Camping is a remarkable experience that allows you to reconnect with nature and see some of the world’s beauty up close. The best camping trips are always well-planned in advance. When you have everything properly prepared before you go, you can spend less time during your trip stressing out, and more time enjoying the moment.

Part of being prepared is knowing what is essential to pack. There are a few things that people who are new to camping seem to always forget. Avoid making these easy mistakes by checking out our list of what you can’t forget to pack on a camping trip!

10 Wet Wipes And Other Helpful Hygiene Items

Any camping trip will be a struggle if you don’t have wet wipes and other hygiene items. When you won’t have access to a shower for a period of time, wet wipes are imperative for keeping yourself clean. You can also get brands that are unscented and suitable for sensitive skin.

There are other hygiene products that you should never leave at home, such as dry shampoo (unless you don’t mind seriously oily hair). Hand sanitizer will also come in handy so you can get rid of germs after using the bathroom and before eating your food.

9 A Charger For Your Electronics And Devices

In the past, it wasn’t possible to bring a charger for your electronic items on a camping trip. It’s not as if the trees in the wilderness typically have power outlets! But these days, anything is possible, including solar chargers.

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You can keep all your devices charged during your camping trip if you bring your sturdy solar charger, which can hook up to your phone, kindle, and camera, along with other devices. You can also get waterproof chargers to prevent any mishaps while you’re camping.

8 Items To Help You Sleep Comfortably

Sleeping isn’t always easy on a camping trip. Sure, you have the advantage of total serenity and clean fresh air, but often sleeping arrangements can be quite uncomfortable, which may lead to a loss of sleep. Eagle Creek lists all the items that you’ll have to bring for a good night’s sleep, including sleeping bags and sleeping pads.

It’s also a good idea to bring a comfortable travel pillow to support your neck while sleeping on the ground. The last thing you want is the pain of a sore neck during your trip.

7 Insect Repellant To Keep The Bugs Away

On just about every type of camping trip, you’ll need to bring bug repellant with you. Although bugs seem like just minor annoyances, they can actually destroy a trip if you don’t protect yourself against them. Some bugs, like ticks and certain spiders, can be really dangerous, so it’s best to do all you can to avoid being bitten.

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Even if an insect isn’t dangerous, it can still be majorly inconvenient to have to deal with things like mosquito bites and flea bites when you just want to be enjoying your trip.

6 A High-Quality Tent

This one should come as no surprise. Before you set off on your camping trip, it’s a good idea to take the time to invest in a high-quality tent. If you make this decision quickly and buy the wrong tent, it could ruin your whole trip.

Asher Fergusson explains that the right tent will be completely waterproof and also easy to set up and take down. It will also be reliable and well-ventilated so it’s as comfortable for you as possible. Take into consideration how big your group is before settling on a tent.

5 A Fully Stocked First-Aid Kit

If there’s one thing you don’t want to do, it’s venturing out on a camping trip without bringing a fully stocked first-aid kit. Your safety is paramount, so make sure you have everything you need to keep yourself safe.

A typical first-aid kit might include pain killers, prescription meds, bandages, antiseptic, and anything else that will protect you while you’re camping. You might also like to bring toiletries such as toilet paper, sunscreen and lip balm to protect your lips from the sun, as well as a toothbrush and toothpaste.

4 Enough Food And Snacks To Give You Energy

It’s always a good idea to bring lots of energy-boosting snacks on a camping trip. Especially if you’re going to be spending a lot of time doing physically strenuous activities, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got plenty of energy.

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To stop perishable items from going off, you can bring a cooler. The types of snacks that will make you feel the best on the trip will be packed with whole grains and protein. Things like nuts are a great and easy option. If you have a gas stove, you can also bring food to cook up.

3 Clothes That Will Defend You From The Elements

When it comes to choosing what clothes to bring on a camping trip, a rule of thumb is to go for practicality over style. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors, your clothes will need to defend you from the elements.

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If you’re expecting cooler weather, it’s important to pack clothes that will keep you warm. In the rain, bring things that will help you stay dry. And when it’s hot, bring clothes made from the right, breathable fabrics that won’t irritate your skin. Don’t forget a good hat!

2 A Good Pair Of Hiking Boots

The same applies to footwear: you should think about what will best serve you on your camping trip, rather than what looks the most fashionable. A good pair of hiking boots are absolutely paramount, even if you don’t actually plan on doing any hiking. These will protect your feet and are guaranteed not to wear out.

It’s always a good idea to spend a few days or weeks before you leave wearing in your new shoes. This will get your feet used to them and prevent blisters.

1 Tools For Navigation

Depending on where you’re camping, getting lost can be dangerous. It’s easy to get disorientated when you’re in a new location, where much of the scenery looks and the same and there’s nobody else around. For this reason, you should always pack tools that will help you navigate your way around.

There are several items you could bring for navigation and safety. These include a GPS, a map, a compass, and light sources such as lanterns, flashlights, and headlamps. These will greatly reduce your chances of getting lost on your camping trip!

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