Packing the essentials when on a camping trip could soon turn into a nightmare. When you’re packing camping items, you may want to bring your whole wardrobe. While this could be highly entertaining, we advise that you don’t pack everything you own and carry only the items that will make your trip enjoyable yet efficient. For example, if you have multiple toothbrushes, don’t pack them all. Instead, just carry one and a tube of toothpaste.
Your packing list should depend wholly on where you plan to go and what you have to see. Most campers and hikers in the UK like going on wildlife trips to experience nature with their families. In Europe, families and solo travellers want to see some of the lakes, mountains, and forests during summer.
Your camping needs may also change depending on your mode of transport. If you have a motorhome, caravan, or camper van, you may not need additional sleeping tents for the entire family. Your packing should fit with the locations you plan to visit and your transport modes.
Let us help you plan the packing for some camping items to enjoy the upcoming summer according to your needs.
Portable Power Station:
Whether you have a camper van or travel by car, you should always have emergency power. Investing in the best portable power station can help you charge all your electronic devices. These devices are available in different sizes according to specific needs and come in handy when you need lighting after sunset, charging your phone, or using a mini-fridge and stove. Good quality portable power stations also have extendable handles and wheels to make transport easy.
You can also go entirely green with a solar powered power station (excellent for emergencies). These power stations work on renewable energy, so as long as you have a clear sky and plenty of sunlight, you can rest assured you will have the power needed for all your electronic devices and gadgets. If the skies are cloudy, you will still get approximately 25 per cent of the original charge.
Navigation:
There are several excellent contemporary navigation tools you can use when in the backcountry. A GPS device, altimeter, a topographical map (not Google Maps!), compass, and personal locator beacon (PLB) can save your life if you’re lost in the wilderness. Wildlife trips should be fun, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be safe while you navigate.
- GPS Device: A GPS device designed for rugged outdoor travel will help you accurately find your location if you are confused with the directions. Since most people use GPS systems on their smartphones, a battery-operated GPS device should be easy to use as you navigate.
- Compass: Most smartphones have in-built compasses. However, it is best to have a baseplate compass that doesn’t rely on power backups. You should opt for a compass with a mirror (sighting mirror) to reflect sunlight in emergency evacuation situations and signal helicopters or small planes.
- PLB: Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) are gadgets that alert emergency personnel by locating your exact position with GPS. These also work in remote locations that do not have cell phone signals.
First Aid:
Before packing your clothes, you should pack a fully functional first aid kit. While most people fill this last, it’s best to personalise your first aid kit according to your requirements. The kit should include plenty of bandaids, disinfecting ointment, blister creams, adhesive bandages, over-the-counter pain medicines, gauze pads in varying sizes and shapes, a pair of scissors, sterilised tweezers, antibacterial wash, mineral salt sachets/packets, and nitrile gloves.
Apart from these basics, you should also add your prescription medications (with prescriptions) and plenty of hand sanitisers and masks. When camping and out in nature, it is best to avoid use-and-throw face masks and carry reusable cotton ones. If you do bring the single-use ones, please dispose of the masks with care to protect the environment.
Emergency Shelter:
Emergency shelters are essential to protect you from a sudden change in the weather. The UK weather is notorious for instant rainfall followed by bright sunlight. While you may have considered the weather changes, emergency shelter options are needed when you are alone in the wilderness. These don’t have to be the costly luxurious camping tents that you see online. Instead, they can be ultralight tarpaulins, emergency waterproof blankets with an additional layer for heat, and bivy camping sacks or bags (bivouac bags) to save space and weight.
Emergency shelters will help save you from the condensation present in the UK weather and offer you adequate protection in a downpour. When planning emergency shelters, you should also consider equivalents for any pets you may have with you. Cat and dog carriers can be covered with a tarp or an umbrella to shelter them from the rains.
Extra Food Stocks:
You should consider that there is a possibility you will run out of food. You should be prepared for all disasters when you’re in the backcountry. This includes running out of food. You can either stock up on enough dry snacks and lean proteins or make a run to the nearest town.
It’s a good idea to pack foodstuff that doesn’t go bad. Things like nuts, jerky, dried packaged foods, and stuff you can roast over a campfire are all excellent choices for camping. While having s’mores are enjoyable, they will not fill your stomach and give you energy for a few hours. If you’re going camping for longer than a few days, you may need to stop off occasionally and pick up stuff from nearby towns or villages.
Since you may be in the wild for a while, you may have to plan these days in advance, which will give you enough time to plan your refuelling, food restocks, and ice stocks.
Camping items need not only be fun things to get along like barbecue kits, coal, and sausages. You will have to ensure you have the necessities to tackle all challenges that come your way. While camping is enjoyable, it could also turn dangerous. When packing your clothes and toiletries, you should not forget extra socks, insect repellent and sunscreen.
