While it may be possible to borrow some of the necessary camping gear, purchasing your own will save you money in the long run. Essential equipment includes a tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear, and other camp supplies.

The cost of camping gear can quickly add up, but many items are one-time purchases. Novice campers are urged to shop for quality gear that will last several seasons before needing replacement. They are also encouraged to share many items with other camping party members. A reusable water filter, for example, is much less expensive than the alternative, purchasing bottled water.

Water is a valuable resource during a camping trip, but it must be purified before drinking. Even a seemingly clean river or lake may contain bacteria that can make you sick. A camper should always bring a filter, iodine tablets or boiling water to ensure that they can stay hydrated during a camping trip.

When using a filtration system, campers should be sure to thoroughly rinse out the filter before each use to prevent any accumulated dirt from getting into the drinking water. Those that choose to sterilize their water with boiling should also be careful when using the pots and pans around it. It is important to use a metal pot that will heat up well, and to let the water boil for a full minute. This will kill any germs present.

For those who prefer to avoid carrying extra water, they can try to collect rainwater for their campsite. However, it is important to prepare for rainwater collection and make sure that any containers used for this purpose are clean and free of pathogens. Campers should also be prepared to boil the rainwater once they get back to their campsite.

It is important to remember that the most critical thing in a camper’s pack should be food, but also water. Camping without water can be dangerous, so the first priority is to find a good source. The second priority is to prepare the water for consumption, so it is safe to drink.

New campers should never go overboard and purchase the most expensive equipment available, Olguin says. Instead, she advises would-be campers to start with basic, solid and modest camping equipment and learn what works for them.

Food

The most important piece of camping gear is a sleeping bag, which keeps you warm and comfortable while you sleep. Some campers also bring a tent and tarp for additional comfort and protection from rain or bugs. If you’re going backpacking, choose a sleeping bag that is rated for the conditions in which you’ll be camping.

Food-related camping equipment includes a cooler to keep foods and drinks cold, and a portable stove and cooking utensils to cook over open flame or a campfire. It’s also a good idea to purchase a food thermometer so that you can be sure your meat is cooked through and safe to eat. Cooking over a fire can be tricky, and it’s often hard to tell when food is fully cooked based on color alone.

Most backpackers also bring a small camping fridge and ice chest for extra food storage and keeping things chilled. Frozen dinners and lunches are a great choice for camping as they can be easily prepared at the campground, saving time and energy in the kitchen.

It’s also important to have a variety of nonperishable foods available for camping, such as canned beans and soup, granola bars, dried fruit, jerky, packaged tuna or Spam, instant coffee, and tea bags. Many of these foods can be repackaged into smaller portions for camping, or combined into meals that require one pot to cook, such as a chicken and vegetable casserole.

Some campers even make their own freeze-dried foods, but this requires expensive equipment that isn’t available to all backpackers. Most campers opt for the convenience of purchasing prepackaged freeze-dried foods online or at sporting goods stores.

Personal care items like toothpaste, a toothbrush, soap and shampoo are important to pack for camping trips. A toiletry bag is a good place to keep these items so that you don’t forget them. If you’re planning on spending a long time outdoors, consider bringing a face mask to protect yourself from the wind and dirt. Finally, a warm blanket is an essential item for most campers, whether they’re car-camping in the desert or backpacking in the mountains. Rumpl’s puffy blanket is made from responsibly sourced merino wool and compressed to fit in your backpack, or try this Pendleton wool blanket for snuggling up around the campfire on a chilly autumn night.

Shelter

A tent is a must-have for any camping trip. However, the type of tent you choose will depend on where you’re going camping and the weather. For example, a mountaineering tent is best for backpackers who want to minimize pack weight, while a car camper will likely opt for something more spacious. Regardless of the type of tent you choose, make sure to read the product descriptions carefully and consider how it will accommodate your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking gear, personal belongings and other camping essentials.

A good camping shelter can help you connect with nature while providing a comfortable and safe place to sleep and cook. While a traditional tent may be sufficient for a short weekend trip, it’s recommended to invest in a backpacking tent that can withstand the elements and extreme temperatures.

You should also invest in a sleeping bag that will keep you warm at night and is appropriate for the season where you’re traveling. A mummy-style sleeping bag is ideal for cooler climates, while a down or synthetic bag is better for warmer areas. If you’re planning to travel in winter, consider getting a down bag with a hood and footbox to provide extra insulation against cold weather.

For warmth and comfort, you’ll also need a camping mattress or sleeping pad. While these items may seem like luxuries, they’re necessary to ensure you get a restful night of sleep. You can find affordable options at many outdoor stores.

Other camping essentials include a tarp, camp stove, cookware and other kitchen supplies. You’ll also need camp chairs, a tent hammock, first aid kit and emergency items. For safety, you should also carry a map, compass, flint-and-steel, flashlights, lanterns and string lights.

To save space and stay organized, use clear bins to store your camping equipment. Label each bin with its contents and keep a master list inside to avoid misplacement. Hanging a pegboard in your garage, attic or basement is another great way to store camping items. Pegboards come in different sizes and can be used to hang camping items such as backpacks, headlamps, axes, hydration bladders and sleeping bags.

Attire

Clothing is an essential part of a camping trip. When choosing clothing for a camping adventure, it’s important to prioritise functionality, durability, and versatility. This can be achieved by selecting clothes made from fabrics that wick away moisture, dry quickly, and provide insulation. Clothing that features UV protection, insect resistance, and abrasion resistance can also be beneficial for camping.

Clothing for a camping trip can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost of your camping outfits. Purchasing camping-specific gear can save you money, as it’s designed to withstand the rigours of outdoor activities. A pair of hiking boots that offer traction and support on rugged terrains is a good investment, as they’ll protect your feet from blisters and other injuries while trekking through the wilderness.

Choosing a hoodie or jumper made from wool and synthetic materials will help keep you warm on a cold camping trip. A wool base layer is a good choice as it works well with your other layers to allow moisture evaporation. You’ll also want to bring a thick jacket and fleece pants for colder camping trips.

The last thing you want to experience on a camping adventure is getting wet or cold. Investing in a rain jacket and a pair of rain pants can keep you dry while camping, especially during unexpected showers. A rain jacket that’s waterproof and breathable is ideal, as it allows perspiration to escape so your other layers don’t get drenched in sweat.

Another piece of camping equipment that’s essential is a good quality tent. A tent like the Stoic Madrone 4 is an affordable, durable option for all-season camping. It’s perfect for beginners and experienced campers alike and can easily accommodate up to four people. Another camping gear that’s worth investing in is a camping chair, as it will give you a comfortable place to relax while roasting s’mores over the campfire or taking a nap.

Helen Fleming