Surely, the idea of camping as a family has ever been around your head. Even, maybe you've already done it and want to repeat someday. We are not experts in the field at all, but we do have many tips that could fall like a ring to your finger. There is nothing to loose, only much to gain!
Camping is one of the purest and most direct contacts with nature. It is part of an ecosystem where everything works perfectly. But to feel comfortable, satisfied and make it a pleasant experience, we must know some things before that day arrives.
Before making the decision to go camping with your family, you should ask yourself these simple questions: Do I want to live a new experience? Am I willing to leave my comfort zone? Am I adding value to my life and that of my family?
Starting from the answers to these questions are a "Yes", here our best recommendations.
We have divided this post into three parts: a) What you should not forget; b) The recommended, but not essential; c) Tips that have worked for us.
So without further ado, let's get started!
WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT FORGET:
On a camping trip, there are a number of things that you simply should not forget, because without a doubt, you are going to need it.
- Tent
Make sure you have all its parts, it is even recommended that you assemble it before camping. So you know how to put it together, and confirm that you are not missing anything.
- Sleeping bag, mattress or inflatable mattress (if needed, carry an inflator).
There are those who prefer one option or another. We mostly use inflatable mattresses, but for logistical reasons we are migrating to sleeping bags, since they take up little space and do not need to be inflated.
- Blankets.
If you go to a cold mountain place, they are essential so you do not spend the night freezing.
- Coats.
On a camping trip, and more if it is on the mountain, the weather can change quickly. It is highly recommended to carry at least one coat.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
You may not have light sources in the camp, so a flashlight is mandatory, with a set of extra batteries.
- Repellent for mosquitoes.
It should not be missing in your bag. Mosquitoes can appear at any time, usually at dusk.
- Sun block.
To protect our skin, sunscreen is our best ally. Spending a few days abroad can cause skin burns.
- A hat or cap.
Whether to protect us from the sun, rain or cold, it is always good to have one in the bag.
- Swimwear.
Depending on where you go camping, or if you are going huking, a swimsuit is vital whenever you want to take a bath in the river or the beach. They are also very practical when bathing, since you may not have a closed bathroom that provides privacy.
- Towels.
They turn out to be very convenient to dry us quickly. It is advisable to buy small towels, which absorb water very well, and take up little space in the bag.
- Enough drinking water.
Unless you can get drinking water at the camp, it is important that you carry in enough water. Being outside, walking, being under the sun, everything produces demand for a lot of water in our body.
- Non-perishable snacks.
Bringing snacks is something you can not miss, and even better when they are not perishable. There are many options. Choose the ones that the whole family likes best.
For example, although bananas are a good source of energy, they do not tolerate heat or sun very well, and they quickly go bad. That is why they may not be the best idea.
- Waterproof footwear.
In a camping trip and any outdoor activity that may involve water, it is highly recommended to wear shoes that can get wet, in addition of having a good grip to avoid slipping.
- First aid kit and emergency medications.
In order to counteract any eventuality, whenever you go camping, you must carry a medication kit. Sometimes an allergic reaction to some food or some element of nature, can cause allergies that can ruin you camping. Also other utensils such as band-aids, thermometer, acetaminophen, a muscle relaxant, among others.
- Trash bags.
To leave the place the same or better than it was, we will need trash bags.
- Backup battery bank for electronic equipment.
Whether you want to use it to recharge your cell phone, a computer, a camera, or any other electronic equipment, a backup battery bank will take you out of trouble.
- Toilet paper, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap.
Always carry with you those personal care utensils. However, when we talk about camping, perhaps we should confine ourselves to those of greater importance and essential.
- Waterproof bag or backpack.
It is highly recommended to store those things that cannot be wet. Rains can occur at any time, and it is better to be prepared.
THE RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT ESSENTIAL:
Depending on the level of comforts and the type of activities you would like for family camping, there are a number of things that we consider recommended, but not essential:
- LED lamp to illuminate the interior and exterior of the tent.
During the night it is very comfortable for the whole family to have good lighting, both inside and outside the tent.
- Chairs or hammocks.
It's not that you're not going camping because you don't have chairs or hammocks, it's a matter of the level of comfort you would like to be in touch with nature. There are those who are more than happy enjoying nature sitting on the grass.
- Folding table.
It is very useful to have a table available for certain things, either for food and drinks, or for board games.
- Raincoat.
When we travel as a family, children tend to want to play and have fun playing in the rain. A raincoat allows them to do so, without ending up soaked with water.
- Gas stove.
It is very convenient to have one, either to cook some food, or to have a coffee or hot chocolate.
- BBQ grill.
It is super delicious to eat grilled food when we are outdoors on a camping trip.
- Cooler.
To preserve certain foods or drinks, an ice maker is recommended. It also serves to keep them away from animals, bugs and any dirt of the place.
- Carpet for the exterior of the tent.
When it rains it is when you need it most. It helps a lot to prevent the interior of the tent from getting dirty.
- Set of cutlery, plates and reusable cups.
In addition to collaborating with the environment, it serves you for two more things: you reduce the amount of garbage, and you save by not having to spend on disposables whenever you need them when you go on an adventure.
- Board games.
You can choose recreation with elements of nature, but there are those who prefer this type of games, which the truth can be extremely fun.
- Telescope and photographic equipment to see the stars.
A camping is the ideal time to contemplate and photograph the stars. There is usually little light pollution, making it easy to see them.
- Multifunction tool.
This is the kind of thing that get you out of trouble. Sometimes you need a bottle opener, a small blade, or a screwdriver, and it's the best way to have everything in one.
- Fine rope.
It is very useful and can be used for many things. From tying a pair of sneakers to your backpack, to strengthening any part of your tent.
TIPS THAT HAVE WORKED FOR US:
It is very important, before camping, to check the weather conditions, to ensure having a good time and the safety of everyone in the family.
Every camping we go, little by little we are doing better, since we are adapting a series of measures that make the experience better.
Here are some tips that have worked for us, that maybe you can try them out:
- Select a good place for camping, preferably flat, with shade and a beautiful view. Observe not being under trees that have fruits that may fall.
- The earlier you build the tent, the better. It is more difficult at night or if it rains.
- Organize the interior of the tent well, so that, at bedtime, it is only to lie down, rest and enjoy the special thing of sleeping in the middle of nature.
- We used to go camping with friends and family, so it is good to build the camp in a circle, so we have a central area to meet during the night. We find it more welcoming and we become a more united group.
- Keep the tent closed, preventing mosquitoes or bugs from entering.
- Collect the firewood and store it in a place that does not get wet. Prepare the fire while there is daylight. At bedtime, make sure that the fire is completely off, preventing an accidental fire.
- If you are a very light sleeper, wear earplugs in case there are people who snore when sleeping.
- Inform close relatives that you will be camping, in case they try to contact you and they don't get you.
- Clothes, shoes, sheets and blankets should be packed so that they do not get wet if it rains.
- Pack simple, only what is necessary. Nature offers many forms of fun and recreation.
- Everything that is food or drink must be stored properly, to avoid attracting certain bugs or unwanted animals.
- Extra tarp to place on the tent, both to cover the sun and for a possible rain.
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