How to Pack for a Camping Trip
Camping can be a nightmare if you're unprepared. Pack the essentials so you'll be ready for anything when you're in the wild.
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Make packing a bag less stressful with these tips, tricks, and checklists.
You Will Need
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Animal-proof containers
- First-aid kit
- Emergency kit
- Appropriate clothing
- Drinking water
- Maps
- Water purification tablets (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Find out about the environment
Find out about the environment you'll be camping in. You should know whether you'll be camping in a sandy area, in rocky terrain, or in an area with heavy vegetation. Pack a water-resistant, easy-to-assemble tent suitable for your location.
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Step 2
Pack the right sleeping bag
Pack a sleeping bag that is appropriate for the weather conditions. If you'll be camping at a high elevation, temperatures will drop quickly at night. Pack a sleeping bag that can keep you warm at temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Step 3
Find out about possible hazards
Find out about possible hazards. Know before you pack if you'll need animal-proof containers for food or other equipment to prepare you for environmental or wildlife hazards.
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Step 4
Pack a first-aid kit
Make sure your first-aid kit contains any medication you might need, as well as sunscreen, gauze, antiseptic wipes, calamine lotion, bandages, disposable gloves, a snake bite kit, alcohol pads, medical tape, insect repellent, and electrolyte tablets.
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Step 5
Pack emergency supplies
Pack a kit with emergency supplies, including a flashlight, extra batteries, bottled water, waterproof matches, high-carbohydrate snacks, a whistle, a thermal reflective blanket, a pocketknife, and a compass.
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Make sure you know how to use your compass.
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Step 6
Pack appropriate clothes
Bring practical clothes that dry quickly, clothes that layer easily, extra socks and shoes, hiking boots, rain gear, a well-fitting, wide-brimmed hat, and a rain hat.
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Step 7
Bring water
Pack plenty of drinking water. A natural water source may look inviting, but it could be contaminated with parasites that can make you sick.
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You can get water purification tablets at camping supply stores.
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Step 8
Bring maps
Pack maps of the area or get some from the park ranger's office in case you get lost on a hike. Have fun, be safe, and enjoy the great outdoors.
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Black bears can run up to 35 miles per hour.
