First of all, the main item that every camper need is a tent. You might also want to consider bringing along sleeping bags or mattresses for a more comfortable sleep at night. And along with the tent, make sure you have all the tools that you need to set up the tent properly, such as a hammer to nail the tent stakes into soil.

It is important to have a checklist of all the essential camping gears to ensure you do not miss out on any crucial things to bring. You can find such lists on the Internet and they can be downloaded and printed on paper for easier reference. The camping gear that you need will also depends on the type of trip you’re planning to have. If you plan to go by a RV (which stands for Recreational Vehicle), then you’ll have less item to take along since most of the basic necessities are already in the vehicle.

Another very crucial item that every camper need is a lantern or flashlight. Even though you can have a campfire for light, it is still advisable to always carry a lantern for additional lighting, and a flashlight in case of emergency. Other items that you should also bring are first aid kit, a hatchet, some easy to carry outdoor furniture such as folding chairs, kitchen items and even trash bags. Based on your personal preferences, that number of items you can take with you depends on the storage space and availability of resources.

There are some additional camping gears that are often overlooked when preparing for the camping trip and you only realize their importance when you need it. Take portable water filter for example, even though you are sure that there will be clean water resources in your camping area, there’s no harm to filter your water and ensure that everything is safe for the benefits for you and your family’s health.

Once you have your entire camping gear prepared, go out there and have a great time.

Before you set out for camp however, make sure that you are well aware of the following camping tips:

a. Before you plan for your camping vacation, make sure that you have checked the weather forecast. Obviously, you will have to avoid storms and hurricanes. If your vacation is set on a day that will have an unpleasant weather, it will be best if you reschedule your camping adventure.

b. In preparing for your camping activity, the first thing that you should do is to pick a camping site. The choice of camping site will tell you what equipment, tools, food, and clothing that you ought to bring during your vacation.

c. In preparing the equipment, make a camping checklist first. Without a checklist, you might end up forgetting a thing or two of the most crucial equipment that you need. Pack your things according to your list and make sure that you have categorized the gear and tools.

d. Before setting your camping tent, make sure that you have thoroughly checked your camping site. Check your surroundings for nearby warning signs and advisory regarding poisonous herbs, fruits and vines. Watch out for warnings about bear, snake, or lion sightings. Make sure that the place is genuinely safe. To be certain that the place is really secure; find out if the local authorities and officials recognize the site as an official camping area.

e. Before you set your camping tent, you should remove all the rocks and branches from your camping grounds. Make sure that the ground is flat so you can set up your tent quite perfectly.

f. Choose a campsite that is generally peaceful and interesting. Bear in mind that the main purpose of camping out is to relax and have fun. Make sure that your campsite is comfortable for sleeping at night.

g. If you are camping out with your family and friends, make sure that you have packed enough food and clothing. Check if the tent sizes are appropriate for the number of people who are going to occupy the tent.

h. If you are camping out with your kids, make sure that you have checked their packs. Although you can let them pack their things, supervise your kids. It will be best to pack extra clothes and food for them since they are more likely to end up wet, dirty, and hungry most of the time.

i. Keep in mind that most tent sizes do not include spaces for your gear, tools, food stocks, and beverages. That is why it will be better if you bring an extra tent that will serve as your storage area. Do not forget to bring a separate cloth bag for your dirty laundry.

j. Keep your campsite safe and clean. Make sure that your gears, tools, and food are properly stored. Keep your food in close containers that are compartmentalized. Make sure that your camp fire is far away from your storage area and never leave the fire unattended.

Bring some vital equipment

A strong, flexible and rain-proof tent is only the starting point of essential camping gear. Don’t even think about resting on the hard ground! Take some more time to check out the different kinds of air mattresses existing at camping shops. Come to a decision in how much you’re willing to spend, and then invest in the luxurious model, or grab the budget version – whichever you decide, an air mattress of any kind will really improve your excellence of life over the camping weekend. Let’s face it, it’s impossible to enjoy yourself when you’re suffering from sleep deprivation. Get a good sleeping bag also bring a pillow, and one more blanket than you’d anticipate needing.

Insect repellent and sun block are also essential items. And seal all perishable food in airtight containers to protect it from creepy crawlies. Don’t forget drinking water supplies, long-life milk, canned food, can opener, and tea and coffee – you don’t need to add caffeine withdrawal to your camping experience. Toilet paper is also a must! Tend to your basic comfort needs, or you’ll find it impossible to enjoy the weekend.

Importance of personal hygiene

How will you survive going without took bath for 2 nights? Try to bring extra deodorant, a washcloth, toothpaste and brush; wipe off cleanser, and plenty of tissues etc. A cake of hard soap is also a good idea: it’s difficult to keep soap dry when you’re camping, and mushy soap soon disintegrates into a soggy mess.

Pack an extra bottle of water for grooming urgent situations, and you can be sure that you can at least brush your teeth and splatter your face with fresh water, wherever you may find physically. If you don’t need it to wash with, you can always drink it.

If your hair is past shoulder length, try to keep it tied back, as you’ll be hard-pressed to keep it looking glossy, or to style it. There will be no outlets for hairdryers or electric razors, so make sure you’ve covered any potentially uncomfortable personal grooming issues before you go – waxing may be the best way of banishing constant leg stubble over the weekend.

Keep makeup to a minimum – some colored moisturizer or light foundation and colored lip gloss are quick and easy to apply and remove at the end of the day. You won’t look overcooked, but you also won’t be forced to sport a ‘nude’ face.

Essential attitude

If you are not a usual camper, it’s predictable that your endurance will be tried during the course of the weekend. You won’t be as comfy as you would be if you were home in your own bed or deep in a lavender-scented fizz bath. But keep in mind: if you hadn’t gone camping, you would never have witnessed that wonderful sunset, or been plagued by the natural freshness of a pine forest first thing in the morning.

Camping is definitely not everyone’s favorite free time activity. But having the right gear, being prepared for some low-maintenance loveliness essentials, and adjusting your manner to your new environment can really help you to enjoy the escape from your daily life routine. A little time spent soothing in nature can see you return recharged and renewed to your everyday life.

1. Test it in the Yard

You don’t want to find out that the roof leaks when you are two days away from the nearest road and a freezing rain is falling. Set it up in the yard and inspect it if you haven’t used the tent yet, or if has been stored for a long time. Turn on the hose and test it for leaks.

2. Choose Your Campsite Carefully

Camping on rocks or hard dirt with roots projecting upwards is not only uncomfortable, but also wears out the tent bottom fast. Sleeping on the slightest slope will result in you sliding into your camp mate or into a wall of nylon that may be wet with condensation. Find the most level spot you can, look to see that water will not pool there if it rains, and remove rocks and sticks.

3. Set it Tight

If the outer rain fly touches the tent roof or walls, condensation can drip through onto you. Be sure that you tighten all the lines when setting up – especially those on the rain fly. This also prevents the material from flapping in the wind so much, so you’ll sleep better.

4. Keep it Light

Your shelter is often the heaviest thing you’ll have with you when backpacking. There are several ways to cut the weight if you want to travel lighter. You can give up tent camping in favor of using a tarp or bivy sack, for example. You could also buy a lighter tent. But if you really prefer tent camping, and want to keep it cheap as well, you can still lighten the load using the following tips.

First, leave behind some of the tent stakes. Bring just six, for example, for the corners and end lines, and then use sticks you gather on-site for the less-crucial lines and other stake-out points. You can also tie off the lines to rocks or trees.

Second, you can leave behind the ground cloth. Some backpackers use heavy ground clothes to save the bottom of their tents, but there are two problems with this. The extra weight has to be carried every time you’re out, and if not placed properly, they can catch rain water and let it pool under you.  I prefer to go light and just let the bottom of the tent wear out a little faster.

Third, you might find a large nylon tarp that weighs less than your rain fly. If you are in an area that will have trees to tie it too, bring that. You may save a few ounces, and you might even have it extend out far enough in front to provide a “porch” of sorts.

A Few More Tent Camping Tips

Have repair materials with you, which should at least include a bit of duct tape. Be sure you know how to set up the tent before you hit the trail. Be sure the tent is large enough for the two or three of you that will be in it. Bring a small piece of plastic for a front door mat, and you won’t have to step out into the mud.