How to Prepare for Multiple Days of Camping
Camping can be a fun way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. While there are plenty of fun challenges involved with camping, having what you need to stay safe and comfortable isn’t one of them. Use these expert tips to prepare for multiple days of camping so that while you’re there, you can focus on making memories and having a great time.
Make a List and Check It Twice
One of the best parts of camping is getting away from it all. But if you’ve left an essential item behind, there probably isn’t going to be a convenience store around the corner. That’s why it’s important to create a detailed list and double-check it to make sure you have all your necessary items. If you’re camping with friends or family, have another person recheck the list, too, in order to make sure that nothing is missed. Include everything from the clothing layers you’ll need to any medications you or your family need to have. If you’re new to camping or don’t do it all the time, you can also save time and be prepared by using a premade camping checklist. Don’t forget to add any personalized items that the template doesn’t cover, though.
Don’t Overlook the Water
With modern conveniences like in-refrigerator water filtration systems, it can be easy to overlook the importance of water for a long camping trip. But you’ll want to be prepared with everything needed to have safe, clean drinking water while camping and in case of an emergency. The National Park Service recommends items like collapsible or hard-sided water jugs, personal water bottles, and some means to purify your water: “If you are in the backcountry, you will need to filter or purify the water you drink and prepare food with. Bring a water filter, water purification tablets, or boil your water.”
Be Prepared With Plenty of Layers
Temperatures can vary dramatically between day and night, especially when camping near a water source or in an area with a higher elevation. To make sure you’re completely prepared, wear and pack plenty of different layers. Travel and Leisure experts advise that not packing enough layers is a key mistake to avoid: “The temperature can change pretty drastically as the sun sets, even in the summer months, depending on where you are in the world. Packing layers can be beneficial, but Williams encourages campers to pack light and re-wear clothing.”
Base layers, thermal shirts, turtlenecks, tees, fleece jackets, hoodies, wind-resistant shells, packable jackets, leggings or cold-weather tights, and more are possible items to consider. Depending on when and where you’ll be camping, items like thermal socks, hats, gloves, or even a parka or down coat could be in order. Remember that multiple layers will help you adjust to the changing temps, so lightweight tops and pants that will keep you cool during the day are just as important in your planning as the cold-weather camping apparel that will stave off the chills.
Know the Area to Make Your Camping Trip Successful
When you’re preparing for multiple days of camping, it’s essential to be knowledgeable about the area. Make sure that you have a solid understanding of the nature spot you’ll be camping, including any risks from wildlife, native insects, sudden weather changes, or other potential dangers. It’s also important to know the specific rules for the area, whether it’s a remote wilderness location or a popular campground at a state park. Knowing the rules will help you keep the park or campsites beautiful for other campers and prevent problems with park rangers or other personnel.
Get the Right Gear
Your health and safety are important, so getting quality camping gear is a must. Well-made tents, sleeping bags, packs, and other essential items should all stand up to the rigors of camping. Items like sturdy hiking boots, polarized sunglasses, lined hats and jackets, rain boots, solid camping chairs, lightweight but durable portable kitchen equipment, and other quality camping necessities will go a long way when it comes to having fun and staying safe for multiple days of camping. If you’re confident in your equipment, it will free you up for the adventure of a lifetime.
Bring Extras of Key Items
When you’re packing for multiple days of camping, you’ll want to pack as light as possible. However, certain things can be important to have extras of. Spare flashlight batteries, a battery pack for your cell phone, extra clothes and rain gear to keep dry, an extra fire starter or matches, and plenty of items in your first-aid kit can be handy on your extended camping trip.
Have a Camping Food Plan in Place
Planning the meals you’ll need while camping should be a top priority when it comes to several days of camping. A well-thought-out plan will allow for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus snacks for each person. Packing nutrient-dense foods and high-carb staples will help everyone maintain their energy and refuel for more fun. According to The Washington Post interview with outdoor cooking expert Michael van Vliet, campers should even take this idea a step further and plan their meals according to their cooking skills: “One of the tips that we would give is to keep things simple and stick to the sort of recipes or at least cooking techniques or methods that you’re familiar with.” Cooking foods or using methods you’re familiar with mean a foolproof menu for multiple days of camping. Having your meals planned out will also help make sure you bring the right amount of food. That way, no one goes hungry, but you’re not stuck hauling extra food products around.
Be Prepared and Let the Good Times Begin
Camping can be a one-of-a-kind experience that people of all ages can enjoy. By following the suggestions of camping experts and doing some planning, you can make sure you are well prepared for multiple days of camping.