The first item of camping equipment you need is a pencil and a pad of paper. Why? Because before you do anything else, you must make a list of the equipment you and your family will need to have an enjoyable and safe camping trip. As much fun as camping is, it’s easy to forget that humans spending time in the wilderness are in a vulnerable position. By having everything you need to meet every eventuality, you can be more certain of avoiding mayhem on your family outing!
The best way to be sure you have everything you need is to create a checklist and then stick to it when you pack. Your list should include all of the essentials first, followed by a secondary list of less essential (but still necessary) items. Being well-equipped for your camping trip will turn potential catastrophes into mere inconveniences.
A week or more before heading out on your camping trip, post your checklist on your refrigerator or in some other prominent spot at home. As you and members of your household think of things that should be added to the list, you can simply jot them down. A day or two before you set out, sit down and rewrite and prioritize your list. Then you can begin to pack. By taking several days to pack carefully, review, revise, and check off the items on your list, you will be sure to set out with a tremendous sense of preparedness.
Next to your checklist on your refrigerator, keep a shopping list. Be sure to jot down any necessary items that you do not have on hand. After you have finalized your checklist, head out to the shops to get all of the items on your list. Don’t skimp. You want to be sure to get every item you will need. Even if you don’t end up needing every single thing, you will be glad to have all of your necessary items just in case of disaster.
Every groups’ checklist will be different; however, there are certain things that you must have on a camping trip. Here’s a basic list to get you started.
A Sample Checklist:
Shelter – tent or other option (such as RV or travel trailer)
Sleeping gear – sleeping bags, air mattresses, sleeping pad, extra blankets.
Fishing gear, hunting gear, camp shovel and other hardware
Utensils – Cookware, mess kits, paper towels, water bottles, etc.
First aid kit – medications, bandages, sterilizer, insect repellent, tweezers, etc.
Emergency kit – matches, lighter, batteries, flashlight, sharp knife, etc.
Personal care items – toothbrushes, hairbrushes, towels washcloths, and so on.
Hygiene – biodegradable soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, toilet tissue, etc.
Appropriate clothing for each member of the party.
These are just a few examples of things you will want to be sure to take. You may want to print off this list and then add your own items as you think of them.