Be prepared: This isn't just the title of one of Disney's best villains songs, it's also one of the best maxims to carry throughout life.
From the innumerable camping experiences I've been on since I could begin walking, I'll confidently tell you that preparation makes or breaks a trip.
Many of us struggle with this though, I know I have.
From not checking the safety of the area I was visiting and crossing paths with territorial crack heads, not checking the weather and having to evacuate 32 boy scouts from a lightning zone with an equally panicked coworker, and from simply forgetting to pack the hummus- leaving my friends and I in a truly miserable dry pita bread dinner kind of night that they will never let me forget-, the consequences of poor planning span from pathetic meals to life threatening situations.
(I want to add that proper planning is also essential for the safety of the environment as well as yourselves. Don't treat the earth like dirt!)
Failed venturing stories are for another day though. To avoid disappointing your hummus lovin' besties for your first real camping trip, here is a list of the basic things you need for a successful campout:
1. Research Your Campsite
Pick a cool place you like, and start googling.
According to this article from American Scouting, tips include to...
- Check weather and normal temperature conditions (day & night)
- Check if open fires are allowed or if you'll need a camp stove
- Any regulations, restrictions, or private land boundaries (no dogs, permit required, etc.)
2. Food & Water
You can get away on a short trip without cooking by preparing easy to pack and smush-friendly Pita PB&J's, jerky, tuna, salads, or pre-cooked meats. If you're not afraid of the heat, you can pack lightweight, ultra simple one-pot meals.
Bring more drinking water than needed OR arrange a way to purify water from natural source, such as helpful gadgets that are tested are proved to work. Emphasis on more than you think you'll need.
I highly recommend making an Excel sheet for your meals (3 meals each day of trip, + snacks). This way you're sure to have all the utensils, pots/pans, mugs, cups, plates, bowls, and condiments (salt & pepper, butter, hummus.) necessary.
You can also practice cooking in your backyard or at a park before your trip. Make it fun!
3. Packing
Essentials
- Knife
- Rain gear
- Fire Starter
- Extra clothing (socks!)
- First Aid Kit
- Flashlight or Headlamp
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Tent or shelter
- It's important to also have a map and compass, but these can sometimes be hard to obtain in our digital age. Don't rely on your cellphone though.
Optional Essentials
- Camera
- Bug spray
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag
- Blankets
- Portable battery
- Games or a deck of cards
- Folding chair (prepare to be mocked though)
- A nice cold beer (21+ of course)
Don't get your toothbrush or mouthwash, bar soap, deodorant, and toilet paper. Use soap that's safe for environment and pack out your toilet paper.
If you're like me and this list is starting to get overwhelming, check out REI's essentials checklist.
Another helpful resource that we gave to scouts for summer camp is on the right.
5. Once you get there...
- Identify nearby police or fire stations and hospitals in case of emergencies.
- Steer clear of areas susceptible to flash floods or along ridgetops vulnerable to lightning activity (Flash floods are too often deadly, and I learned the lightning one the hard way).
- Set up on flat ground before dark
- Check the sky- don't pitch up under a questionable tree
- Sun and Shade considerations
- Consider privacy and safety, and respect other camper's experience.
- Do not respond to the call of nature near a water source, else it will be contaminated
6. Leave No Trace
Pack in, pack out. Whatever you bring, you take with you when you leave.
Avoid bringing plastic by packing food in Ziplocs or containers beforehand. If you must, bring trash bags and dispose of them once you return to civilization.
A good rule of thumb is to leave the campsite looking better than you found it.
That's all I can think of! If I've missed anything please leave it below.
You shouldn't spend your campouts getting frantically exasperated in attempts to solve problems that could've easily been avoided with proper planning. Time in nature should be spent relaxing, giving yourself plenty of time to goof around in the great outdoors, and solving realer issues that deserve your time.
For any questions, please ask away and I might be able to provide helpful links or otherwise advice.
Until next time, happy trails!
Image used from Fresh off the Grid
