Packing: Essentials v. Nonessentials
When you’re planning a camping trip it seems like you have a long packing list, especially if you’re staying in a campground. What will I wear if it gets cold? What if my air mattress pad starts leaking? What if I run out of food? What is there to do if the weather turns bad and I’ve finished my one book?
Yes, it is important to grab the essentials and be ready for anything. And don’t get me wrong, if you have a long trip, it’s great to have some extra gear to make your trip more comfortable. However, most campers usually end up packing more than they need. When packing, think about what type of camping you’re doing. If you’re camping in a tent at a campground, you will probably bring more items than you would if you’re carrying everything into a backcountry space. Below is a list of items I’ve found to be essential or not:
Needs: a tent or trailer that’s rated for the season you’re camping in and works with the type of campsite you have, a quality sleeping pad and camp pillow, appropriate clothes PLUS extra, proper shoes including shower/river shoes, basic toiletries, food and a way to cook it, eat it & keep it edible, a can opener, environmentally-safe camp soap, a book or one other method of entertainment, emergency first aid kit, fire starters, reusable water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, towel, tent patch/repair kit, a lantern or flashlight, some form of personal protection, and paracord, tent stakes, and a rainfly if you’re tent camping. Water treatment gear is also essential if you’re backcountry camping or camping at a campground where the water isn’t potable. And lastly, a source of power to charge your personal device such as a power bank—I find that a 10,000Mh power bank usually lasts me about a day and a half or two full phone charges. Four 10,000Mh power banks lasted me eight days in Appalachia to charge my phone and camp lanterns, although there were times when I would drive from one place to another and could charge my phone during the drive.
Wants: these can make your stay more comfortable but usually aren’t considered “essential”: a second air mattress or pillow, a camp chair, a cot, multiple books or entertainment devices, a hammock (unless you’re sleeping in it), a bunch of extra blankets, portable toilets and privacy shelters, floor cushions, string lights, music speakers.
Of course, this list is always up for adjustments; if you’re going to be camping in the summer near a lake, definitely bring a swimsuit and an extra towel! If you’re expecting snow or freezing cold, you’ll need thermal clothes and a personal space heater for your tent. And if you’re camping in bear country, bring bear spray and a bear proof food storage canister unless there’s one available for use wherever you’re going. One thing I’ve found that I always pack but never need is more than one book—I’m constantly hiking during the day, and I always fall asleep shortly after nightfall. It’s very rare that I find myself with nothing to do. Meanwhile, a nonessential “need” for me is my journal and pens; I like to record my trip experiences to read further down the road, write down what I like and didn’t like, things to do next time. I also always keep an electric tire inflator and engine starter in my car too, just in case– in the past I’ve never needed it but I’ve helped out campground neighbors with both items.
In summary, apart from the camping basics, it is up to you and your individual trip itinerary to know what you truly need versus what you want. It helps me to prepare a checklist before I pack so that I know what I have to pack or need to purchase near my destination.