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Even if you’re the most urban creature, you’ve probably felt the need to get into nature and experience the magic of camping. To make sure your first camping trip isn’t exhausting or unpleasant, it’s important to know a few basic things for a great camping experience. Few things are as stressful as trying to find a campsite without a reservation. Naturally, the question arises: what camping gear do I need, where should I go, how do I plan, and what should I eat while camping?

If you have a camping friend who can share their knowledge and lend you gear, pack up and nature head. If not, we’re here to help, and you can spread the knowledge further.

When we say camping, we mean old-school camping in a tent and sleeping bag, with a true connection to nature and all its wonders and challenges.

First, let’s divide camping into two types, depending on proximity to civilization and the terrain where you camp:

1. Auto Camping or Front Country Camping: This type allows quick access to roads and civilization. You usually camp near your vehicle in organized auto campsites and destinations meant for this purpose. The most popular examples are campsites by the sea, often equipped with electricity and water sources, making the stay easier. Prices depend on the destination and season, so it’s best to research the options before heading out. Many of these campsites offer all the amenities, including shower facilities, flush toilets, and recreational areas.

2. Back Country Camping: This type of camping requires a certain level of knowledge, skills, and physical fitness for a smooth experience. Backcountry means reaching your favorite destination in a more challenging way, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, etc. You can’t just drive to the nearest town in case of an unexpected circumstance, which carries higher risks.

For your first camping trip, it’s easier to use a developed campsite since you won’t need to carry all the equipment, and there are usually volunteers ready to help set up the tent. Of course, socializing around the campfire with other campers is always a wonderful experience.

Where and When to Go Camping in National Parks?

Where to go is always an interesting question, but we’ll leave that for you to explore, and we’ll try to write a special article about camping destinations. Our region has beautiful mountains, national parks, rivers, and lakes. Many popular backcountry destinations offer designated sites along the way. Finding a great campsite can enhance the camping experience. After choosing a location, you can find all options online. When to go is a different question. For your first camping trip, it’s recommended to go during summer, but it depends on the region you plan to visit. If you’re planning to camp by the sea, warm weather starts earlier, so it’s quite pleasant to sleep in a tent from April/May. If you’re planning to visit a high-altitude place, wait for summer and warmer temperatures as mountain weather can be very unpredictable.

Each season has its charms and challenges in the great outdoors. Fall and winter have their magic, especially in the wilderness. Autumn colors are simply magical, while in winter and early spring, you can see wild animals in the mountains. Some popular national parks for camping include Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon. However, this time requires more equipment and experience, so it’s not recommended for inexperienced campers.

Pro Tip for Beginners: For your first camping trip, choose a milder location, bring enough food (canned or cooked over the fire), and appropriate clothing, and check the weather forecast before departure. If a storm is brewing, postpone camping to another day to avoid battling the elements right at the start. The first impression is crucial, so it would be great to take away fond memories from your first camping trip. The optimal time for the mountains is the second half of July and the first half of August, as the weather is warm and dry. State parks also offer excellent camping opportunities and are often more affordable than private campgrounds.

How Long Should Camping Trips Last?

The duration depends on the place where you camp. Our recommendation for the first camping trip is two nights. You won’t need too much equipment and food, and you’ll have enough time to experience the charm of sleeping under the stars and exploring the surroundings. Exploring nearby hiking trails can be a great way to spend time during a camping trip. When you gain experience, you can venture out for more days and to locations that are harder to reach. Planning your next outdoor adventure becomes easier as you become more familiar with the essentials and challenges of camping.

If you decide to go into the wilderness, ensure your safety. Make a map of your route before departure, and it would be great to share it with someone close who could alert the mountain rescue service in case of unforeseen circumstances. Not all campgrounds offer the same amenities, so it's important to research and choose one that fits your needs. We don’t want to discourage you, but it’s always good to be prepared for all circumstances. This is important because you won’t have a mobile signal in some locations.

The Big Question: What Camping Gear Do I Need for My Trip?

TENT

- The tent is an essential and most important piece of camping gear. It protects you from rain, wind, sun, and maybe some curious animals. You can choose between pop-up or igloo tents, both available here. Select the size according to the number of people who will use it. Pop-up tents are easier to set up as they just need to be taken out of the bag and they practically unfold themselves. Then, just secure them to the ground with ropes and pegs. Igloo tents require a bit more experience but are also easy to use. If you’re camping for the first time, make sure to test the tent before departure by setting it up in your yard or a nearby park to get familiar with the equipment and setup.

- If you’re planning backcountry camping that requires a lot of walking and carrying gear, choose lighter tents. For those planning to set up the tent next to their car, the tent’s weight is much less important.

SLEEPING BAG

- When choosing sleeping bags, the most important factor is the season, i.e., the temperature for which you plan to use them. Pay attention to the comfort temperature. The bag indicates three temperatures: lowest, highest, and comfort, the optimal temperature for a comfortable sleep. If you plan to camp only in warm weather, a summer bag will suffice, while a three-season bag is necessary for those who plan to camp in colder weather.

- If you’re planning a hike before setting up the camp, choose compact bags that are easy to carry and store. Our recommendation is the Elbrus Carrylight 1000.

CAMPING MAT

A good camping mat is like a mattress on your bed. It might seem tempting to use an inflatable mattress for guests at home, but you should ensure they’re suitable for outdoor use. A camping mat provides comfort and protection from the cold ground. You can choose between an inflatable mat or a foam one, depending on your budget and needs.

If you plan to visit milder areas with relatively flat and earthy terrain, a foam pad will serve you well. For those planning frequent camping trips, an air mattress provides comfort and takes up as much space as a water bottle when packed. Tent campers will find this especially useful for a good night’s sleep.

COOKING AND WATER SET

- The first question is how long you’re staying and whether you plan to cook. If you’re staying briefly and intend to hike while camping, you won’t have much time to showcase your culinary skills. In that case, we suggest bringing ready-made food and canned goods to save time for further hiking and enjoyment. If you plan to cook, you’ll need a few essentials: a lighter, a stove (or you can improvise with a stone circle), a knife and utensils, a metal pot, and you’re ready for the best outdoor meal.

- If cooking over a fire, make sure to surround the fireplace with stones and extinguish the embers with water when you leave. Leftover embers cause many wildfires, especially in summer.

- Always bring water, especially if you’re unsure about the availability of drinking water on-site. To keep water cool and fresh, bring a thermos.

SAFETY AND RAIN GEAR

- Of course, nothing bad will happen, but just in case. :-D

- It’s good to have a first aid kit with basic items like band-aids, bandages, disinfectants, etc. If you’re preparing it yourself, pack it in a dry bag to keep it dry.

- A map and compass are essential for two reasons. First, they can help you navigate and get back on track if you get lost. Second, they look cool when you take a photo of the compass on a map with beautiful nature in the background.

CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR

This varies depending on the weather and location. If camping by the sea in summer, swimwear and flip-flops will be enough.

For back-country hikes and camping, consider:

Active underwear (men’s or women’s): A basic layer that dries quickly, retains heat and is comfortable for long wear.
Jacket and pants (men’s or women’s): Choose durable materials that don’t restrict movement, like softshell or Gore-Tex.
Footwear (men’s or women’s): Must be durable, waterproof, and comfortable. For long walks on uneven terrain, quality shoes with good soles (like Vibram and Michelin soles) are essential. If hiking in wet weather or snow, gaiters are necessary to keep moisture out from the top of the shoe.

Pro Tip: A campfire is warm, but bring warm clothes (sweatshirt, fleece) as temperatures can drop in the mountains during summer. Generally, cotton dries slowly, so synthetic or wool clothing is easier to wear outdoors. Just in case, bring a raincoat since any non-rubber gear will eventually let water in after several hours of constant rain. Additionally, consider bringing other rain gear like a rain fly for your tent or tarps to cover your belongings. The Pacific Northwest is known for its beautiful but often wet weather, so appropriate clothing is essential.

BACKPACK

- Always useful, whether hiking or setting up camp next to your car. Campers usually prefer larger backpacks (about 60L) for their practicality and the ability to pack and carry everything on their backs. Our recommendation is a lightweight backpack like the Hi-Tec Traverse or Stone. When choosing a backpack, pay attention to comfort as you’ll carry a lot of weight. Ensure it has adjustments for the back to fit well, as well as chest and waist straps for proper weight distribution.

ADDITIONAL GEAR

When planning your first camping trip, you've likely already considered the essentials: a sturdy backpack, a cozy sleeping bag, a reliable tent, appropriate footwear and clothing, safety gear, and cooking items. However, there are a few additional pieces of gear that can make your experience more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Flashlight

A flashlight is an indispensable item for any camping trip. Once the sun sets, your campsite can become very dark, making it difficult to navigate without adequate lighting. A good flashlight helps you move around safely at night, whether you're walking to the restroom, searching for something in your tent, or preparing for bedtime. Opt for a flashlight with a strong beam and long battery life. Additionally, consider packing extra batteries or a rechargeable flashlight to ensure you’re never left in the dark.

Power Bank

In today’s digital age, staying connected is important, even while camping. A power bank can be a lifesaver, especially if you're using your phone for navigation, emergency contacts, or simply capturing memories of your adventure. Make sure to choose a high-capacity power bank that can charge your devices multiple times. This way, you won't have to worry about running out of battery during your trip.

Multi-Tool

A multi-tool is incredibly handy for various tasks around the campsite. Whether you need to cut rope, open a can, tighten a screw, or handle minor repairs, a multi-tool has you covered. It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use when needed. Choose a multi-tool with a variety of functions to maximize its utility.

Camp Chair

Comfort is key when you're spending time outdoors. A foldable camp chair provides a comfortable place to sit and relax after a day of hiking or exploring. Look for a chair that's lightweight, durable, and easy to set up. Having a comfortable place to sit can make a big difference in your overall camping experience.

Portable Water Filter

Clean drinking water is crucial for your health and safety while camping. While many campsites have potable water, it’s always good to have a backup plan. A portable water filter allows you to safely drink from natural water sources, such as rivers or lakes. It’s a lightweight and compact solution to ensure you always have access to clean water.

Cooler

A cooler is essential for keeping your food and drinks cold. It can also help preserve perishable items for longer periods. Choose a cooler that is durable and has good insulation. Depending on your needs, you can opt for a hard-sided or soft-sided cooler.

Lantern

A lantern provides ambient light at your campsite, making it easier to cook, read, or play games after dark. Choose a bright lantern, that has a long battery life, and is easy to hang or place around your campsite. Rechargeable lanterns are a great eco-friendly option.

Fire Starters

Starting a fire can be challenging, especially in wet or windy conditions. Pack reliable fire starters like waterproof matches, lighters, or fire starter sticks to make the process easier. These tools ensure you can quickly and efficiently start a campfire for cooking or warmth.

Tree Tents

A tree tent is exactly what it sounds like – a tent that you can set up between trees, keeping you off the ground and closer to the canopy. This isn't just a camping trend; it's a revolution in how we experience the great outdoors. Tentsile, a leader in innovative camping solutions, has crafted an incredible range of tree tents that cater to every kind of adventurer. Your next family camping activities are going to be so much fun with Tentsile.

By including these additional items in your camping gear, you'll be well-prepared for a comfortable and enjoyable adventure. Remember, being prepared is the key to a successful and stress-free camping trip, so add all your needed items for your camping trips.

Also, don't forget to make a plan and prepare yourself for cooking your meals. It's very important to have the best food that you can have in the mountains.

Happy camping!