Warm and sunny weather is just made for camping. Are you getting ready to camp in a tent as well? If you don't go out into nature regularly, it's important to pack properly so that you don't miss anything important. That's why we'll give you advice and inspiration on which items shouldn't be missing when you go camping.
The right camping equipment differs depending on where you're going, for how long, and what activities you'll be doing. Last but not least, it's important to know whether you'll be cooking for yourself, eating canned food, or going to a restaurant regularly. Packing is also affected by whether you're going camping by car and can take a pile of things with you, or whether you'll have to pack everything into a backpack.
The basics are a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag and blanket
You certainly shouldn't forget the tent. When choosing a tent, however, you should take into account the number of people who will be sleeping in the tent, so that it isn't too small. Its weight is also important if you're going camping on foot and will be carrying it on your back. In natural conditions you also have to reckon with rain. That's why you should choose higher-quality tents with a higher water column. We don't recommend tents with a water column of 1000 mm; they are only suitable for occasional overnight stays and will start to leak even in light rain.
You shouldn't forget something to sleep on - something that will protect you from the cold coming from the ground. You can choose either an inflatable mattress or a sleeping pad. In the case of a mattress, pack a pump for inflating it as well. And a sleeping bag or blanket will also serve you well. If you prefer to sleep in a sleeping bag, a light one suitable for the summer season will be enough.
Clothing for camping
When it comes to clothing, it's an individual matter. Some people can walk around in shorts even on a cold day, while others feel the cold more. It's important to pack clothing for hot days, but you shouldn't forget about cold days, which can surprise you. Don't forget T-shirts, trousers (both short and long), socks, underwear (you can also pack thermal underwear for cold nights), a hoodie, a sweater, definitely something for the rain (a raincoat, a waterproof jacket), a head covering against the sun, a swimsuit and a towel.
Quality footwear is very important for camping, especially if you'll be going on trips into the forest and nature. There's nothing worse than getting blisters from poorly chosen footwear. Lightweight sneakers or flip-flops will also come in handy for moments of rest. We wrote in more detail just recently about what to wear on your feet for hiking.
Cooking and food
The most important thing is drinking water. Most campsites have access to drinking water, but if you're camping somewhere out in nature and won't have drinking water, it's necessary to obtain enough drinking water for everyone and for everything essential - cooking, drinking, washing dishes, and so on.
V prípade, že sa chystáte kempovať na niekoľko dní a budete si pravidelne variť, potrebujete dostatočné vybavenie na varenie. → If you are planning to camp for several days and will be cooking regularly, you need sufficient cooking equipment. Conditions for building a campfire are not always ideal, and lighting a fire is not allowed everywhere. Therefore, we recommend buying a camping stove, on which you can prepare your food. You can also bring a grill for barbecuing, don't forget charcoal for the grill and matches or a lighter as well. Pots, outdoor dishware, a cutting knife, a can opener, a peeler, a cutting board, and washing-up supplies are also essential. A portable cooler, a thermos, and water bottles can also come in handy.
You shouldn't forget non-perishable food, various canned goods, as well as packet soups and ready meals that keep for a long time. Dried pasta with various sauces, which only need water to prepare, are also suitable. A thermal bag or a portable cooler with cooling packs will serve you for a few days. Eat foods that spoil quickly first. Cooking outdoors can also be fun, ending with a tasty dinner.
Hygiene while camping
You shouldn't forget about hygiene either. A great helper can be a portable shower, which is useful for a quick shower, but also when you go camping with your children who constantly need to wash their hands or face. Don't forget to pack soap or shower gel, shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving supplies, grooming items, tissues, feminine hygiene products, and towels. Of course, you can do without most of these things and survive just fine. :) Wet wipes will be of great service, as you can wipe anything with them, as well as toilet paper, repellent, and sunscreen.
These camping items you shouldn't forget
There are many things that can come in handy. Among the most important will certainly be a light source, either in the form of a flashlight, lantern, or headlamp. Important helpers for trips and outdoor activities certainly include a compass, a compass, or a GPS. You shouldn't forget a first aid kit with suitable equipment. Again, you need to consider whether you are going to an official campsite or outside civilization, where even a seemingly trivial item can save your life. Disinfectant, sterile and elastic bandages, sterile gauze, scissors, aluminum foil, sterile gloves, as well as plasters and a triangular bandage are important. Supplement the contents of your first aid kit with medications you regularly take, don't forget painkillers, fever and diarrhea medication, and possibly an ointment for insect bites.
Small items that can also come in handy:
- paracord bracelet (see also uses of paracord outdoors)
- string and clothespins for drying laundry
- spare batteries
- mobile phone and charger, or a power bank
- sewing supplies
- sunglasses
- entertainment items, various games, a ball, cards
- camera
- axe
- knife or multi-tool knife
No matter where you are heading, there are plenty of things you might need. First and foremost, we wanted to give you some inspiration. It is important to write down in advance a list of things that will come in handy and without which you definitely cannot do. In case you have to pack everything into a backpack, you can cross out the things that you will not miss that much.
