Eliminate any doubt about forgetting essential items at home or running out of TP at the campsite. In this guide, we provide a comprehensive list of things to pack in your vehicle before embarking on a peaceful vacation, as well as instructions for managing them once you arrive at the campsite.
By opting for camping at a drive-in campsite, it becomes simpler to pack compared to backpacking or being in the backcountry as there is no need to be concerned about weight or carrying everything on your back. Consequently, you can bring along a few extra comforts and enhance your camping experience to the fullest!
If you are planning to go camping, it is important to be aware of what you should bring beforehand. By having a checklist, you can save yourself from spending numerous hours on research and only need to do some basic preparation. This particular post is specifically aimed at individuals who are relatively new to camping and primarily focus on car camping. Therefore, if this is your initial camping experience, this list is tailor-made for you.
Tent
When considering a camping tent, it’s important to think about the weather conditions and the desired size of the tent as these are the key factors that determine its ability to provide shelter and comfort in the outdoors.
When considering a tent for camping, it is always a wise decision to choose a three-season tent. The suitable capacity of the tent will vary according to your own liking. Within our compilation of top camping tents, you can discover the ideal tent that suits your needs.
If your tent does not come with a footprint, you can use a tarp instead to protect the tent floor from the ground and maintain a dry interior.
Even high-priced tents can come with subpar stakes. Before departing, verify that the stakes are durable and sturdy. When camping with a car, remember to pack a rubber mallet for effortless fastening of the tent and tarp corners.
Sleeping Pads
When we were ten years old, marshmallows for roasting over the campfire would have likely been placed higher than sleeping pads on our top ten list. However, as we are no longer ten years old, we have grown to adore our sleeping pads. They undeniably contribute significantly to the comfort of our trip.
At times, it can be challenging to locate a ground spot that lacks any roots or unevenness beneath the tent. However, these imperfections are beneficial as they help conceal the discomfort and contribute to a restful sleep. Ultimately, having a good rest significantly enhances the overall enjoyment of your trip.
When considering options, like with most products, there is a diverse selection of sleeping pads available. At the more affordable end, self-inflatable sleeping pads can be found in the price range of approximately $35 – $40.
Cooler
In terms of technicality, it is possible to bring freeze-dried or non-refrigerated foods for camping, but why settle for mediocre meals? The most crucial aspect of choosing a cooler is ensuring that it is the right size for your needs. Apart from size, other factors to consider when selecting a cooler include its ice retention capabilities and whether it has a lock. While having a critter lock can be convenient for keeping raccoons at bay, it is not a necessity. We have been using a lock-less cooler for many years, and it has served us perfectly fine. Ideally, you should place your cooler beneath the picnic table bench if it fits, or even better, keep it in the car!
Light
Yes, indeed, having a good light is crucial for camping. In order to ensure sufficient illumination, we make use of two different types of lights: a solar light and a headlamp. One of our favorite options is an inflatable solar light that can be conveniently hung from the tent’s roof. It proves particularly useful when preparing for sleep or engaging in nighttime tent activities. Moreover, we appreciate its versatility as we can place it outside on the picnic table or the outer part of the tent during the day to recharge. In the past, we have often relied on the renowned brand Petzl.
Nowadays, the majority of coolers are effective at preserving ice. Many coolers are priced higher because they can maintain frozen ice for an extended period. Nevertheless, it is important to consider that purchasing an expensive cooler capable of preserving ice for 7 days is unnecessary if your camping trip only lasts for 3 days.
Now they are producing rechargeable headlamps, which tend to be slightly pricier. Although you benefit from not purchasing batteries, they are convenient to have while camping. It is not always feasible to recharge your light using electricity. This is something worth considering!
Means to start a fire
Feel free to decide whether to bring matches, a lighter, or old-fashioned flint and steel. However, it is recommended to have a backup plan if you choose flint and steel. Bringing additional tinder, such as dryer lint, can be helpful, especially if you haven’t had much experience starting a fire.
