Pack For Camping
How To Pack For a Camping Trip Smart Tips to Make EasyIf you are like me, you treasure every minute you get to spend in the great outdoors. Camping is one of my favorite past times, whether it is in an RV or tent or whether it is at a campground or on backpack wilderness trail. However you decide to take advantage of a nice day and enjoy the beauty of nature, there are some helpful things to remember to make your trip more enjoyable.
RV Camping RV camping- IMG_0360 How To Pack For a Camping Tripthe most comfortable of the ways to camp, an RV allows you the freedom to travel at your own pace without worrying about hotel reservations and deadlines. I like how I can take my time and be free to stop anyplace I want to. If I want to spend an extra day in one area I can because I don’t have to worry about making to the next town to get hotel reservations. RVs also allow more flexibility when it comes to packing. There are more places to put things and more room to stock pile necessities. When I pack an RV for a trip, I treat it the same as if I was packing up my cupboards and pantry at home. The RV becomes and miniature version of my home- all my comforts are available to me, just in a smaller size and in smaller quantity. The best tip I can give for packing up an RV is to make a list much like you would do for a grocery shopping trip, keep a copy of this list in the RV, maybe laminate it to keep it safe, and use it as a check off sheet each time you pack up for an RV trip.
Tent Camping Tent camping is a popular method of camping for those who want to be a little closer to nature. When I go on a camping trip, I often drive to a campground. This allows me to bring the needed supplies with me and keep them safely tucked away in the car. I also like having a vehicle on hand in case I needed it in an emergency, it is just a nice little comfort I enjoy having- especially when I am heading out into the boonies. In the back of my car I pack my tent, some food, and other supplies. Since I won’t have modern luxuries like running water I have to make sure I have everything I will need. Plenty of bottled water for cleaning and washing, as well as plenty of drinking water is the number one priority when I start packing. In addition to the water, I make sure I have enough food for the length of time I will be staying on the site, plus a few extra days in case I have to stay a few days longer than initially planned. I can keep most of my things packed away in my car, which makes it easier and safer. Many campgrounds actually suggest that you keep your food put away safely- either locked in a vehicle or hoisted up in a tree. This helps prevents wild animals from getting to it. I enjoy tent camping and ‘roughing it’ a bit, but having my car at the campground provides just a touch of modern comforts that I enjoy.IMG_0397 How To Pack For a Camping Trip
Campground sites allow for either RV or tent camping but allow for some of the modern conveniences that can make camping a little more bearable. Most have bathhouses with running water and there are generally electrical and sewer hook ups for the RV campers. If you like to rough it a little more, you can always try backpacking into a more remote campsite area. These sites are remote and without the modern conveniences of electricity and running water. When camping in this manner it is even more important to ensure you pack everything you will need- food, clean water, a way to cook, first aid and any medicines needed, a tent, sleeping bag, and plenty of clothes-it is important to be prepared since you will be so far away from any major ‘civilization’. I do not do much backpack camping; it just is not my style. I prefer to hike and explore then head back to a campsite where I have running water. Of all the conveniences in life, that is the one that is hardest for me to give up. But however you decide to camp, packing accordingly is very important. The important thing to remember is that when you have your vehicle, you have more room and therefore can bring more with you. When backpacking to a remote location, you are limited to what you are able to carry with you. Pack and plan accordingly and you can have a wonderful camping experience.
IMG_0406b How To Pack For a Camping TripHowever you decide to enjoy the great outdoors, it is important to remember to pack accordingly. Where you are staying, the type of camping you are going to be doing, the length of time you will be away, and the location you are in all impact the way you will need to pack and what you will need to take. Tried and true items I always take with me include food and water, clothes, sleeping bag, medicine, first aid kit, bug repellent, sunscreen, rain gear, matches and kindling box, flashlight and extra batteries, emergency radio, nature books, and of course, my camera. Add and adjust your own list and create one that is unique to your own needs. Dust off your tent and clean that sleeping bag. Pack up the car or pull out that trust backpack. Explore and make memories that will last a life time. Camping is a wonderful opportunity to get closer to nature; I know I will never forget the great adventures I have had camping and traveling across North America. You own adventure is waiting for you. Now get out there and enjoy the great outdoors and all that it has to offer!