8 Basic Camping Needs

As the weather heats up and summer approaches, some people may be thinking about adding camping to their summer bucket list. If you're thinking about spending a few days in the great outdoors, there are a few basic pieces of equipment that should bring with you.

A Tent

What would a camping trip be without a tent? Well if it turns out to be a rainy night, your exciting camping trip will quickly become watered down. It seems like a no-brainer to bring a tent, but you could get so caught up with packing, that you could wind up forgetting the most crucial part. A tent will protect your from possible animals, but more likely, bugs. It is also a good storage place for your belongings if you decide to adventure around the campsite. Also make sure that you have every part of the tent so that you will be able to set it up properly.

Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags are another camping necessity if you want to sleep as comfortably as possible on nature's floor. Make sure you pick one that is made of a material that suits you, as your entire body will be surrounded by it. You wouldn't want the material to irritate your skin and make you itchy throughout the night. Also make sure you get the right size. You can never go wrong with a longer sleeping bag, but you wouldn't want to try to force yourself into one that's too short or tight.

Backpack

Buy a good size backpack that will be able to hold things like snacks and water, medicines, bug spray, sunscreen, and whatever else you might need. Also make sure the backpack fits comfortably on your body and that the straps don't dig into your skin. You'll especially need a backpack if you plans on hiking.

Map/Compass

A GPS can only take you so far when until the battery dies or you realize that you might not have service at your campsite location. Make sure to get a map of the campsite so your trip doesn't turn into a search for a missing person. A compass will also be a useful tool to help you navigate where you're going. Each person should have their own compass, as it won't do any good if your party gets separated.

First aid kit

You never know what can happen. In an outdoor atmosphere, it can be easy to get injured by branches, rocks, bug bites, and other things. Your first aid kit should contain items such as band aids, bandage, cotton, cleansing solutions, insect bites, and ointments for blisters.

Lamp/Flashlight

Campfires are usually a good source of light, until it starts raining. It can also get pretty dark inside a tent. Lamps can be used to illuminate a larger area and possibly scare off unwelcomed critters. If you're left in the dark, you could wind up really needing that first aid kit in case of a fall. Make sure each person you're with has a flashlight.

Matches/lighter

If you plan on building your own fire to cook or roast some marshmallows, you're going to need matches or a barbecue lighter to help get it started.

Swiss Army Knife

A Swiss army knife can be a lifesaver and you might wind up needing it at some point. Since it contains many tools, it can be used for many things like gutting a fish or tying off your tent. Some more advanced versions may even include a fork, spoon, tweezers, scissors and a saw.