There is nothing worse than driving to the campground, finding the perfect campsite, opening up the trunk, and finding that you forgot to pack your sleeping bag, a can opener, or worse yet, the tent itself! So, before heading out on your next camping trip, plan ahead and make a list of the absolute necessities you will need to bring with you to the campsite. You can use this camping gear checklist or make one yourself and add your own camping gear necessities as you see fit. Check off each item as you pack up the car or prepare everything ahead of time and keep them in large storage bins that you can just carry out together for those last minute camping excursions.

Shelter is the most important thing you need to consider for any camping trip, whether it is for just one night at the nearby lake in the middle of spring or for an entire week at a campsite three states away in the dead of winter. Your camping shelter necessities should include a tent that is made for the terrain and weather conditions, tent stakes to keep the tent from blowing away, a sleeping bag with an appropriate temperature rating, and a tarp to protect your camping gear or to be used with your tent for added protection from cold, sun, or rain. You might also want to add a sleeping pad, a pillow, or rope to use with the tarp for added comfort.

Cooking gear is the next most important camping necessity every camper needs to consider. Unless you are trying to become the next contestant on Survivor, you will want to take with you the necessary items needed to cook any food you brought, caught, or shot! Your camping cooking necessities should include a cooler, butane lighter, propane camping stove, extra propane, pots and pans, a can opener, and one set of dishes and utensils for each person in your camping party. Of course, do not forget about bottled water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, as well as whatever food items you want to bring with you on your camping trip. Also, bring along a bag of charcoal to use in the campground grill!

Personal hygiene is another important concern when packing for your next camping trip. Unless you really want to be roughing it you should make sure you have the following hygiene items with you on all your outdoor adventures. You will need your tooth brush, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wash rag, towel, nail clippers, and contact lens solution. If you are really concerned with how you look (and perhaps smell) to the other campers, you might also want to include a hairbrush, razor, dental floss, and unscented deodorant. Anything you bring with you that has an odor will only attract bugs or animals to your campsite, so avoid scented products.

First aid and safety is the final thing you should worry about when it comes to your camping gear necessities. You never know what adventures your camping trip will bring you, so you need to be prepared for both the best and the worst. You can buy a premade first aid kit or put one together yourself that includes any medications you take, aspirin, antiseptic cream, burn ointment, sunburn lotion, sun block, hydrogen peroxide, snake bite kit, eye wash, Band-Aids, medical tape, gauze, scissors, and tweezers. For your personal camping safety, you should also be sure to pack a flashlight, extra batteries, compass, cell phone, utility knife, pen and paper, water filter, whistle, and a small toolkit.

Bringing these camping gear necessities will ensure you a comfortable and safe camping trip, no matter where or when you go. From here everything else you bring with you on your camping trip is for your own personal comfort and enjoyment, so add those camping items as you see fit and enjoy the great outdoors!

by Chrysta Baker                         MAKE MONEYONLINE

Thinking about camping with your baby or toddler?

Mention the idea, and you’re bound to be met by words of encouragement and stories of fun-filled evenings around the campfire by some; awe and praise for your adventurousness from others; and looks of horror at the very prospect by a few.

First of all, let me congratulate you for considering the idea. Kids love camping. While your baby may be oblivious to the wonders of Mother Nature, even children as young as toddlers usually love the sounds and sights, the opportunity to sleep with their whole family in a tent. And getting dirty? Doesn’t seem to faze them in the least.

But let me be honest. Camping with a young child under the age of three does merit special consideration.

Here are a few questions that will help you determine if your little one is likely to enjoy camping. Chances are, you’ll enjoy camping only if your child does, so it pays to be realistic and plan ahead.

Is Your Young One Ready for Camping?

Sleeping

When you’re sharing tight quarters in a cozy tent, there’s just no way you can not mind a restless, crying, noisy child. (And what’s more, your campground neighbors aren’t going to love your sleepless child either.) Your child’s sleeping habits will directly impact your (and others’) ability to enjoy the evening.

Question 1: Is your child a “good sleeper”?

Question 2: If your child awakes at night, can he or she quietly be comforted and go back to sleep, with minimal disturbance?

Question 3: Is your child able to sleep in unfamiliar surroundings (noise, light, temperature, bedding)?

Question 4: Is your child sensitive to temperature changes?

Score: 1 point for every “yes” answer to the questions above. No points for every “no” answer.

Mobility

As any parent whose chased a young child around knows, it’s tough to relax anywhere and anytime if your child is an active crawler or a “cruiser” who loves to explore but isn’t steady on his or feet. Babies who aren’t crawling yet and toddlers who are can walk confidently will be easier to “contain” in one spot.

Question 5: If your baby is not crawling yet, is he or she content to sit in a stroller or baby backpack

Question 6: If your young one is already walking, does he or she do so with confidence (doesn’t need to hold onto people or things; does not fall)?

Score: 1 point for every “yes ” answer to the questions above. No points for every “yes” answer.

Other Consideration

Some children are more likely to adjust to the novelty of camping than others. Some ages are easier to deal with than others. Here are some additional factors to consider in calculating ease in camping

Question 7: Does your child often put non-food objects in his or her mouth?

Question 8: Is your child easily disturbed or upset by new surroundings and changes in routine?

Question 9: Will children outnumber adults on your camping trip.

Question 10: Do you have more than one child under the age of 5?

Score: 1 point for every “no” answer to the questions above. No points for every “yes” answer.

Score:

0-3 points Proceed with caution. It may make sense to wait another year before you take your little one camping. Note: this doesn’t mean the whole family has to miss out. Perhaps this will be the perfect opportunity for older siblings to experience more “alone time” with just mom or dad on a camping trip. If you choose a campground close to home, your little one can come with the “stay at home” parent for just a day outing…or do something altogether different at home. There are other alternatives to car camping in a tent, too. Consider renting a motor home or staying in a cabin.

4-7 points Preparation is essential. You know your child best. For example, if your child is likely to wake up at night, you may want to choose a campsite that’s some distance from others. If your child is sensitive to temperature changes, be sure to pack appropriate clothing. And if your child is a handful, then invite extra adults who love young children to join you. You can count on families with similarly aged children for sympathy and assistance- after all, they’re in the same boat!

8-10 points Go for it! Your family is a great candidate for camping. Keep logistics and meals simple, be prepared, and enjoy! ).

Going Camping?

If you are still up for camping with your little one, please read on for some tips.

Keep your camping trip short and simple. Test the waters by going somewhere local for only one or two nights. If you need to return home earlier than planned, it won’t be such a big deal.

Do not disturb. It’s exasperating for the interrupted by noisy neighbors. Even worse could be the chagrin of knowing that it’s your family that everyone else wishes would shush.

Sleep tight. Babies and small children will get lost in an adult-sized sleeping bag. Here are alternatives. Set up a porta-crib or other bedding that’s baby/kid-sized. We have friends who had an inflatable toddler bed-sized mattress with raised bumpers around the edge that worked well. Alternatively, bring a large, inflatable air mattress and comforters and sleep you’re your little one in this makeshift bed. (Note: While you might be tempted to buy several individual twin-sized air mattresses, the fewer gaps between mattresses the better. If there’s a chance someone can end up between the gaps of two mattresses, someone will (and sleep poorly for it).

Divide and conquer. If you’re apprehensive about bringing your young one camping, but hate to disappoint older siblings who are keen to go, consider splitting up. Nominate one parent to go camping with the older siblings while the other stays home this time. Going camping with “just mom” or “just dad” can be a special experience, too.

Be prepared. Camping is all about having fun. If you’re considering camping, my advice is to go ahead and give it a try! The key is to be prepared, relax and enjoy Mother Nature. You can find plenty of resources available on the web for planning your camping trip, including campground reviews, online campsite reservations, recipes, packing lists, gear reviews and online communities where you can give and receive tips from other campers.

by Dione Chen

Tags: baby, backpack, boat, cabin, campfire, campground, Camping, caution, child, cozy, ease. adults, ENJOY, fall, feet, fun, good, handful, kids, love, minimal, mother, nature, new, noise, older, parent, points, relax, sleeping, sleepless, stories, tent, toddlers