Essential Camping Gear Planning for Relaxing and Safety

You finally decided to go camping this year! You are so determined to have the time of your life camping, so proper gear is essential! First thoughts? What camping gear do I need?

On to the woods, to the lakes and mountain tops! You are almost there! Let us help you by providing an essential list for your camping gear!

First of all, congratulations! Your good mood equals 50% of the fun.

The list you are about to read is adjusted according to your needs and what you have in mind regarding comfort, safety, and well-being while camping.

Let’s start!

Table of Contents

Where are you Heading For Camping?

We are asking (and you should ask yourself) because the wild/free camping style differs from going to an organized camping area. In free/wild camping, you need a few extra things. Each has its charm, of course, and when we talk about “pleasure,” we know it has a different meaning for everyone.

If you are about to camp near a lake, river, or beach is different than camping inside a forest or in the mountains.

So, basic things to have in mind when choosing your camping gear are:

Where are you going and how well organized are things there
How long do you plan to stay
How many persons consist your team
What are you planning to do while there (i.e., activities)

Answer these to yourself to be able to make your primary list. Depending on the answers, here are the groups of things you (may) need.

Inside the camping

A camping tent, along with poles and ropes to set it up
Base layer to place on the ground. Your tent will be set on top of it
An additional tent/extension if you want more shade. This is adjusted over your sleeping tent
A hammock
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Repair kit for the tent and sleeping pads/bags
Air pump (if you use an inflatable sleeping pad
Pillow (there are inflatable ones too)
A multi-tool or knife
Headlight or regular torch (and extra batteries)
Lantern
A daypack (if you plan activities outside your camping area)
Folding chairs
Folding table
A portable fridge (ice or electrical one)
A hammer
A rope to hang clothes to get them dry
A bicycle and a bike trailer (if you plan to do such)
A pair of gloves

If you plan to stay near the sea

Inflatable SUP/sea kayak
Fishing gear (and related permit)
Fins, mask, life jacket, and related safety equipment
An elastic tent or sun umbrella

Clothing and shoes

Swimsuit
Anti-UV clothing
Quick-drying trousers/shorts
Long sleeve shirts (good for sun and insects)
Hats
Sandals (trekking type)
Special shoes for getting into sea/river water
Depending on the climate conditions, you may need:
- Appropriate shoes for the camping terrain
- Socks
- Long underwear
- Insulated jackets or/and vests
- Insulated trousers
- Water-resistant clothing (jacket and pants)

Food and cooking

Gas kitchen
Rotisserie (coal or electrical or powered by the sun)
LPG cylinders
A small axe
Cooking pots
Water coolers for hot/cold water
Recipes !!!
Food storage containers
Garbage bags
Tablecloth and clip (or tape)
Bottles of water
Saucers, glasses
Knife, Fork, Spoon or Sporks and such
Biodegradable soap
Sponge for pots or pans
Portable sink (if not the camp)

Hygiene

Quick dry towels
Toilet paper
Sun cream
Lips moisturizer
Insect repellent
Hand disinfectant
Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
Mirror
First aid kit/pharmacy with the necessary
Medicines you may need
Toothbrush, toilet kit
Cosmetics
Brush/comb
Ear plugs
Biodegradable soap
Water shower bag
The necessary for menstruation
Portable/chemical toilets

Tech, Navigation, and Special Camping Equipment

GPS and extra batteries
A map, a compass, and training to be able to read it
Cellphone or any other device to be able to communicate if you hike far
Flares
Hiking gear for single-day hikes (backpack, sturdy shoes and proper socks, first aid kit, water, jacket/raincoat, sun cream, snacks). For multi-day hikes, plan accordingly.
If you plan to hike with your kids while camping, read this.
In some wild places, you may need equipment to be able to defend yourself.
If you plan to take your dog and some hiking, then read this

General Instructions for Camping Gear

Nutrition

To choose correctly, you must consider your needs and what you like. For example, in places where having a fridge is not an option, you need suitable food. If you camp and hike for many days, your needs are different. Proper nutrition and overall gear weight play a significant role in such cases. We will expand on such in a separate article.

In most camps, there are two key players: meat and pasta. You will see much cooking on a fire or simply boiling their preferred pasta.

Having fun

Whatever social, family, or solo game you like, bring that—for example, A frisbee, board games, a deck of cards, a ball, and more. Don’t forget your camera, extra memory cards, binoculars, books, etc.

Your camping gear will change depending on the days, terrain, and persons involved. The whole thing is to have fun and not to spend hours getting simple things done. For example, trying to light a fire by rubbing two sticks is no need. Just use a lighter.

If you like to add more things to our list, please do! If you want to read a very ultimate list of items for all cases, then read this post too.

Have fun.

Did you like this camping gear post? Then also read: