If you were never a scout and your parents aren’t that outdoorsy, then you may well have made it all the way to adulthood without ever going camping. While it’s never too late to get into one of life’s great pleasures, you need to make sure you’ve first got all your essentials in order.
This is where we can help, we’ve put together all the essential first time camping tips we can think of, to make sure you’re prepared when you venture into the great outdoors.
Let’s get into it.
First time camping checklist
So first off, here are all the essentials you’ll need on your first camping excursion:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- A good pillow
- Flashlight
- Camping table and chairs
- Portable gas stove (with fuel and matches/lighter)
- Portable saucepan, cutlery, and crockery
- Dry food that doesn’t require refrigeration
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Games and book
- Sleeping clothes
- Day clothes
- Rain attire
- Boots
- Camping knife
Think about the weather
When asking yourself ‘it’s my first time camping what do I need?’ always consider the likely weather conditions of the trip may change. Moreover, preparing for the best and worst weather is good camping practice, on the off chance it pours rather than shines.
It may seem like a lot, but packing your hiking boots beside your flip flops guarantees good times whatever the weather.
Bring games
You’d be surprised at how many folks forget the purpose of camping is to have fun. So, why not bring some games?
A pack of cards can totally change the atmosphere of an evening camping. A bit of fun mixed with some healthy competition, mini board games are also a great way to enjoy a summer evening camping excursion.
Don’t scrimp on your backpack
Oh so important. And not many people will listen to it. Yet, of all these tips for first time camping, this is probably one of the most obvious but many times overlooked.
Buying a cheap pack for staying in the wilderness is a recipe for disaster. And alternatively, purchasing a high-priced, single-purpose pack may also not be a sensible option.
Rather than going all-in, consider a backpack that’s versatile for other overnight trips yet offers an optimal camping backpack experience. Seek out a pack that’s durable, flexible, and has space for all your essentials. And a bag that’s light-weight and washable is a huge plus. Remember, a weekend at a campsite next to the car is very different to days out in the wilderness. So unless you’re back country camping, you probably won’t need a trekking backpack.
Practice putting up your tent before arriving
A dress rehearsal pitching your tent in your backyard before the actual camping trip should not be underestimated.
In fact, it’s the only way to know if you’re going to be fully prepared for your first time camping.
Count your poles, pegs and other components to make sure you’ve got the inner and outer compartments correctly attached. Trust us, you don’t want to realize you’re missing a fundamental piece of the tent structure when you get there.
In terms of first time camping tips, don’t take this one lightly.
Be conscious of the environment
We hope you agree that this last tip should apply to every aspect of our lives. However, it is no more applicable than in the wondrous realm of nature.
Depending on where your first camping escapade is taking place, you’ll no doubt be exposed to a variety of different habitats and ecosystems around your campsite.
In as much as you wouldn’t like somebody dumping their trash on your front lawn, your wildlife neighbors for the night won’t appreciate you leaving your garbage lying around.
Bring a few garbage bags and keep your campsite in perfect shape so that the next group of campers may enjoy it. And by keeping your garbage contained and off the ground, the likelihood your camp will be visited by unwanted animals or other night-time creatures will be limited. Most of us don’t like these types of surprises!
Final Thought
We’ve got no doubts your first camping experience will be a positive one.
Follow our tips and tick off the first time camping checklist, and you’ll be sure to have a perfectly chill time during your first camping experience.
And if you’ve not found a great rucksack to pack all your necessities away yet, find one here!
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