Packing For a Memorable Camping Trip
By: Conroy Keight

When's the last time you went camping? Last week? Last summer? Maybe you haven't gone since you were a kid. No matter how much experience you have, camping is the ultimate outdoor adventure. The key to the perfect outdoor getaway, however, is having the right camping gear.

Even if you've camped a million times before, you still need to prepare every trip like it's your first. If you don't have the right gear, your wilderness adventure might not be as satisfying,

or as safe, as it should be. Make a checklist of all essential items before you head for the hills. Once you're in the middle of the forest, it's just too late to realize that you've forgotten the necessities.

Plan Before You Pack

Allow time to plan, and avoid dashing and grabbing items at the last minute. Take the time to make a list of everything that you will need, and be sure to include those things that you may need in an emergency. Write them down, and cross the items off as you pack them. This is the only way to be sure that no necessity is overlooked.

Gimme Shelter

If you bring poor shelter and shoddy bedding, your camping trip can quickly turn from paradise to purgatory. Plan ahead and make sure that you'll be dry, warm and comfortable at all times. Sleeping in the open air under the stars might seem like the ultimate adventure, but being exposed to insects, forest animals, rain and frost is no fun. Proper shelter keeps you safe and secure. Bring enough bedding to keep you warm in the cool nighttime air, and don't forget your pillow.

Camping Essentials for Every Body

Certain personal items are just as important at camp as they are at home. While you won't need things like mousse and makeup, you will most definitely need sun protection, insect repellant towels and, of course, toilet paper. Items like soap, toothbrush, shampoo and a hairbrush are also good to pack along. Keep toilet paper, towels and other personal care items in a waterproof bag.

Clothes

Decide how long you'll be staying at your camp, and pack a change of clothes for each day. Then, pack a little extra. You'll get dirty while camping, and wet if Mother Nature throws a little rain your way, so be prepared. Unless you have a river and a length of rope handy, washing and drying your clothes in the woods is not an option. Even if it's the middle of July, bring long pants, warm shirts and extra socks for cool evenings around the campfire.

Pack Your First Aid First

Smart campers assume that if anything can go wrong, it will. So, they pack accordingly. Follow this rule and pack up any medications and all first aid supplies that you may need at camp. Prescription medications, pain relief and vitamins are essentials. Those with allergies must bring an epi-pen or allergy relief medication. Remember to pack bandages, medicated ointment, a sharp outdoor knife and scissors. Everything should be packed into a waterproof bag and kept handy.

Campfire Cooking

Everything tastes better when cooked over a campfire. Just be sure that you have the essentials to prepare your outdoor gourmet feast. Pack a clean grill, metal spatula and tongs. Bring a bowl for mixing food, a cutting board, paper plates, cups, silverware, aluminum foil, dish soap and linens. If you have access to a good fishing spot where you're camping, make sure you pack a sharp filet knife and an iron frying pan. Most importantly, don't forget to bring garbage bags to clean up camp at the end of your stay.

When you take the time to pack carefully and bring along all of the essential camping gear, you'll have an outdoor adventure to remember, for all the right reasons.