Camping is one of the most favored activities for people that love the
outdoors. It’s fun, rejuvenating, exciting, and an activity the whole family
can participate in. Not to mention that you can easily become the expert camper with the right tips. A bad camping experience is physically and mentally
draining. It happens when people hit the campsites unprepared; with the wrong
clothes, gear, equipment, and other key items. You want to make sure you have
what is needed — the essentials. The more hardcore you want camping to be, the
better prepared you have to be. Both minimalist and maximalist campers have to
bring the essentials with them. These essentials will not ruin the main point
of camping; being out in nature without the usual luxuries you would have at
home, and will also provide some level of comfort so that your trip is a
pleasure and not a punishment!
Let’s have a look at those essentials right now.
Generator
Camping in most countries is a great alternative to expensive
accommodations. If we use Australia as an example, you’ll find that it’s home
to some of the most beautiful campsites. However, they won’t all offer water
and electricity, so you’re going to want a portable generator with you. To know
which is the most suitable one to buy, you should first consider listing the
appliances and devices you need to power. If you want to power a radio, lights,
phone chargers, a heater, or a stove on your camping trip, Nick Coulson of
Ablesales (https://www.ablesales.com.au/) suggests bringing a generator that
can handle it. If you have appliances that require 3000 watts, but the
generator provides only 2000 watts, the appliances simply won’t start.
The energy consumption is based on how the generator runs and what fuel
it uses. Gasoline run generators might be practical because of the availability
of gas in stations, but it’s not as efficient as those running on diesel.
Currently, an inverter generator tends to be the best choice for
campers. They’re light and quiet and can give out between 1000 and 4000 watts;
a sufficient amount for camping.
Tent
No matter how much time you’re going to spend outdoors, you need some
sort of shelter. A tent shields you along with belongings and gear. That said,
there are a lot of things to look for when choosing
a tent and, because of the many options, you have to narrow down your choices.
For starters, how many people will be occupying the tent? You may find
that a 2-person tent might still be too small for 2 people and a 4-person tent
gives you more space. One with a water-proof floor is also something to
consider, as well as mesh material to keep bugs out — where they belong. Most
people want one that is easy to pitch, provides some sort of ventilation, and
is easy to move around.
Camp chair
Foldable chairs or stools are handy when you want to stop and take a
break. Most seating materials are light, waterproof, and comfortable.
Sleeping Bag
Without a sleeping bag, you’re going to toss and turn all night and be
uncomfortable. A camping bag is bigger and lighter than a backpack sleeping
bag, so how you’re going to pack will determine which type to buy.
Also, look at the temperature rating of the bag. Look for a bag with a
lower temperature rating than the night-time, the outside temperature in the
area you’ll be camping in. A summer season bag can have a temperature of 30
degrees or higher, while a winter bag may be 15 degrees or lower.
A good sleeping bag has a balance between lightness, compressibility,
and keeping you warm. Mind you, even in mid-summer, temperatures can drop
drastically and get very chilly. Quality sleeping bags have sufficient
insulation to keep you warm, while their outside shells use breathable,
waterproof materials. Don’t forget to throw in some pillows for a comfy sleep
and neck support. You can get inflatable or compressible head cushions.
Sleeping pad
If you’ve ever slept on the floor, you know that a sleeping pad is a
must. If you’re not restricted by size and weight, choose a thicker, larger
type of mattress. Other choices include self-inflating pads or air pads.
Non-perishable food
Even if you have a mini-fridge in an RV, you still want food that
doesn’t go bad quickly.
Stock
up on dry and canned
food. For small snacks, bring things that are individually packaged so that you
only have to open what you consume. Keep your food in airtight containers which
will keep foods fresh and keep any scents away from wildlife animals.
Utensils
It’s difficult to find items that can be used as makeshift forks,
knives, or spoons. You need real utensils to eat normally since not everything
can be eaten with your hands.
Don’t forget to pack at least one or two cooking utensils like a pot and
pan. You’re going to need them whether you want to cook over a campfire or use
a portable stove. You might want to invest in some utensils and cookware
designed especially for camping and other great outdoor activities. A camping
pan will be light and can be multi-functional and have fold-away or removable
handles, making it easy to pack.
Multi-tool
There are many multi-tools on the market which is good, but also
confusing. You do need one which can do a variety of things, from fixing
something to open a can.
Some multi-tools are for more general use, while others are designed
with campers in mind. You can identify on your own, which tools you need the
most.
Torch
Being in the middle of nowhere will probably require a good torch or
lantern. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light will be. An average
torch has about 50 lumens output. A torch between 100-150 lumens is sufficient
for camping.
After a long winter, camping is a fantastic pastime that bonds you with
nature. Best of all, it’s an activity you can do alone or with friends and
family. It’s not meant to be glamorous, but some essential items will bring you
some needed comfort. The key to a great camping experience is packing and
bringing what will fulfill all your camping needs.
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