Camping is one of the most enjoyable holidays you can have. You get to relax and watch the stars come out, wake in time to see the sunrise. Go for walks that are linked with improving your mental well-being, and listen to the bird's chirp. It is a nature lover's dream, and for a photographer, there isn’t much else like it. But if you forget even one or two things, it can really put a dampener on the whole thing.
There are a few essentials that you are going to make sure you back with your, or that you can go and get while you are on your trip. There are a few options that you have for getting to your campsite of choice. You can opt to dive to the location with a camper van, soft floor campers trailers are a great idea too. You might choose to refurb a van and turn it into a fantastic house on wheels. Or you might be brave and backpack your way there. Whatever you decide, packing the right gear will make the trip so much better.
Here is a list of things that you should consider as your essentials.
Clothing
Even if you choose somewhere that is particularly warm to camp in, the nights will be much colder than you might anticipate. So being able to layer your clothing up is going to be the best option. Here is a list of other things you’ll want to pack:
Hat - one for sun and one for cold
Lightweight jacket
Thick socks
Hiking boots, or trainers with the right support
Sunglasses
Thermal longjohns and longsleeved T-shirt
Swimming gear
Water shoes
Due to the amount of clothing, you might need, you should check out a few tutorials on how to pack for camping.
Toiletries
You aren’t going to have access to excellent toilet facilities most of the time when you are camping. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t take some really useful things with you.
Suncream - for face, body and special ones for your lips and nose
Toilet paper - and disposable waste bags
Lip balm or vaseline
First aid kit
Foldaway toothbrush and some toothpaste
Dry shampoo, or a shampoo that doesn’t require water
Hand sanitizer
Band aid/plaster spray
Painkillers
Entertainment
If you are away from your usual luxuries, then you should think about bringing some things to toil away the hours If you are hit by bad weather, sitting in a tent that is being battered with rain it can get pretty dull - even if you love the rain. We are pretty used to being surrounded by easy tech like laptops, desktops, and turning the telly on and watch Netflix. However, you won't have those things, so here are some other options:
Scrabble
Chess
Camera - DSLR and a Film camera for fun
Playing cards
Books
If the weather is excellent for most of the time, you might want to be very active. So consider a couple of these:
Bike and biking gear like helmets and cycling wear
Binoculars for bird watching or spotting other wildlife
Food & Drink
You will be cooking all of your own meals unless you have chosen to go to a campsite that has onsite cafe facilities. Cooking equipment can take up a lot of room in the vehicle and bag. Planning what you are going to eat while you are away will allow you to make the most of the room that you have available. Here are a couple of suggestions for items that you will want to bring along with you:
Camping stove - if you want hot food, then you are going to need this, plus the fuel to run it. Make sure that you pick one that is environmentally friendly and portable as possible. They can get pretty heavy if you are carrying them for a while.
Cookware - You probably won't need too much, but a whisk, some spoons, some cutlery, and a ladle will do the job
Water bottle - a reusable one that you can carry with you when you are away from the main campsite
Bottled water and lots of it
Chopping board
Food - you can purchase food packets that are designed for camping trips, it is a good idea to purchase some nuts and protein snack bars too. Camping can be busy work, and with plenty of walks and other activities, you are going to use up a lot of energy.
If you are going somewhere that there are likely to be larger predators, then consider things like a bear bin.
Navigation
If you are moving around from site to site or planning on backpacking between a few points, then navigation is going to be essential to get you where you want to go. Here are a few things that will help enjoy the safest trip possible:
Compass and a map - when it doubt, oldskool is perfect
Local maps and guidebooks
Pens and pencils
Travel lanterns & fuel is required
Portable GPS
Powerbanks - you might not be close to anywhere you can charge your electricals, so a power bank is a good idea (as is charging everything up fully before you leave)
Two-way radio - there are more useful if you are in a large group, or you are intending to split up from your camping buddies for a while
Essentials
You want to have a good night's sleep, be safe and comfortable.
Travel pillows - and a spare case or two
Sleeping bags - seek advice on which type to buy for the location you will be in
Tarps or a sunshade if you aren’t traveling by camper van
Tent and tent repair kit
Mallet to securing the tent pegs
Folding table and chair
What you will need to take will vary depending on the type of camping trip you are considering taking. If you are planning on hiking a lot, then the boots, sunscreen, and a light tent is going to be what you want. Planning on staying in one spot? Then a sunshade and a more substantial stove will work perfectly. Oh, and as a final point, a small Bluetooth music player will never go wrong.