Pack These 7 Things If You want Your Camping Trip to Go Without a Hitch
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Going camping? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or someone who is taking their first intrepid steps into the world of outdoorsmen and women, it pays to be prepared, and that being the case, here are seven things you are going to want to pack for your trip.
1. A Trusty Backpack (Like, Really Trusty)
Before you pack anything you need something solid to pack them in, right? Many people who opt for cheap, low-quality backpacks end up regretting it when their stuff gets soggy or their bag starts to disintegrate before their eyes. So you will want to find something like a Mystery Ranch backpack, which is spacious, solidly constructed, but also light enough that it won’t weight you down. If it has lots of compartments, that’s a real bonus as it will make it much easier to find your flashlight or your rations quickly without having to empty everything else out onto the ground too.
2. A Decent Tent
Don’t even think about bringing that old pop-up tent from the back of your garage—the one with the mysterious holes and the missing stakes. You’ll regret it faster than you can say “mosquito swarm.” Invest in a decent tent, preferably one that’s waterproof, windproof, and bug-proof. A tent that stands up to the elements while keeping creepy crawlies out is key to not having a miserable time.
Trust me, no one’s had a life-changing spiritual moment while swatting mosquitoes all night.
3. A Sleeping Bag That Won’t Turn You Into a Popsicle
Sure, you can buy the bargain-bin sleeping bag, but if you’re not into shivering through the night and waking up with frozen toes, you might want to reconsider. Look for a sleeping bag that’s rated for the temperatures you’ll be camping in. You’ll want one that’s warm but breathable, cozy but not suffocating—basically the Goldilocks of sleeping bags.
Sleeping in the wild is hard enough without the added drama of hypothermia.
4. A Headlamp
Picture this: it’s the middle of the night, you need to answer nature’s call, and you’re stumbling around in the dark with a flashlight that keeps slipping out of your hands. Enter the headlamp—a simple, hands-free solution that makes you feel like a superhero as you navigate your way through the wilderness. You’ll wonder why you ever settled for a clunky flashlight in the first place.
Plus, wearing a headlamp will make you look like you know what you’re doing, even if you’ve already set up your tent backward. No judgment.
5. A Good Knife
You never know when you’re going to need a good knife in the wild. Maybe it’s for cutting rope, slicing through tough packaging, or—let’s be real—carving a perfect marshmallow stick. Whatever the reason, having a sturdy, sharp knife on hand is a camping essential. It’s one of those things you don’t think you’ll need until you do, and by then, you’ll be wishing you packed one.
Bonus: You can casually whip it out like you’re a wilderness pro. Just don’t accidentally cut your tent ropes. That’s a fun way to end your trip early.
6. Portable Stove (Because Cold Beans Are Depressing)
Unless you’re one of those people who genuinely enjoy eating cold food straight from the can (weird flex, but okay), you’re going to want a way to heat things up. Enter the portable stove. Sure, campfires are fun, but they’re also unreliable, take forever, and sometimes the wood’s just too damp to get a flame going. A portable stove means you can make hot meals without needing to perfect your caveman fire-making skills.
Plus, you’ll get to enjoy a warm breakfast in the wild. Nothing says “I’m living my best outdoorsy life” like a cup of coffee brewed in the woods.
7. Water Filter
You could carry gallons of water with you, but that’s a fast track to ruining your back and your mood. Instead, pack a water filter. Whether you go for a straw, a pump, or tablets, having a way to turn questionable stream water into safe, drinkable hydration is a game-changer. Not only will it save you from lugging a ton of bottles, but it also gives you that added bonus of feeling like you’re Bear Grylls without the gross survival food.
Just make sure you actually know how to use it—no one wants a camping trip ruined by a bout of “bad water” regrets.
With these essentials in your backpack, spending some quality time away from civilization will be a breeze. Happy camping!
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