Carry On Camping — The Essentials For a Summer Camping Trip

With summer approaching, there’s a fair chance that you’ll soon be planning your first camping trip of the year. The market might be awash with all sorts of new gadgets but what are the items that no self-respecting camper would leave home without?

A tent
This is pretty straightforward: if you’re going camping, you need some sort of shelter. The type of tent you choose will depend on who is making the trip with you.

Sleeping bag
Again, not something you’re likely to leave home without. You should invest in a decent sleeping bag so that you still stay warm when the temperatures drop. Before you part with your cash, factor in considerations such as where you are camping and what time of year it is. For an extra comfy night, why not also invest in a roll mat?

Cooking gear
Unless you’re thinking of taking all your meals in the pub, some basic cooking gear is essential. A camp stove and a few pans should see you right. Make sure you don’t forget the matcheseither!

First aid kit
You need to be prepared for all sorts of minor injuries when camping, whether it’s a cut, a burn or a bite. Your basic kit should include bandages, gauzes and tweezers. Make sure you stock up beforeyou leave, because there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to find what you need on the campsite itself.

Insect repellent
Though this may be included in your general first aid kit, bring an extra bottle or two. Depending on where you’re camping, there may be a few bugs around.

Source of light
You might be camping in the summer, but that doesn’t mean it won’t get dark. A simple source of light such as a head torch will save you from fumbling around hopelessly in the night. It’s also handy if you like to read at night. You should bring a spare pack of batteries too.

Wet wipes
Some would argue these aren’t essential — but you never know how the cleaning facilities will be at the camp site or venue. They can help you observe personal hygiene and keep comfortable.

Sensible clothing
Weatherproof clothing is an absolute must. There’s nothing worse than being caught out in the rain. Choose clothing that you can wear in layers, and if you’re combining your trip with a walk in the hills don’t skimp on hiking gear.

Swiss army knife
A multi-purpose tool such as a Swiss army knife can get you out of all sorts of pickles. After all, no-one wants to have to use their teeth to open a bottle of beer or take their chances with a large knife to open a tin of food.

Water
Unless you know you’re going to be near a water source, your own supply of water is essential. It will help you cook, wash and, in the event of an emergency, it may even be crucial to your survival.

The exact make up of your camping kit bag will depend on a number of different factors. Just remember that to make the most out of your trip, you sometimes need to put safety first.

Image by youth.voskresinnya, used under Creative Commons license