Find Out How to Prepare for Your First Camping Trip
If you are desperate for some fresh air and elbow room, a camping trip can be what you need. There’s nothing like stepping away from your routine, putting the electronics away and getting close to nature to reset your perspective. Yes, I’m talking about going on a camping trip.
If you’ve never been before, you may be wondering: How do I prepare for my first camping trip? The great thing about camping is that there is a market full of supplies to suit every need you may have so you can make easily make it work for you. Some campers want as many of the amenities of home as possible while others prefer the challenge of bringing the bare minimum. Whatever the type of camping you are looking for, having the following essentials is key.
Shelter and Sleep
Tent
The first piece of camping gear you’ll want to get is a tent. A rule of thumb to keep in mind when shopping for a camping tent is to get one that fits one or two people more than you need. For example, if you are a couple, a 3-person tent will give you a little extra breathing room. If you’re a family of four, you’ll more easily achieve harmony in a 6-person tent.
And if you want a tent that you can stand up in, make sure to check the tent’s peak height. Having two doors can help you avoid climbing over your sleeping tentmates for late-night bathroom breaks, and vestibules outside the door are nice for stowing muddy shoes.
Sleeping Bag
The next essential camping gear on the list is the sleeping bag. If you’re planning on only going camping when the weather is good, then a summer bag will be fine. For camping during an unpredictable weather season, a 3-season bag is recommended. Keep in mind that there is no need to go with a super-snug mummy bag like the ones most backpackers use. A rectangular camping bag will give your body more room to move.
You’ll also want to get a good sleeping pad with high-tech insulation to prevent you from losing body heat on the cold ground. You may be tempted to get an air mattress, but know that their lack of insulation may leave you feeling cold. So, do a thorough examination of the features when comparing different sleeping pads. If one is thicker, wider or longer and has a higher insulation value than the other, it will be more comfortable and warmer.
Cooking
Stove
For preparing your camping meals, a classic two-burner propane camp stove should be enough. It’s affordable and can allow you to cook breakfast and prepare your morning brew at the same time. And to power it, don’t forget to bring at least a couple of fuel canisters and a lighter.
Fridge
Of course, you’re going to need food, and if you go on a week-long trip, you’ll need to keep that food fresh and prevent spoilage. If you already have a cooler that offers enough capacity for your perishable food and a few cold ones, along with enough ice to keep them that way, fine. If not, you’ll need to get one. Some newer coolers come with extra thick insulation that makes ice last quite a bit longer, but you’ll have to pay a little more for them.
Cookware
You’ll also need to bring everything necessary for food prep and consumption including pans, plates, cups, etc. There’s special camping cookware that’s designed to be light and compact enough to fit in your backpack. Pack all your kitchen gear in a large, clear plastic bin with a lid. This will not only make it easier to store your camping kitchen essentials away at home, but everything will be ready next time you want to camp.
Proper Clothing
Getting dirty is part of the camping fun, so wear things that look good grimy. Cotton clothes aren’t the best option for camping because when they get wet, they can keep you cold and miserable, even in surprisingly mild weather. On the other hand, thermal clothing is a great option for camping. Consider bringing a warm coat, long underwear, and warm socks for nighttime, even in the summer if you’re camping at high elevations. Also get a rain jacket, just in case.
Lighting
Campsites generally don’t have illumination, so you have to bring your own. You’ll be fine with a torch, but a good headlamp offers the advantage of freeing up your hands to perform camp tasks. You may also want to invest in a lantern for ambient light.
First-Aid Kit
Although it’s unlikely you’ll experience a life-threatening injury while camping, a long day of hiking can result in blisters that require bandaging. Small scrapes and cuts can also become infected if left untreated. So, consider getting a first aid kit with you as well. And don’t forget to also pack sunscreen and insect repellent. Bug bites and sunburn can make your camping trip miserable.
Portable Solar Panels
If you’ll be camping for an extended period of time or in a remote location where supplies such as ice aren’t readily available, investing in portable solar panels for camping might be a great idea to power your fridge and other gadgets and appliances.
Basically, solar panels help keep your deep-cycle batteries topped up so that they can provide continuous power to small appliances such as 12V coolers, lighting, water pumps, etc. They do this without the need for traditional power sources such as generators which can be noisy and require a ready supply of fuel for continued operation.
Portable solar panels capture the sun’s rays and convert them to useful power via a device called a charge controller that is connected to a battery to keep it charged. Aside from being highly mobile and able to be moved wherever you may need power at the time, portable solar panels are a low-cost way to benefit from solar energy while you are in remote locations. While they won’t provide enough energy to power more than small appliances, they can come in handy in some situations.
Whenshopping for portable solar panels for camping, there are a few important factors you’ll want to consider. One of them is efficiency. You’ll want a solar panel that reaches maximum efficiency while taking up as little space as possible. Also, the efficiency of a solar panel can be affected by many things, like shade and weather patterns during the trip. That said, it’s essential that you choose an efficient panel and know how to properly position it and use it to get the best output.
Another factor you’ll want to consider is size. For basic camping needs, such as powering your 12V lights, a smaller panel will do the work. But if you’re planning to run other appliances such as a toaster, or charge your laptop, you might need a larger panel. It’s important that you learn how to set them up correctly before your trip so that you can reap their full benefits.