Summer is coming and you know what that means – it’s camping season! It’s time to get your hike on, go on fishing excursions, and roast marshmallows around the campfire late into the night. There’s nothing quite like enjoying all that Ontario has to offer during these warmer months, and you definitely want to get the most out of your camping trips.
In order to optimize your camping experiences, you have to be well equipped to deal with the great outdoors. This requires quite a bit of planning and forgetting even one piece of gear can be detrimental. In this blog, we’ll go over all the gear you need for the perfect camping trip.
Seven Camping Gear Essentials
1. A Tent
For obvious reasons, this is one piece of gear you don’t want to forget. Sleeping outside and being exposed to all the elements would make for one uncomfortable camping trip!
Make sure you have a tent that is a suitable size for the number of people going camping as well as all the accessories needed to put up said tent. These accessories include stakes, footprints, poles, and a cord. Also, practice putting up your tent before you arrive on the campgrounds to make sure you’re well prepared.
2. A Tarp
Having a tarp under your tent is needed to keep it dry and warm. While tents may appear to be waterproof, their walls are actually just water resistant. If you’ve ever endured a heavy rainfall without a tarp, you’ve probably come to this realization.
Putting a tarp under and around your tent is a pretty easy way to ensure your gear stays dry and you get the maximum amount of uses out of your tent.
3. Sleeping Bags and Pads
Sleeping bags and pads are another essential for camping if you want to have a good night’s rest. There’s nothing worse than feeling a bunch of lumps and bumps on your back when you’re trying to fall asleep.
Sleeping pads elevate your level of comfort while sleeping on the ground tremendously. Sleeping bags add an extra layer of cushion and keep you warm, which is much needed considering there’s no heating system in a tent!
4. Camping Pillow
These inflatable wonders have forever changed the camping game and no makeshift pillow can compete with the level of comfort that camping pillows provide. On top of being super comfortable, camping pillows are also versatile and can double as a seat cushion when needed.
You definitely don’t want to miss out on all that camping pillows have to offer!
5. Camp Chairs
If you’re planning on doing any laid back camping activities, like sitting around the campfire, camp chairs are an absolute must. This foldable piece of gear is super easy to transport and allows you to sit in the same spot for long periods of time comfortably.
Camp chairs can also come in handy outside the camping environment, such as during outdoor concerts or firework shows.
6. Flashlights and Lanterns
Since campsites are not as well lit as city streets, flashlights and/or lanterns are absolutely necessary to get around once the sun goes down. How else are you supposed find your way to the washroom in the middle of the night?
Don’t forget to pack some extra batteries along with your flashlights/lanterns!
7. A Backpack
Last but certainly not least, you need a durable backpack with lots of compartments for any camping trip. This piece of gear is especially handy if you’re planning on doing any hiking during your trip.
A good backpack makes it incredibly easy to transport and access all the food, water, and other essentials you need to get through your journey. It’ll also last a long time and have some great stories attached to it!
By including these items on your camping checklist, your trip will be set up for success. And if you need your gear cleaned after your expedition, Love Your Gear has got you covered!
At Love Your Gear, we offer specialty equipment cleaning services that cover gear including backpacks, tents, cushions, and pillows. Contact us today to get a free quote on our gear cleaning services. We’ll make sure all your gear is in tip top shape for your next camping trip!