Top Ten Camping Accessories

Be prepared

Spending time in the great outdoors can be a fantastic experience. Camping is a cheap, fun way to challenge yourself, get away from the stress of city life, and bond with friends and family. It is important, however, to always be prepared when you camp. Camping is easy and extremely fun as long as you bring along the right tools. There are entire businesses devoted to selling gear and accessories for camping, but for first-time campers or those looking to travel light, this list should cover the essentials.

Tent/Sleeping Bag

The most important element of any campsite is shelter. You'll need a properly insulated tent with no noticeable rips or tears, and a sleeping bag that is designed for the climate you plan on camping in.

A sleeping pad, also often called a thermo-rest, is made of foam or is inflatable. It's optional but definitely a worthy consideration. A thick thermo-rest can make a nice warm sleeping bag seem as comfortable as your own bed after a long day of hiking.

Stove/Fuel

One of the most fun parts of camping is sitting around the campfire with your friends and family, enjoying a delicious meal and relaxing after a long day on the trail. Check with your campsite before you go to see if they offer grills or fire pits, and pack fuel accordingly to make sure you will be able to prepare food onsite. You'll need one of the following: a portable camp stove with an equally portable fuel source such as small propane canisters, or an alternative fuel source and matches or a lighter with which to make a campfire.

If you are camping in a designated area that provides grills, make sure to bring along enough charcoal to cover all your cooking needs. If you'll be using a fire pit instead, pack wood or make sure ahead of time that you will be near an area where firewood and kindling can be gathered. Make sure matches are waterproof and that you keep them or lighters in a waterproof pouch.

Warm Clothing

The weather can change quickly in the great outdoors, and sleeping without much more shelter than a flimsy tent means you need to think about bringing extra layers. Be sure to pack a warm hat and a thin but warm, wind-proof jacket---wherever you plan to camp, it's likely that getting up at sunrise means a few hours of chill before the heat of the day kicks in.

Water

It's crucial to bring a water bottle and to know what kind of water sources will be available to you during your camping trip. If you plan on camping near a natural water source, such as a river or a stream, pack water purification tablets. If you plan on camping in the desert, you will need to pack and carry all of your own water.

In a hot climate, the recommended amount of water is one gallon per person per day. Make sure you factor in the weight of that water when considering how much you can carry. Remember: water is extremely important, and not to be skimped on when preparing for your trip.

Safety Items

Getting lost on the trail can be dangerous in an isolated area like a forest. Make sure you pack a map and a compass and stay on well-marked trails. If you are unsure about the path, ask a park ranger before you set out.

And make sure to pack a flashlight. You'll want a good flashlight with fresh batteries to make sure you can see around the campsite and on trips to the outhouses. LED headlamps are particularly handy, especially if you might be setting up camp in the dark.

Lastly, accidents happen, and it's important to be prepared. Don't forget to pack a first-aid kit that includes band-aids, gauze, and disinfectant to prevent any small scratches or cuts from becoming a big nuisance. And a good knife, such as a Swiss Army knife, will definitely come in handy for everything from slicing food to clearing brush.

Sunblock/Bug Spray

Even if you're camping and hiking in cooler weather or on overcast days, pack sunblock. Remember, high altitudes mean sunburns can happen fast. Bug spray is another item you don't want to regret leaving behind as you fight off mosquitoes and black flies.

References

• The Ten Camping Essentials

Resources

• Camping for Beginners