You have to bring so many things with you when you go camping. Some of them include tents, sleeping bags, a stove, and cooking utensils. They are all fun, but all the things you have to bring can make it a bigger and heavier load to take around, especially if you are hiking, biking, or canoeing!
Lightening your load while camping is not only possible but highly encouraged! Camping should be enjoyable. So why make it harder on yourself by bringing too much stuff?
The following seven tips will help you trim your load and still enjoy the simple things outdoors.
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1. Don’t Bring Anything You Can Live Without
Only bring what you need; everything else that is not essential will be extra weight to carry around. This includes linens for the table and pillows for your mattress.
Some of the things you can carry include led camping lights. They are bright and can last you a long time.
It would be good to have one of those led camping lights with docking stations and car adapters for your car battery to charge while on the road. Also, you can buy led camping lights that you can use on your house when out of power.
2. Compartmentalize Food
Camping food is often bulky and heavy. Instead of bringing everything in one big bag, divide the food into smaller bags or containers. Also, get an extra bag to store all your food after meals!.
You can keep these bags separate by putting them inside a bigger container along with water bottles. They will be easier to carry if they are lighter.
2. Use Multi-Purpose Items
Make good use of multi-purpose items, especially ones that can serve more than one purpose or function. For example, carrying a Swiss army knife is perfect because it serves many different purposes.
It’s the one item you will want to have with you in case of any emergency or repairs that might arise. You can also bring a camping lantern to light up your site. It is also good if it has USB ports so you can charge your cell phone or tablet while indoors.
3. Bring Lots of Water
Water is essential, but how much water do you need to pack? When camping, keep in mind that the weather may be hot and dry – which means you will need more water.
One easy way to ensure you have enough water is by bringing a water dispenser. Bring a lightweight, collapsible tent with you and avoid carrying heavy plastic bottles of water around. You can also buy portable solar showers for your camping trips so you can stay clean while on the go!
4. Go to the Grocery Store Instead of a Camping Store
Camping stores are great because they are for outdoor activities. However, these stores can be expensive and crowded. Go to the grocery store instead if you are on a budget or want to save time.
The items available at supermarkets should be sufficient for your camping trip. These items include snacks, cooking utensils, and food! Instead of spending money on heavy pots and pans, you could bring a frying pan from home or just use the pot available at the store.
5. Bring Seasonal Clothes
What clothes should you pack when going camping? This depends on where you are going and what season it is. Ensure you only pack clothes that are appropriate for the time of year!
Don’t forget extra clothes like underwear, socks, and other essentials. Bring a raincoat because you never know when it will rain. It would be good if you covered the top part of your body with an umbrella or poncho.
6. Bring a Grill
Many new campers do not realize how easy it is to cook outdoors! On the ground of your site, you can create an outdoor cooking area with some wire mesh or stones.
If you are on a budget, buy lighter food that does not need cooking. Foods like chocolates and nuts are great for camping since they are nutritious and can get stored in your backpack without going bad.
7. Don’t Bring a Tent with Poles
There is a reason why pole-less tents have become so popular in the camping market! This style allows you to set up the tent easily with just a couple of anchors placed on the ground instead of poles.
Avoid carrying heavy poles, have multiple parts, and are hard to assemble. If you want to be secure during your camping trip, use a quality tarp as an extra rain cover.
What’s Next for You?
Camping is a wonderful experience to have, whether with your friends or family. However, many first-time campers do not know how to prepare and pack items for their camping trip. With these tips and tricks, you will be ready to set up camp in no time flat!