5 Essential Items to Pack for Your Next Camping Trip

A camping trip is an excellent opportunity to unwind, bond with loved ones, and experience the wonders of nature. Unfortunately, a relaxing campground vacation can quickly turn stressful or even dangerous if you forget to pack the right equipment.

Thankfully, you can mitigate your risk by staying prepared. With that in mind, here are a few essential items you should remember to pack for your next camping trip.

1. Portable Generator

Portable generator practices are precisely what it sounds like: a convenient way to keep your electric devices powered while far from home.

While many campsites include basic amenities such as drinkable water and picnic tables, far fewer have access to electricity. This can mean that a long camping trip can essentially take you ‘off the grid' for the duration of your stay, making it difficult to reach loved ones during emergencies.

These generators work well for cell phones, but you can also use them to power other important devices like cooking griddles and hot plates. This can make your camping trip much more enjoyable as you keep a mini-fridge cold with your food and have easy access to cooking equipment.

2. Waterproof Jacket

Waterproof jackets are another easily forgettable item. However, they are must-haves for any camping trip that includes hiking or backpacking, especially in the colder months of the year.

The level of protection you'll need from your waterproof jacket depends on your environment. If you're expecting heavy rain, a heavier-duty jacket will make the trip leagues much cozier than a flimsy poncho. Check the weather before deciding what to pack on your next trip.

3. Roadside Emergency Kit

Similar to bringing backup electricity to stop emergencies while camping, having a roadside emergency kit handy while vacationing can save you a lot of trouble and money.

A typical kit will include:

• Jumper cables
• Headlamp flashlight and batteries for light
• Coolant and motor oil
• Space blanket
• Tool kit
• Car jack
• Tire pressure gauge
• Ice scraper
• Granola bars
• Paper towels
• Duct tape

Having these items on you can help you survive if your car stops working in the middle of a camping trip with few people around. If you don't have time to find these items on your own, you can purchase a roadside kit before your trip from local stores.

4. Trash Bags

Camping is a great way to recognize the value of nature, but littering damages the environment. You can decide if you'll need a trash bag by looking at the amenities list while choosing a campsite.

If you're not sure, always bring a backup trash bag just in case. Keep it with you if you plan to bring food to any destinations other than your main campground. You'll create more trash than you anticipate, so respect nature by cleaning up after yourself.

5. Skin Protection

It's critical to bring things to protect your skin. Never forget bug spray on a trip, especially during the warmer months when more of your skin will be exposed. The Center for Disease Control recommends choosing an EPA-registered insect repellant for the best results.

When spending extended periods of time outdoors, it's always a good idea to bring sunscreen. Different sunscreens will work better for you, depending on your destination and skin type. Always use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, and reapply as directed on the bottle.

Enjoy Your Trip!

Taking time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life can be extremely rewarding, especially if you live far from a large, natural landscape. Camping is the most fun when you're at ease because you have everything you need. Just be sure to remember these items for your next camping trip to ensure you have a lovely time.