camping-equipmentCamping is a great way to spend time with family and/or friends enjoying nature and the simplicity of life. If you are new to camping, choosing what camping equipment you will need may seem overwhelming as there are many options and although having the right camping equipment will make the trip more enjoyable, it is easy to over pack. A camping trip typically means going back to the basics, so the equipment you take should also be just the basics.

Shelter
A good tent is one of the most important pieces of camping equipment you will need on a camping trip. The tent should be sturdy, waterproof and large enough to sleep comfortably in. If you will be using an air mattress the floor space should be large enough to accommodate the mattress and leave walking room. Look for tents that are easy to pack, set-up and take down. A standard four man tent comfortably sleeps three adults and leaves plenty of room for storing your camping gear.

Cookware
The type of cookware you choose depends on what you want to cook while camping. There are several options to choose from such as small grills, Dutch ovens and/or 2-burner camp stoves. When using a grill it is important to make sure the grill is portable, easy to set-up and that the campsite allows personal grills. Many campgrounds have grills available at each site, in which case you will need to bring aluminium foil, pots/pans and sturdy, metal cooking utensils.

Lighting
Although a campfire will provide lighting as long as the fire is burning, it can get very dark around a campsite so bring a lot of portable lighting. Kerosene or battery operated lanterns/lamps work great and last several hours. If using battery operated lighting, remember to bring extra batteries. Flashlights are necessary for trips to the restrooms or walking through the campgrounds.

First Aid and Survival Kits
The first aid kit should be well stocked with Band-Aids, burn ointment, insect repellent and over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen. A survival kit should include a water-proof fire starter, compass, flashlight, rope and Swiss army knife as well as medicines similar to those in a first aid kit and large bandages or wraps. Some primitive campsites do not have access to restrooms, so remember to pack a few rolls of toilet paper.

Chairs and Bedding
Camping chairs come in a vast array of styles so choose something you will be comfortable sitting in for several hours and that is easy to transport. It can get cold when sleeping outside so bring extra blankets and a sleeping bag for each person on the camping trip. Small travel pillows are comfortable and work great on a camping trip because they don’t take up a great deal of room in packing.