For many people, summer is the best time to enjoy the great outdoors by taking camping or canoeing trips. There’s nothing quite like waking up to the soothing sounds of nature.
However, regardless of how many camping trips you’ve taken, it seems like there’s always something missing when you open up your bag! Before you arrive at your next campsite — only to find that you’ve forgotten the bug repellent — take a look at our checklist below.
Warm Clothes
It’s easy to forget that even though it’s summertime, it gets colder at night. And what happens if you accidentally fall into the lake with all of your clothes on? If you haven’t brought a change of warm clothes, you’ll feel very uncomfortable and cold throughout your trip. There’s nothing worse than camping in damp, cold clothing.
You need to bring thermal clothes for camping trips — particularly warm socks. It’s always essential to keep your feet warm because it helps to redistribute heat throughout your body. Find a good pair of thermal socks (actually, pack a few pairs) that are warmer than your standard cotton sock because thermal socks will keep your feet warmer for a more extended period.
As your day comes to a close, thermal clothes and socks are just the right items to change into when you settle down by the fire. You’ll maintain a comfortable temperature in your body, sleep well, and wake up feeling rested and ready for the day ahead.
Headlamps and Flashlights
Headlamps and flashlights are essential camping items. The outdoors is beautiful, but when the sun goes down, you’re left in the pitch dark, and without light, you can’t see a thing.
It’s important to be able to see what you’re doing and to see what’s happening around you on the campsite. Headlamps are excellent tools because you can freely use your hands when you wear them. If your devices are battery-operated, remember to bring lots of additional spares.
Sleeping Pads
Even if you love the rugged outdoors, sleeping on the bumpy ground isn’t pleasant for anyone. Your back will ache, and you’ll feel tired from a restless sleep, and you want to be as energetic as possible when you’re canoeing or hiking through the woods.
Invest in sleeping pads for your camping trips. These are generally foam-filled pads that fit directly under your sleeping bag. They act as a comfortable filter between you and the ground.
A First-Aid Kit
You never know what’s going to happen when in the wilderness. Always be prepared. Considering bringing:
- Band-Aids
- Rubbing alcohol
- Antiseptic cream
- Polysporin
- Bug-spray
- Eye-drops
- Aloe oil
- Soap
- A list of emergency phone numbers
- Scissors
- Pain medications (such as Aspirin)
- Gauze
- Tweezers
A well-stocked first-aid kit is essential when you’re camping. If something happens and you end up needing it, you’ll be so glad you brought a complete kit.
Camping is an excellent way to bond with friends and family, and it can also be a beneficial and meditative way to enjoy your solitude. Just remember to come prepared.
