If you’re craving a little taste of nature, camping in upstate New York presents the perfect getaway. Depending on what you pack or don’t pack, your camping experience can be a living nightmare or a fantastic escapade. So, before your next trip, be sure to double-check these ten essentials for your next camping trip.
1. A Tent
Your car might be big and comfortable enough to sleep in, but for a breathtaking camping experience, tag along with your camping tent. And even if you prefer sleeping under the stars, it’s wise to bring a tent.
Otherwise, heavy dew or a midnight deluge is sure to ruin your trip. Remember to carry all the necessary tent accessories such as the poles, rope, stakes, and rain fly.
2. Navigational Tools
Most phones and cars have GPS systems, making it easy to navigate any part of the world. But unfortunately, they may not be that reliable, especially if you’re camping in remote areas or deep into the forest.
That’s why you should always have your navigation essentials like a map and compass anytime you go for a camping adventure. Otherwise, you might get stranded in the woods and have a hard time finding your way back to camp.
3. First Aid Kit
A long day of rock climbing and hiking is enough to leave you with blisters that need bandaging. Besides, minor cuts can become infected if left untreated. So, don’t forget to carry your first aid kit and ensure you know how to use the necessities in it.
Your kit should include several gauze pads, disinfecting ointment, over-the-counter pain medication, treatments for blisters, and adhesive tape and bandages. You can also toss in insect repellents to keep bugs away.
4. Water Bottle
A water storage container is one of the most crucial pieces of your checklist. Apart from drinking, you need water for cooking and staying clean while camping. The last thing you want is to be stuck without a source of fresh water supply.
After all, you don’t want to risk getting sick from drinking lake or pond water. So, make sure you pack your water bottles on your next trip. Remember to carry a portable water filter, too, as it comes in handy when your water supply runs out, forcing you to refill from the nearby streams.
5. Sleeping Bags
Resting on the grass while facing the sky may sound like fun, but you won’t like the experience during cold nights. What’s more, you put yourself at risk of getting insect bites as most of them are active at night.
Sleeping bags can be perfect additions to camping nights under the stars. Therefore, ensure you pick the right one for your trip.
6. Fire Starter
The heart and soul of a fantastic camping trip are gathering around a warm, crackling campfire. Rather than spending a lot of time trying to start a fire by hitting two rocks against each other, take along one or two fire starters.
This is where you can share stories, roast s’mores, and enjoy good company. If you prefer matches, ensure they’re waterproof. Note, it’s essential to study your destination’s regulations about campfires. Camping websites can help you know more about the camping sites in your area.
A simple Google search of “campsites in NY state park,” or wherever you are planning on camping will give you tons of information like whether they allow open fires, how close the nearest city is, or if you need to pay for your campsite for the night.
7. Pocket Knife
Pocket knives are among the best multipurpose tools of the outdoors. You can use them to sharpen a stick, tighten a screw, trim a rope or even skin a small animal. Such tasks can become nearly impossible without a knife.
8. Rain Gear and Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Since you’ll only carry a few outfits, it’s vital to keep them dry. Apart from being unpleasant, walking in damp clothes poses a great danger to your health. Pack a waterproof rain jacket that can accommodate your clothes and your backpack.
9. Cooler Box
A cooler is perfect for storing your camping meals, especially fruits and vegetables. It can also double as a temporary bench or a prep station. Simply put, coolers are integral parts of a fantastic camping experience.
10. Flashlight or Head Lamp
Campfires aren’t bright enough to cover the entire campsite. Fortunately, you can use a portable battery-powered light to visit the lavatory or locate an item during the night. Most campers prefer headlamps due to their hands-free functionality.
Camping offers an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with your family while pushing your everyday boundaries. With the items mentioned above, you can now comfortably take on any camping adventure! Having the right items helps you avoid over-packing and also enables you to explore nature at its best.
