Last year, more than 43 million Americans went camping, and that number has been steadily increasing for years. Between 2010 and 2012, 3 million more people decided to try camping for the first time. From heading to the campgrounds to booking a cabin by the lake, there are plenty of beautiful outdoor spots to choose for a camping trip with friends and family. The success of that trip, however, depends on having the right camping gear to stay safe, comfortable, and entertained.
Most people know that they need items like food, water, tents, and sleeping bags on their camping checklists, but there’s more to camping than those essentials. Here are five types of supplies that you won’t want to leave at home when you go camping:
Lighting
One of the most popular items among campers, especially older generations, is battery lighting. Having a good flashlight while you’re camping is invaluable in case you get lost or need to find your way to a trail by nightfall. This piece of safety equipment is easy to carry around and is helpful in just about any camping situation.
Good Footwear
Having a good pair of hiking boots
This sort of hiking gear is especially important if you plan to walk through anything from natural trails to rough mountain terrain, and a decent pair of hiking boots can even keep you safe. That’s right — by supporting your ankles and having sturdy non-slip soles on your boots, you can ensure that you won’t hurt yourself if you happen to fall while hiking.
First Aid Supplies
Emergencies can happen at any time in the outdoors, especially if you’re in the heart of the wilderness. Make sure that you have a first aid kid stocked up with bandages, rubbing alcohol, and other supplies. Even the most experienced campers may need first aid for themselves or for someone else.
Warm Clothing
People who go camping during the summer may think they’ll be out in the sun all day, but that’s not true. Once the sun goes down, many places tend to experience lower temperatures at night, and it’s easy to catch a cold if you’re unprepared. In addition to adventure clothing, make sure to bring a sweater or sweatshirt to keep you warm in the evening or if you get hit with unexpected cold weather.
Entertainment
Finally, you’ll need something to do when you go camping, right? Eighty-four percent of campers participate in more than one outdoor activity, including everything from hiking and scuba diving to fishing and hunting. No matter what you choose to do, make sure you have the right supplies on your camping checklist so you can camp and have fun!
Have more questions about the items that should appear on your camping checklist? Leave a comment below.
