Part of the charm of camping is that you really don’t need all that much to get started. A basic tent and sleeping bag will allow you to spend a night under the stars, albeit in the summer and in an on-the-beaten-path campsite. In any case, it’ll suffice for beginners looking to do something different and get their dose of nature.
Eventually, however, you’ll need to step things up and make your setup more comfortable. Having basic equipment is fine for a night, but if you’re looking to become a regular camper — and we recommend that you do! — then a few key upgrades will be key for ensuring that you’re kept comfortable, safe, and happy during your getaways.
In this post, we’ll run through a few essential items that will help elevate the quality of your camping trips. With Christmas coming up, now’s the ideal time to start dropping hints to your loved ones…
3 Essential Items for Regular Camping – Quality Shelter and Sleep Equipment
A basic tent will suffice on those warm, windless summer nights, but those won’t always be the camping conditions you’ll find yourself in. There’ll be times when the wind and rain are coming at you sideways, the temperatures are disagreeable, and the surface is hard and uncomfortable.
A quality tent and good sleeping equipment that includes a warm sleeping bag and a highly-rated sleeping pad will allow you to get a good night’s sleep, whatever the conditions. You’ll notice the difference even if you’re only camping for one night. And if you’re camping for multiple nights? Trust us, your body will thank you for investing in equipment to sleep well.
3 Essential Items for Regular Camping – Tools and Repair Items
You never know what might happen when you’re out in the wild. Maybe you’ll accidentally rip your tent, or need to cut some rope so that you can hang your clothes to dry. While you’ll hope that everything runs smoothly from beginning to end, the reality is that, if you’re a regular camper, then you’ll eventually find yourself in a less-than-ideal situation. During those moments, you’ll be thankful that you packed a few handy tools and repair items.
Pocket knives and pliers are highly versatile, must-pack tools that you’ll use again and again, while it’s always worth packing some duct tape. You might never need them, but when you do, you’ll find that packing these items turned out to be the difference between continuing to enjoy your camping trip and having to return home earlier than planned.
And don’t forget your first aid kit and mosquito spray. As with key tools, they can often be the difference between being happy and being uncomfortable.
3 Essential Items for Regular Camping – Comfortable Seating
Finally, it’s worthwhile investing in a couple of comfortable, foldable seats. There are plenty of space-saving options on the market, and once you’ve got them, you’ll find that you’re much more able to enjoy your time at camp. A foldable stool will do if necessary, but you’ll find that you can truly relax — perhaps with a drink in your hand — when you have an extra comfortable chair to sit on.