Basic Equipment
Some basic items you will need for any camping trip can probably be found around your home. You may have to buy some of the more expensive items, like a tent, sleeping bags, air mattresses, camp stove etc. We will cover those is some detail later in this chapter. For now, here is a list, in no particular order, of some of the things you should take:
- Strike Anywhere Matches
- Can Opener
- Flashlight and Spare Batteries
- First Aid Kit ( more on what to have in this later)
- Rope- Sail Cord or Clothesline Cord will do nicely, 25ft minimum as you may cut this as you use it
- Hatchet
- Folding Saw
- Insect Spray
- Fire Starter materials (newspaper, greasewood sticks etc). Charcoal lighter fluid can help start a fire after a rain.
- Folding Chairs and Table
- Lantern – either propane or battery
- Camp Stove & Fuel
- Cookware – a minimum of 2 sauce pans and a skillet. You can often get a set of aluminum campware that has these plus cups and plates
- Utensils – knives, forks, spoons, serving utensils
- Dish cloths and dish towels
- Biodegradable detergent
- Folding Shovel
- Duct Tape
- Pocket Knife and/or Multi-tool
- Work gloves
- Scissors
- Cooler
- Repair kits for tent fabric and for air mattress leaks
- Coffee Pot- even if you don’t drink coffee, it will heat water for tea etc
- Toilet Paper – Biodegradable or Flushable wipes
- Sleeping Bag & Pillow
- Air Mattress or Sleeping Pad
When gathering these items, which are in no way a comprehensive list, you should get the best quality you can afford so they can last you a long time before needing replacing. If you already have some of these things, so much the better. If you are new to camping and this might be your first trip, consider going somewhere close to home so that if you forget or don’t take some of these things, it won’t ruin your trip. You might even be able to borrow some items. Most of these things can be purchased at any sporting goods store, Wal-Mart or Target or online. Sometimes second hand stores can have some good quality items at greatly reduced prices. For your initial purchase, you should not spend any more money than you are comfortable with. You can always upgrade as you go. As you go on more trips, you will add, or subtract, from this list to suit your own needs.
Essential Equipment
Depending on your style of camping here are some items you may have to purchase, so we will give more detail on what to get and why and how to select the best equipment to fit your budget.
Tent Camping
The first thing that you will need is, of course is a tent! We recommend getting a 2 person tent at a minimum to begin, unless you have a family, in which case you will need something larger to accommodate your clan. Or perhaps 2 smaller tents. The tent should be large enough to accommodate 2 people, their sleeping bags, pillows; shoes/boots end any necessary nighttime accessories without being too cramped. 2 people might be more comfortable in a larger tent that might sleep 4 so they can spread out and have more “personal” space. Some discussion among your fellow campers/tent mates is usually warranted before getting your tent. It will avoid an unpleasant night in a cramped tent!