerky. Think light weight high calorie. If your going near water bring a fishing rod, some flies and lures. Fish are great for every meal and you don’t have to pack them in. If your going somewhere hot and doesn’t have access to water leave salty foods as you’ll need more water. A water filtration device, dependent on where your going and the cleanliness of the water boiling is an option. Bring a camp stove and fuel. A flask of whisky never hurts. You can use it to sanitize wounds and a sip before bed might help if you have camped in a rocky spot. Make a first aid kit. Use your padk for a pillow.
Weather appropriate sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent. If you never have slept under the stars you should at least once! Dont sleep too close to the fire. Always chec fire regulations before you go.
Light weight pots and pans, eating utensils, eco friendly soap.
Light and heavy clothes its important to have both as your not going home to get them and weather can and does change unexpectedly, windbreaker, wool socks and light socks. Socks are really important.
Sunscreen!
Always tell someone where your going and when you’ll be back. Make arrangements to call when your expecting to be back so that they can alert the proper authorities if you dont come back or decide to go feral.
This is a good start, if I think of anything I missed I’ll leave another comment under this one.
A good knife and a wetstone.
Rope and some twine come in handy.
Slingshot is great entertainment! Don’t kill anything you don’t intend to eat but in a pinch could get you a small meal.
Waterproof matches.
In danger noodle territory a snake bite kit could help.
Know the area. Make sure you research it well! Make sure your map is topographical to show mountains and valleys. Tell your emergency contact where you will try to go if something goes wrong. Show them on your map with a red x. Maybe take a pic and send it to them.
If your going with a friend radio’s or meshtastic is nice. I bring a small solar panel to charge my phone! Keep it off so you have battery if something happens you.
Good sturdy hiking boots!
In bear/cat country bring some pepper spray. Lighter than a gun and safer in general.
If fishing get a license. Dont need a ticket.
Bring toilet paper and a camp shovel to burry your #2’s. Hatchet is really nice as well.
Always put your fire out. Never build a big fire! Harder to extinguish. If car camping bring a fire extinguisher! Always use existing fire pits at campsites.
Camelback!