Camping is such a fun activity – and being outdoors is so good for your health. You may think you can’t go wrong mixing the two, but you’ll soon learn that nothing brings morale down faster than realizing you forgot to pack an essential item.
Camping trips should always involve tons of planning and checklists, but even then – mistakes happen from time to time. Instead of potentially ruining your next trip, learn to identify which items are frequently left behind.
Below are five top items that campers forget when they’re in a rush to start their journeys. Double-check your packing list for these five items, and you won’t be disappointed when you arrive.
1. Garbage Bags
Unless you’re going to a known campsite, pack garbage bags. Backcountry camping is a wonderful experience but there won’t be easily accessible trash bins around. By bringing your own garbage bags, you can keep your campsite and area clean and free from trash – that will go a long way in keeping the animals at bay too.
Remember to pack extras so that if one of them starts leaking you can place it securely into another – that will keep your car clean and the insects away.
2. Bug Spray
Speaking of insects, people someone forget that the wilderness is their domain. You must pack bug spray if you want to avoid itching or burning sensations while you’re trying to have a good time.
Mosquitoes are more of an issue during the hot and wet summer months, but bug spray or repellent is always a good item to pack. Mosquitoes are known for being carriers of viruses, bacteria, and diseases – so do your best to keep yourself and your family safe.
3. Tweezers
Tweezers are one of the most commonly underestimated tools to have in the wild. Splinters are often tiny and hard to pull out with your fingernails, which can ruin your experience outdoors.
Once you’ve found one of the best rooftop tents, make sure you keep a pair of tweezers handy so you can relax and enjoy one of the best camping experiences of your life.
4. Towels
So many people forget to pack towels, probably because we get used to them just being there at home. To avoid getting a sinking feeling when you unpack and realize you’re sans a towel – pack spares.
That way if it rains throughout your trip, drying up won’t be a problem. Pack dark-colored options, nature is anything but clean and you wouldn’t want your favorite towels to get stained.
5. Spare Shoes
Spares shoes should be on everyone’s checklist – which is just plain common sense. You would be surprised at how many people choose to pack light over packing what they could need.
Instead of being left in wet shoes after an afternoon storm, have a spare pair. That way, when your wet ones are drying next to the fire – you’ll have something dry and warm to put on your cold feet.
Choose a durable shoe that is comfortable to walk in so you can go hiking and make the most of your time outdoors.
