6 Things People Forget to Bring When Camping

There’s nothing more enjoyable than spending a few days and nights in the great outdoors. The air is refreshing, whether by the beach or in the mountains, and life’s just better. It doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie or a seasoned professional; it’s important to remember the essentials when packing. Here are six items that you don’t want to forget on your next camping trip:

We Need to Start the Fire

Many campsites have all the necessary equipment to barbecue with, the moment you arrive. Yet, for those who leave the beaten path behind it’s of the utmost importance to have the correct tools to start a fire. Self Reliance Outfitters flint and steel is an excellent choice for the intrepid camper to be confident they will be able to start a fire when they need to. For those who are unprepared, it’ll be raw food until the next campsite. 

Bug Spray is a Must!

Camping in nature can be a beautiful and serene experience. Yet, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll be sharing the outdoors with all sorts of critters – including bugs! Unfortunately, many people forget to pack bug spray, which can make for a pretty miserable camping experience. Mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance and even carry diseases, so it’s vitally important to bring along some bug spray to keep them at bay.

Batteries. Batteries. Batteries!

A strong majority of essential camping tools rely on batteries, so it’s important to bring extra batteries so you aren’t in trouble if they run out. Flashlights, lanterns, and even some cooking tools require batteries to function correctly. Running out of batteries can leave you stranded in the dark or unable to cook your food, which is a huge bummer no matter the amazing camping site you might be camping at. 

Sunscreen or Sunburn, Your Choice

Just because you’re spending most of your time in the shade of trees doesn’t mean you’re immune to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Sunscreen is an easy thing to forget but can make a huge difference in protecting your skin from damage and preventing painful sunburns. Remember to apply sunscreen before heading outside and reapply throughout the day as needed. 

First Aid Kit: Better Safe than Sorry

Accidents can happen anywhere. Road trips and camping are no exception. In fact, it’s more likely to happen when camping due to not being familiar with the terrain. A first aid kit is an essential item to bring on any camping trip. The kit should include bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Additionally, you should bring any prescription medications that you or your family members may need.

Trash Bags Because You Care

Not the most fun camping items, trash bags are essential to any camping trip. Leaving trash behind is not only bad for the environment, but trash can also attract unwanted animals to your campsite. Don’t forget to bring along a few extra trash bags to dispose of any garbage properly.

In Conclusion

Everyone remembers to bring their tent and sleeping bags when they go camping. Everyone also remembers to bring the right clothing and food. Those are always at the top of everyone’s camping checklist. Yet, the items listed above that are often left at home can be the difference between a successful camping trip and a disaster. By remembering to pack these six items, you’ll be prepared for any situation that may arise while camping. So make sure that your camping gear includes these necessities, you’ll be happy you did.

 

Image Credit: Photo by Laura Pluth on Unsplash