The Ultimate Camping Guide was created to help you choose the proper tent, sleeping pad, air mattress and sleeping bag according to your needs. In addition, this guide also includes campsite extras, camping kitchen gear as well as the clothing, toiletries and electronics you should pack.
Secondly, I’ve included the ultimate camping checklist printable you can find here.
Let the adventures begin!
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the ultimate camping guide
YOUR CAMPSITE
CHOOSING the proper tent
First and foremost, you’ll need to choose a tent that’s right for you according to your needs. Tents come in a variety of sizes therefore you can choose your tent size according to the number of people that will be sleeping in it. There’s 1-person tents, 2-person tents and even up to 8+ person tents. In addition, you can also purchase tents that are so large in size that you can actually stand inside the tent itself.
Tents that are lightweight are usually used for backpacking/hiking or kayaking/canoeing camping trips. Normally, the more lightweight the tent is the more expensive it will be. With that being said, if you’re purchasing a tent to go camping on a campsite it doesn’t necessarily have to be a lightweight tent. In other words, a heavier tent will do the trick and it’ll normally save you money.
Furthermore, in what season(s) will you be using your tent? Most tents are 3 season tents however, if you’re planning on camping in the winter season it’s important to note that you’ll need a 4 season tent instead.
In addition, you can purchase a waterproof camping tarp that you can install above your tent to protect your tent from rainfall.
YOUR CAMPSITE
SLEEPING PADS AND AIR MATTRESSES
In short, a sleeping pad is essentially an insulated cushion support that’s sold in different widths and lengths that’s placed on the interior floor of your tent.
Will you be camping at a campground or will you be backpacking? If you’re backpacking, you’ll definitely need a sleeping pad because it’ll act as a protective layer between you and the soil/ground. Sleeping pads can be ultralight and are a lot easier to carry around. They’re also ideal if you plan on camping at a campground without an air-mattress for some extra cushion and comfort.
Most importantly, you should always use a sleeping pad when camping in the winter season because it provides insulation. In this case, you’ll need to consider the R-Value of your sleeping pad. The higher the number, the better the insulation value.
On the other hand, if you’re camping at a campsite and you’re sleeping on an air mattress (during the summer season) a sleeping pad won’t be necessary.
In conclusion, choosing a sleeping pad will depend largely on your activity as well as the season.
YOUR CAMPSITE
SLEEPING BAGS
If you’re camping during the summer season on an air-mattress, it should be noted that you may only need to use sheets, pillows and a comforter or blankets instead of a sleeping bag. It’s really a matter of preference.
Moreover, sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes, sizes, insulation type as well as temperatures.
Most importantly, you should purchase the proper sleeping bag temperature according to the season you’re planning on going camping.
YOUR CAMPSITE
CAMPING EXTRAS
Additionally, you can bring with you some campsite extras!
Depending on your camping trip, you may want to purchase a few camping chairs, a lantern, a clothesline and clothespins, fire starter, insect repellent, headlamps or flashlights, a hammock, a sleeping mask, ear plugs, a water filter, water shoes, a door mat, a camping table and camping games for fun.
YOUR CAMPSITE
CAMPING KITCHEN GEAR
Surely you’ll want to cook some delicious meals while camping! Here’s a list of all the cooking gear you’ll need for your camping trip.
- cooler (don’t forget to buy some ice!)
- water jugs
- BBQ and propane
- camping stove and fuel
- lighters or matches
- kitchen pots and pans
- utensils
- napkins and paper towels
- bowls and plates
- camping knife
- drinking cups and a coffee mug
- coffee maker
- can opener
- marshmallow roasting sticks
- food storage containers
- cutting board
- bottle opener and/or corkscrew
- hand sanitizer
- biodegradable soap
- sponge or cloth for washing dishes
- trash and recycling bags
WHAT TO PACK
CAMPING FOOD
When preparing your list for your camping food, consider the amount of days you’ll be gone and the cooking gear you’ll be using. You’ll definitely want to bring extra snacks that you won’t need to keep in the cooler such as protein bars, nuts, dried fruits and jerky for example.
Since these foods don’t need to stay cold in a cooler, they’re perfect for camping as well as hiking adventures and road trips.
WHAT TO PACK
TOILETRIES AND FIRST AID
Anything can happen on a trip therefore always pack a first aid kit! Here’s a list of toiletries you may consider bringing with you.
- first aid kit including bandaids, a thermometer, scissors, tweezers and nail clippers
- medication including allergy medication if necessary
- deodorant
- lotion
- eye drops
- tooth paste and tooth brush
- floss
- mouthwash
- glasses or contacts and solution
- wet wipes
- chapstick
- feminine hygeine products
- make-up/facial products
- shaving supplies
- hair ties and clips
- dry shampoo
- hair brush and comb
- sunscreen
- aloe vera gel
- biodegradable toilet paper
- tissues
- insect repellent
- body wash or soap
- shampoo and conditioner
- towels and washing cloths or loofah
- beach towels
- portable mirror
WHAT TO PACK
CLOTHING
What clothing do you need to pack for your camping trip? This will without a doubt depend on the season, the weather as well as the length of your trip. In addition to this, pack extra clothing because you never know when the temperature may change.
- footwear including hiking boots, sandals, water shoes, etc.
- undergarments
- shorts
- long sleeve shirts
- t-shirts
- sweaters/hoodies
- socks
- swimwear/cover ups
- hat
- jacket/coat
- rain jacket/poncho
- sleepwear
WHAT TO PACK
TECHNOLOGY AND MISCELLANEOUS
Last but not least, here’s a list of electronics and some extras that you can bring with you on your camping trip!
- cell phone and cell phone chargers
- camera and drone with chargers
- speaker/music player
- portable battery pack
- laptop with chargers
- a watch
- extra batteries for headlamps or flashlights
- GPS/compass
- backpack/fanny pack
- notepad and pen
- anything else you may need according to your trip
THE ULTIMATE CAMPING GUIDE
you’re almost ready!
Thank you so much for reading this blog! I hope you have an amazing camping trip! Meanwhile, don’t forget to print out The Ultimate Camping Checklist!
find the printable version here!
(4 pages)
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