Essential Camping Gear

Let's go camping! When preparing for a camping trip it is always good to have a list and check it twice! Camping can be an enjoyable event for everyone. Especially if you remember everything you were supposed to take. From the many camping trips I have found that these are the essentials you should put on your camping list. They are listed in no particular order.

1. A Tent.You must have a tent that is big enough to give everyone on the trip room to sleep. A two man tent just doesn't get it when you are a family of 5. Or you can make your own just like the image in the picture. You can cover the tent frame with canvas or tarps.

2. Sleeping bags and covers. Have enough for everyone in the family because from my experience, no one will sleep well when you have to share your covers.

3.Pillows. One per person.

4.Lantern. It gets really dark in the woods and you must be able to see if you have to get up and go to the bathroom at night.

5.Flash lights. You really need 2-3 flashlights just in case you loose one or run out of batteries.

6.Lighter or Matches. When you get ready to build that big bond fire you either need a lighter or know how to start a fire by rubbing two sticks together. I personally recommend a lighter.

7.Cooler. You will need a cooler full of ice especially for those hot summer nights. If you camp by a creek it is possible to store your canned drinks in the creek and this will keep them cool enough.

8.Food. By the time you get your tent set up you will be hungry for sure. Pack easy to fix meals or pre-cook some meals to take along.

9.Utensils. You need spatulas,forks,knives,spoons.

10.Coffee Pot and Coffee. I love the smell of coffee brewing on an open fire.

11.Clothes. Be sure and take at least one change of clothes for everyone that will be camping. If you will be staying more than one night you will need to pack more.

12.Whistle. No one wants to be lost in the woods so if someone decides to take a hike be sure they take the whistle and never hike alone.

13. Pen and Paper. You never want to be out in the woods without your writing tablet, you just might think up some real neat story that you don't want to forget.

14.Backpack. If you go hiking you should take food and flashlights with you while hiking. It will be easier to carry if you take a backpack along.

15. Camera and Video Cam. This is the time you can get some excellent pictures while out in the woods with your friends and family. Capture the moment with a snapshot or video.

16. If you have a small child it is always handy to have a child backpack carrier. This will come in very handy!

17.Bible. There is nothing like a good Bible study in the woods.

18.Bags. Take bags for trash so you will not litter and keep your trash picked up. You will also need bags for dirty clothes.

19.An Air mattress. The ground gets pretty hard about 1:00am, so if you have an air mattress be sure to pack it.

20.Cooking pots and pans. Iron skillets and kettles are great for cooking on an open fire.

21. Can opener. For opening up those canned food items.

22.First Aid Kit, this can include band-aids,antibiotic creams,snakebite kit,benadryl,Tylenol,or whatever medications you may be currently taking.

22.Paper plates and cups.

23. Personal items, such as soap,towels,washcloths,toothbrushes,toothpaste,deodorant,paper towels, and of course toilet paper!

24.Compass

25.Map

26.Swiss Army Knife

27.Rope, to make a clothes line if your clothes get wet.

Now this all may seem pretty easy to remember but if you don't make a list it's terrible to find out when you get there what you forgot. Have a great camping trip and plan ahead. Make a list!