Putting a camping trip together can be exhilarating and great fun for the entire family to participate in. You may be traveling with immediate or extended family, or even a small group of family friends. There are a number of different ways you may want to camp depending on your group size and type, and for every style of camping there is a different list of supplies you will want or need. However, there are a few items you will want to keep on your packing list regardless, ranging from health precautions such as first aid kits to raw necessities such as cable twine and Gerber knives.
Whether you are sleeping in a cabin or a tent, you will want to bring a sleeping bag and probably a foam pad to rest on. These should be tailored for camping and preferably waterproofed. Most cabins do not provide blankets or pillows, and it is always a good idea to have an extra layer of foam protection, although the foam will come most in handy while camping in tents.
Most campsites provide an area to build a fire or set up a grill, so it is a good idea to bring some cookware. Tin cookware is the material of choice because it is both lightweight and versatile enough to cook over a fire and easily transport between home and the site. You should also be sure to bring nonperishable food that can be easily heated, such as canned beans, pastas and soups.
It is always a good idea to bring some lightweight rope or cable twine and a sharp and versatile tool such as a set of Gerber knives. Rope can be used for multiple purposes ranging from staking a tent to moving troublesome branches. The Gerber knives will serve to cut the rope if needed and perform any other functions that might become necessary during the course of the trip.
Bringing a first aid kit is vital, since camping is a prime situation for many minor injuries and ailments to crop up. A good kit should include bandages of different styles and sizes, rolled gauze and medical tape, a sterilizing agent such as rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and an antibiotic cream. It can also include hydrocortisone and antihistamines for any family members prone to allergic reactions.
No two camping trips are alike and it can be difficult to feel fully prepared before embarking on a new trip. However, by adding a few simple items that remain commonly used on all kinds of trips, you can ensure that you have covered the bases. Quality sleeping gear, a good set of cookware, a first aid kit and some rope and Gerber knives will flesh out your packing list and promise that you have forgotten nothing important.
