Just like before you head to the grocery store, an upcoming camping trip calls for a camping checklist to ensure you have everything necessary to make the most out of your experience. As any seasoned camper knows, nature is quite unforgiving to those who fail to correctly prepare for their camping adventures.
When you’re skimming through your camping checklist, there are a few essential items you’ll need to have a safe and enjoyable trip. You never quite know what you’re going to get in the great outdoors, and being prepared for anything will ensure that you’re ready to take on whatever comes your way. Here are a few of the most important things that you’ll want to include on your next camping checklist:
- The basics
Many rookie campers bring their normal sleeping bag and a backyard tent when they camp, and this is one of the worst mistakes you can make. It’s important to find quality supplies from a reputable sporting goods store that are made to stand up to even the harshest of weather. A basic tool to include in your camping checklist is battery lighting, which is a staple of experienced campers. Battery lighting was the most popular camping purchase during the past year, and wise older campers are largely to thank for that. - Adventure clothing
No matter how cozy your sleeping bag is, you could still end up shivering all through the night if you’re wearing the wrong type of clothes. More specifically, choosing the wrong type of material is what spells inevitable doom for most inexperienced campers. Synthetic fibers are a major no-no in any type of weather as they will make you hotter in the summer and colder in the winter. The best adventure clothing fabrics are natural fibers like cotton and fleece, and you should always remember to bring an insulating layer as well as an outer layer to protect from bitter coldness. - Fishing, hunting, and everything in between
Battery lighting, check. Fleece clothing, check. Where’s the fun part? Every great camping checklist has a wide selection of fun things to bring along that will take your trip to the next level. Join the 38 million Americans who fish and hunt by bringing along some fishing and hunting gear. You can go shopping for guns at a great sporting goods store and practice at the shooting range before you embark on your camping adventure. If you really want to go outside of the box with your camping checklist, invest in kayaking equipment. The American Council on Exercise found that a 125 lb. person will burn about 283 calories per hour while kayaking. It’s fun for the whole family and a tremendous source of exercise.
Jot down these three quick tips on your next camping checklist and talk to an expert at a sporting goods store to find out what else you can bring to improve your next trip. Camping is always a good time, and bringing the right kind of equipment will make it an experience that you’ll never forget.
