Four Often-Forgotten Items to Pack for a Camping Trip

For many people, heading into the wilderness for a camping trip is an excellent way to disconnect from the stress of daily life and reconnect with nature. There are basics that are needed for a successful camping trip, of course, and some items that can often be left behind in the rush of packing.

Forgetting these essentials could lead to minor inconveniences or major discomforts. In this post, four of the most overlooked items that you need to pack before hitting the trail have been outlined.

A Lighter or Matches

Although it might seem like an obvious addition, a fire-starting tool can be one of the most commonly forgotten items on a camping trip. This could be a lighter or some waterproof matches. Many campers will assume that there will be a lighter or a pack of matches lying around in their gear or that someone else in the group will have one, only to arrive at the site and find no one has packed a way to start a campfire.

Without a lighter or matches, boiling water, cooking food, and warming up by the fire on a chilly evening are impossible. You might think that watching a few episodes of a survival show gives you the knowledge to start a fire with sticks or rocks, but there are easier ways. This is why you should bring a lighter or some matches, which have been stored in a waterproof container, instead.

As previously mentioned, how you store these items is crucial. You can learn more about storing a survival fire starter kit with the necessary research.

Utensils

While campers will remember to pack food, it is possible that the tools to eat the food will be left behind. It might sound like a funny story that you once had to eat chili from the can with a stick, but this is less than ideal. In fact, it could be a little bit dangerous. This is why you should pack utensils, even if it’s just a simple spork or a full cutlery set; it will make mealtimes more sanitary.

It is worthwhile including a can opener and a small cutting knife in your utensils, too. These items don’t take up much room in a bag and can make a significant difference in how you prepare your meals on a camping trip.

A Water Purifier

Unfortunately, not every campsite will have clean drinking water, and it can be tedious to carry enough water for the length of your trip. Even if you do choose to carry your own water supply, a water purifier is a vital backup to pack. There are different lightweight purification tools, such as iodine tablets, portable filters, and UV pens, that can save you from dehydration.

Some people might think that they can trust crystal-clear stream water, but this can harbor harmful bacteria or parasites. It is possible that your own water supply, if you choose to carry it, can become contaminated during your trip. A water purifier will ensure you are not taking unnecessary risks as you stay hydrated.

Towels

Towels are often left off the camping packing list because they don’t seem as essential as a sleeping bag or first aid kit, but this attitude can quickly change when you need a towel. Whether a towel is needed to clean up after a sudden rainstorm, dry off after a swim, or wipe down a wet tent, it is a multi-purpose item that you’ll be happy to have packed.

However, you should opt for a microfiber camping towel instead of packing bulky bath towels that take up too much space. Microfiber camping towels are compact and lightweight, and they dry much faster than ordinary towels, making them perfect for camping trips.

To conclude, when you are packing for your next camping trip, it is vital to think beyond your tent and sleeping bag. A few small items, like those that have been mentioned in this post, can make a big difference in your comfort and safety when camping.