If you’re new to spending more than a few hours in the outdoors and you’ve been invited to go camping, you’re in luck! This post will help you choose five essential pieces of camping gear for a weekend trip. Of course, you will need more than just five pieces of camping gear to be truly prepared, but based on experience, we think the following items are mandatory for the most basic comfort.
1. Shelter
It should go without saying that shelter is one of the most essential pieces of camping gear for a weekend trip, but shelter doesn’t necessarily mean a traditional tent. Depending on the area you’re camping in, the expected weather conditions, and the type of vehicle you drive, shelter could take the form of a hammock tent, truck tent, bivy tent, or a minimalist tarp shelter.
Whichever type you choose, it should offer enough coverage to insulate you from the elements. A footprint or tarp is very handy for any type of ground shelter, as it will prevent moisture from soaking in from the ground. A rain fly or tarp overhead is advisable for any kind of shelter to protect from sun and rain. You may also want to consider bringing a shade structure if you have room; a model with screened walls is particularly crucial in climates that harbor mosquitoes and other flying pests.
2. Bed
Unless you plan on cowboying up like the old days and sleeping next to a log by the fire, you’ll need somewhere to rest. Your bed can take many forms, but the basic requirements are a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad or air mattress. If you’re only relying on a sleeping pad and bag, lay a blanket (folded in half if large enough) under your pad for increased insulation. If you are a meticulous planner, you can make a bed of pine needles or leaves on your tent site before you pitch it, creating a natural insulating cushion underneath your sleeping area.
3. Lighting
A basic headlamp, LED lantern, or flashlight is all you need to light your way at night in the outdoors. Try to go without one on a moonless night and you’ll see why it’s one of the most important pieces of camping gear for a weekend trip. If you want to step up your game, a strand of battery-powered LED lights in your tent offers all-over lighting so you don’t have to ransack everything you brought to find something. Extra points for bringing your own power source if your light is rechargeable!
4. Seat
Trust us, there’s nothing worse than having nowhere to sit but the ground after you’ve spent a long, glorious day in the outdoors. Camp chairs come in all shapes and sizes, and can be as portable or cumbersome as your needs dictate. If you have enough cargo space to pack a double seater camp chair or one that includes a sunshade, you will be glad you did!
5. Hydration
This is another very essential piece of camping gear for a weekend camping trip whose form will depend largely on your location. If you are going to be in a more remote location, hydration reservoirs and water filtration and purification devices may be in order. If you’re camping at a full service campground, you might not need anything more than a water bottle. Hydration packs are increasing in popularity as a means of staying hydrated in the outdoors for their supreme versatility and ease of use.
Keep in mind that a half gallon of water per day is considered the minimum necessary for an adult living an average day; depending on your planned activities, your consumption may double. Do your research, make a plan, and be prepared.
Featured Image from James Wheeler/Unsplash
