Camping is one of life’s greatest pleasures. However, for your first camping trip, packing may require a little extra forethought. Before you throw T-shirts, outerwear, and hiking boots in your bag, follow these basic packing guidelines to make sure you have what you need without overpacking.

4 Camping Guidelines for Packing

1. Keep It Simple

While it is tempting to bring everything from the stereo to the blow-up couch, remember to pack light. Instead of buying an expensive space heater or foldable picnic table, stick to the essentials. Part of the fun is figuring out how to do without all the amenities you’re used to. Additionally, keep in mind that if you’re backpacking, you’ll need to carry everything you bring.

2. Don’t Forget the Basics

Always bring the right personal and emergency items. Forgetting sunscreen, bug spray, bandages, or antibiotic cream can turn a minor inconvenience on the trail into a painful mistake. You’ll also want a flashlight and some matches to ensure you have light to gather firewood and matches to start your fire.

3. Pack the Right Clothes

Depending on where you’re camping and when, this can get tricky. You want to make sure you have at least a couple pairs of good, thick socks. Bring proper outerwear for layering in case the temperature drops or it rains. Pick clothing that can fold up into small squares, and wear the same pieces on multiple days. T-shirts are great layering pieces, but you probably don’t need more than two or three for a long weekend. 

4. Make a List

Making a list ahead of packing will ensure everything you need makes it in the bag. Some common items include swim trunks, a coffee maker, and a frying pan in addition to clothing and outerwear. Not only will this help you keep track of what you need, but it will also help you weed out what might be unnecessary.

 

If you need new T-shirts or outerwear for your summer camping adventures, check out the stock at Over Under Clothing. They specialize in American-made clothing and outerwear for the true wilderness aficionado, and they also supply quality dog accessories for your best friend. From hunting gear to button-down shirts, you’ll find a wide variety of men’s accessories and clothing for the sportsman in your life. To learn more about their products, visit their website or call (904) 619-0577.