What to bring for camping? - list of things to pack
Camping is a form of relaxation, but also a challenge. Lack of experience in this field often leads to an incorrect assessment of what to take with you when camping, which results in too many things being taken, or sometimes none at all.
In this article, we will provide a list of things to take with you when camping. Our list includes both essential equipment and optional accessories. Check out what to take with you when camping before you set off on your trip!
Essential camping equipment for your tent
At the beginning of the article, we will focus on what is definitely worth taking with you to the tent. We will discuss accessories without which the trip may simply not work. The purpose of collecting these items is to make it easier for you to plan your trip. You can use our list as a guide, but remember that the accessories you will need may vary depending on the area you are going to, the current weather conditions and the number of people who will take part in the trip.
Travel mat or mattress
The first item on our list is a camping mat or mattress. If you want to avoid hypothermia and, as a result, a cold, muscle inflammation or sciatica, it is worth taking a camping mat or mattress with you when you go camping.
Before buying, it is worth determining at what temperatures the product will be used and taking into account your height, weight and width. Even the best mat or mattress will not fulfill its role if it is not properly adjusted to your body.
Sleeping bag or blanket
Even on warm days, nights can be chilly, so you need to get a sleeping bag with the right filling. If you plan on camping in a humid climate, choose a synthetic sleeping bag, which is less sensitive to moisture. Otherwise, you can opt for a down sleeping bag, which usually provides the best warmth to weight ratio. You can also bring a blanket, such as a thermal or fleece one.
Read our advice about it how to choose a sleeping bag! There you will find additional information to help you choose the right model.
Food and water
For a camping trip away from shops, take a supply of food with you that will give you energy and at the same time will not take up too much space. Freeze-dried food is a good choice. These are full-value meals that require only a small amount of water to prepare. Freeze-dried products are light, do not take up much space and can be eaten straight from the package. An alternative is canned food, but their greater weight significantly weighs down the backpack. On a camping trip, it is also good to have snacks with you, such as chocolate, dried meat and fruit or energy bars.
It’s also a good idea to start by taking a supply of water for the hike to your destination, for example in a travel bottle. An adult should drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day, and in hot weather or during intense exercise, you should drink even more to avoid dehydration.
If you plan on camping in a wild area for a longer stay, you will need to obtain water from natural sources. In this case, a good solution is to get a water filter and get it from nearby reservoirs.
Read our advice on different types of tourist filters!
Multitool, pocket knife or utility knife
You probably won't take a toolbox with you when camping, but it's worth having a few basic tools with you that may come in handy for: cutting string, opening a can, preparing wood for a fire, or making minor repairs.
A good choice is a multitool, which, depending on the model, may contain tools such as: pliers, a knife, a screwdriver, a file, scissors, a saw, and can and bottle openers. Alternatively, you can choose a classic pocket knife or a knife.
Flashlight
It is best to take a headlamp with you when camping in a tent, as this will free up your hands for various tasks. Many headlamps are also angled models that can also be detached from the belt. Some have flat caps at the bottom, which allow you to position the lamp vertically.
First aid kit
If you are going camping, be sure to take a first aid kit with you, because in the field you can easily get injuries, bruises or scratches. You can buy a first aid kit with ready equipment or fill it yourself. A standard first aid kit should contain:
- sterile gauze pads,
- bandages (regular and elastic),
- NRC blanket (thermal),
- disinfectant,
- plasters,
- disposable gloves,
- mask for artificial respiration,
- triangular scarf.
- remedies against mosquitoes, ticks and other insects.
The items listed above are just the foundation, so feel free to adjust the content to your individual needs and add other necessary medications.
Compass, compass and map
Although most modern smartphones are equipped with GPS and navigation apps, relying solely on them can be risky. In the field, the phone can stop working due to lack of reception. In addition, the battery can die at the least expected moment, for example, when the temperature is too high or too low. For this reason, it is worth taking a compass and a map with you - these traditional navigation tools are reliable and do not require power.
Hygiene accessories and a change of underwear
If you don't take care of basic hygiene, even a one-day camping trip can end with unpleasant abrasions or rashes. Take the basics with you personal hygiene products, such as:
- a bar of soap,
- quick-drying towel,
- moisturizing wipes,
- toothbrush and toothpaste,
- toilet paper,
- talcum powder or diaper rash powder,
Also remember to bring a set of underwear for the number of days of your trip, plus one spare.
Warm clothes and rain gear
Also, take appropriate clothing with you. Even if you are going camping and hot days are forecast, the temperature can drop significantly at night. It is a good idea to take with you, for example, merino wool underwear. It will also be useful raincoat or a poncho in case of rain.
Backpack
Of course, to pack all the things mentioned above, you need the right backpack. When choosing one, the most important thing is the capacity, which should correspond to the amount of equipment you plan to take.
What should you pay attention to, apart from the appropriate capacity of the backpack? A frame is not necessary, provided that the carrying system fits well to the body. It is worth choosing a model with a large number of pockets, both smaller and larger, which will make it easier to organize items. A backpack with straps that allow you to attach additional accessories to the outside is also a good idea. Be sure to also get a rain cover for your backpack!
Optional equipment
In this section, we will describe the equipment that will increase the comfort of your camping trip, although it is not essential. It is worth remembering that additional items increase the weight of your luggage, so it is important to test how much you can carry before setting off.
Camping stove with utensils and a fire source
For many people, preparing a hot meal on their own is an important part of the trip. If you value this too, it is worth stocking up on camping stove — for gas, solid or liquid fuel. Alternatively, you can light a fire, but remember the safety rules and only use designated places.
Don't forget to bring a fire source, such as a lighter, matches or a flint. Also remember basic camping utensils. A good choice is a canteen, which can also function as a frying pan. We also recommend taking a spork, a tool that combines a fork, spoon and knife in one.
Travel pillow
Many people do not take it with them tent pillows, and instead use a sleeping bag cover filled with clothes. However, for those who have back or sleep problems, we highly recommend buying a travel pillow. They offer much greater comfort. Consider choosing a self-inflating pillow, which has the advantage of being lightweight and compressible.
Camping lamp
Sometimes a flashlight under the tent is not enough when you need a more diffused light source. In such situations, it is worth taking camping lamp, which will illuminate the entire space and allow you to move comfortably after dark. You can put it on a table, grass, hang it on a branch or place it in a tent.
Tourist shower
We recommend this type of shower especially if you plan to stay in a tent for a longer period of time. It is a special bag in which the water is heated by the sun's rays, so you can bathe and wash dishes after a meal in warm water.
Models are a good choice tourist showers, which, under the influence of sunlight, heat water up to 48 degrees Celsius. Such a bag can be filled with water and placed in a sunny place, and after 1-2 hours (depending on the intensity of the sun) you can use warm water.
Power bank or solar panels
If you plan to use your phone or navigation during your camping trip, it is worth taking a power bank or solar panels with you. They will also be useful for charging a flashlight, for example. A good choice for solar panels are mats that are not too heavy and are foldable. They can be attached to a backpack or bag if you are going camping on foot.
Axe, saw, sapper
During field trips, you may need to do various tasks, such as preparing wood for a fire or securing the campsite from adverse weather conditions. In such situations, tools such as an axe, saw or shovel will be useful.
Tent Packing List – Summary
The list below is a compilation of essential and optional tent equipment. It is a summary that will allow you to quickly familiarize yourself with the most important elements without having to search through the entire article again.
| Necessary equipment | Optional equipment |
|---|---|
| backpack | camp stove |
| travel mat or mattress | travel utensils |
| sleeping bag or blanket | pillow |
| food and water | tourist shower |
| multi-tool or knife | camping lantern |
| first aid kit | power bank or solar panels |
| compass (or compass) and map | water filter |
| personal hygiene accessories | tools (e.g. shovel, saw, axe) |
| change of underwear |
Tent equipment offer at Militaria.pl
Now that you know what to pack for your camping trip, you can start putting together your gear! Check out the category Outdoor at Militaria.pl to equip yourself with necessary and optional accessories. You will find there everything you need for camping in a tent.
