10 Things You Need on a Camping Trip

It goes without saying that if you're down for an off-the-trail, in-the-woods camping trip, you will need a tent. In fact, you are going to need the perfect tent. While you should not drop a ridiculous amount of money buying a tent, it essentially acts as your residence for at least a night, so you want to purchase something of good quality. The first aspect to consider is size. Even if you are not camping with anyone else, you might go with a group of people in the future. If that is the case, you probably want to consider a reasonably large tent that can at least fit three. You also want a waterproof, portable tent that is easy to set up on different terrains.

The best camping trips have lots and lots of music. Don't worry; you don't have to be musically inclined yourself. You don't have to start frantically learning the guitar unless you want to practice. Instead, you can just get some outdoor speakers and blast your favorite playlist. Outdoor speakers can be large or small, but they must be waterproof to protect from dew on the grass or a sudden rainstorm. Waterproof speakers can provide endless entertainment and sing-alongs around a campfire.

A camping trip without a hot, crackling campfire is a sad affair. Most campers love using their campfires to roast some s'mores and hot dogs, and it can be hard to start a great fire. Fire is a fickle beast. A new camping site brings new types of wood and different materials that might be trickier to use. The right fire starter kit will prevent any problems like this. There are many kinds of kits, but the best type will include a large lighter, magnesium flint, and hemp rope or similar material to start the base of the fire.

No one wants to return with a million bug bites from a camping trip. Not only are bug bites unpleasant, but some could carry serious diseases. Campers should always make it a habit to bring quality bug spray. Some bug spray irritates certain skin types or has an unpleasant aroma, so be sure to shop around before picking one. You can also buy mosquito nets to place around common areas in the campsite, which will keep the bugs at a much more manageable level. These nets are pretty affordable and easy to obtain.

Accidents happen all the time, but when you're camping in the middle of nowhere, they can escalate to dangerous levels quickly. You should bring a quality first aid kit on your camping trips, just in case of an emergency. These kits should include a cold compress, bandages, sanitizing wipes, butterfly closures, and small wood splints. If you have an old first aid kit, you should get a new one for fresh supplies.

Most people don't like sleeping on the ground, even in a tent. It's not the most pleasant experience on the back, so you should probably get an excellent air mattress with some outdoor bedding to sleep on in the tent. You want to ensure the air mattress will fit comfortably in your tent, so buy the tent first. Then, check to be sure the air mattress is durable because the tent's floor is very thin.

While you will probably bring a separate water supply, it never hurts to get a water filter. Water filters are camping essential because water becomes quite vital in the wilderness. Luckily, water filters have gotten increasingly accessible and portable over the years. You want to buy a water filter that meets the WHO's standards and has a history of accurate testing. Drinking from bad water filters can lead to ingesting parasites, which is never a pleasant experience. A well-made water filter will purify rainwater, lake water, and river water and make it instantly drinkable.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of camping is napping in the shade of a giant tree while you swing gently in a hammock. The cheapest hammocks come with two tree straps and will need two trees or poles to work. However, more expensive hammocks will come with a separate stand. The benefit is that you will not have to look for the perfect set of trees, but hammocks with a frame are significantly less portable. Be sure to research the layout of your campsite before deciding which hammock to purchase.

Serious campers staying for multiple nights will want to consider buying a portable shower. Solar portable shower bags will use sunlight to heat water when filled. These portable showers are perfect for people who hate using tepid water. They come with a shower head and a water tap. Most portable solar shower bags also give you a slight range of control over the water pressure.

Finally, even if you aren't scared of the dark, you will want to bring some durable electric lanterns. These lanterns should be extremely luminous so you can signal with them if necessary. They should also be waterproof and guaranteed to withstand moderate damage. Ideally, campers should have a lantern powered by solar power, a battery, and a hand crank. This way, you will always have light if you need it. Camping lanterns have a very different design from ordinary porch lanterns. They are portable and can hang from a structure if necessary. Some will even charge your phone or other electronic devices.