Camping is a favorite budget-friendly travel mode for many families, couples and individuals during the summer months. The weather is warm enough to make sleeping comfortable, and the sun stays higher in the sky for later into the evening, making long-running outdoor activities more feasible. Like all vacations, camping require some preparation. Unlike all vacations, however, you might find yourself in a tough spot if you forget something.
If you are staying in a fairly remote area, it might not be as easy as simply running to the nearest grocery or discount store to buy what you need. Here are some tips on what not to forget the next time you are packing for a camping trip:
Layers of Clothing
While you’re not likely to be too cold during the day if you’re camping in July or August, you still need to make sure that you have several warm, waterproof items packed. First, temperatures dip at night and in some areas, you might experience a good bit of chilliness. Secondly, even in warmer regions, an afternoon or evening rain can find you sopping wet. A raincoat or poncho, a waterproof cover for your backpack, a windbreaker and a light sweater or sweatshirt can all be useful.
Proper Footwear
If you’ll be hiking, you will want to wear sturdy sneakers or hiking boots. During the summer, many people like to go swimming or wading in streams, lakes and rivers; make sure you pack water shoes to avoid nasty cuts from stepping on sharp rocks, shells or broken glass in the water. Also, bring along flipflops for the showers; they are not always the cleanest facilities, and you won’t want to bring home a case of athlete’s foot. Throw a few extra pairs of socks in your bag as well so if your footwear gets wet, you can at least have warm and dry socks to change into.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
Being outdoors in the summer exposes you to the dangers of sunburn and insect bites. Use a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and apply it every couple of hours, or more often if you are swimming during peak sunlight hours. Also pack sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from too much sun. Particularly if you are going to be in a place that is known for being home to mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus, make sure that you use an insect repellent with DEET. Note that the Centers for Disease Control recommends not using products that combine DEET-containing insect repellents with sunscreen, as the former should not be applied as often nor as liberally as the latter.
Emergency Kit
Don’t forget to bring any medications that you or your traveling companions will need while you are on your trip. Also carry a variety of bandages, tape, a painkiller such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (including liquid suspensions if you are traveling with children) and an antihistamine in case of an allergic reaction to a plant or insect. Let someone know where you will be, particularly if you expect to lose your cellphone signal. Also be sure to carry water as well as water purifying tablets, in case you run out of your own water.
In many cases, a forgotten item is simply an inconvenience, but occasionally there will be an emergency or urgent situation while camping. Make a list of necessary items before you start packing, including What To Pack In A Travel First Aid Kit, and check it as you load up the car to avoid forgetting anything important
Have I forgotten anything important that you should not forget while packing for a camping trip? Add it to the comments section below!