Sleeping bag
Since we're talking summer camping, you don't need to splurge on a heavy-duty sleeping bag with all the bells and whistles. A lightweight basic bag will be fine. But since our camping motto is better safe than sorry, bring plenty of blankets, for layering if it gets cold, and for padding if you find the ground too hard. Don't forget a pillow.
The checklist
Packing is usually the most stressful part of any trip - most of us haven't yet mastered the ‘bring three items and alternate combinations' theory of packing. Luckily, you don't need ensembles for your outdoor vacation, just layers.
Make sure you bring:
• Sweatshirt and jogging pants - for sleeping and sitting by the fire at night
• Comfortable pants and shorts
• Wool socks, cotton socks and underwear
• Lightweight rainproof jacket
• T-shirts, long sleeved shirts
• Sneakers or hiking boots
• Flip-flops to wear in the shower
• Toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste
• Sunscreen and insect repellant
• Travel wipes
Don't forget
• Camera
• Deck of cards
• Flashlight (and extra batteries)
• First-aid kit
• Tupperware container of matches
• Towels
More camping tips
• Remove rocks from the ground where you'll pitch your tent, otherwise you'll be sleeping on them.
• Don't eat food in your tent and NEVER leave food unattended in your tent.
• If you're bringing children, pack an 'activity box' full of ways to entertain them during afternoon downtime (ie: books, art supplies, travel board games).
• Research campgrounds in your area using the Web, and ask friends for advice. A great campground will make your trip.
See? Not so scary after all. If you're properly prepared, your camping trip will be a blast. Learn from those camping horror stories, but don't let them deter you from tackling the great outdoors this summer.
Read more:
How to camp safe
Campfire Crumble recipe
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