The great outdoors awaits! We love to go camping. It's a great way to get connected with nature and spend time with friends and family. It's time to venture out and enjoy the beautiful weather, fresh air, and total disconnection from technology that camping provides.However, you can't just go unprepared. There are certain essentials that you need to bring along when you go camping, like food, extra clothes, emergency shelter, fire, water bottle, and more.Camping essentials are mandatory whether you're spending time at a campsite, pitching a tent in the wild, or traveling in your camper van. But before you head out on your camping adventure, make sure you’re prepared! What should you bring camping? We at Koala Outdoor have put up this what-to-pack camping checklist for your next camping trip!Every camper should take the following 8 essentials with them on their trip:Offline accessible navigationAs technology advances, more and more people rely on their smartphones for navigation. However, this technology may not work in areas without cell phone service. Nobody expects to find themselves in a forest without phone service, but it might be best to be prepared. Therefore, it is a good idea to carry a map and a compass as well.Map and CompassYou should always carry a map of the area with you while camping, especially if you're going off into unknown territory. If your navigational skills are rusty or non-existent, consider adding a GPS tracker to your list of supplies. You can purchase handheld trackers that you can use for basic navigation or units that are more advanced, allowing you to send out emergency signals in case of an emergency.When planning your trip, it's also important to have the places you want to visit plotted on a map ahead of time. Make sure that these maps are accessible offline so they will be available at all times. If you do not have the ability to download maps, consider printing them out or storing them on your phone. The last thing you want is to be lost and discover that there's no service to pull up a map!EDC Multi-Tool Survival BraceletThe popularity of survival bracelets or "paracord bracelets" has increased dramatically in recent years as more and more people seek every possible means of preparation for emergency situations. The most popular styles have built-in compasses, flashlights, whistles, a water bottle filter, a fire starter laces, and other useful tools.Sun-ProtectionYou want to escape the pressures of a busy lifestyle and enjoy outdoor life with friends and family. To do this safely during sunny days, we recommend that you pack sunscreen for your next camping trip. Sun exposure can play havoc on your skin, and it’s important to guard against sunburn and other sun-related damage.Best sunscreen for campingChoose your sunscreen based on how you’ll be engaging in the sun. If you’re planning to swim or engage in activities that may stir up sand, choose a waterproof sunscreen. This type of sunscreen will remain effective for up to 40 minutes of swimming.Sun protection clothingIn addition to sunscreen, wearing sun protection clothing while camping can ensure that your skin is deeply protected. Sun protection clothing is a great method for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays while you are outdoors. And since hiking and camping are popular types of outdoor recreation, you can always wear a sun protection shirt, sun protection hat, and a pair of sunglasses to make sure that you're protected from the UV radiation in sunlight.If you are going to wear sun protection clothing, it is important to buy clothing with a UPF rating of 50+. Here is a chart that shows the range of protection of the UPF ratings:UPF 15-24 is considered OK sun protection, providing 93% - 95% protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.UPF 25-39 fabric is considered GOOD sun protection, which blocks 96 -97% of the UV rays.UPF 40-50+ offers EXCELLENT protection from the sun, protecting your skin from 98% of UV rays.Insulation for the coldWhen you are going camping in harsh weather conditions, it is crucial to bring along a tent that can protect you from the cold.Insulation with floor blanketsAs you’re gearing up for the winter camping adventure, don’t forget to include a heavy-duty survival blanket as an insulation layer to keep you warm at night. Designed to withstand wind and snow, one side of this tent-sealing tape has a heat-reflective layer that can be used as a signal for help.Insulation with a sleeping bagA sleeping pad is a must and it should be lightweight, comfortably warm, and easily folded. Insulating your tent is the best way to achieve that goal bringing sleeping bags with you will make your tent far warmer on the coldest nights. No matter if you are camping on undulated terrain, slopes, or swinging under the stars on a chilly night, a sleeping bag with a hooded head enclosure will protect your head and keep you warm. No more waking up in the middle of the night to adjust your sleeping bag because of its ergonomic flex design especially when you are using a hammock.Flashlight or a headlampIt is best to use a flashlight and headlamp when the sun goes down and you need a source of light. A head torch is the preferred choice of most backcountry travelers because it keeps your hands free for all types of tasks, whether that's cooking dinner or holding trekking poles. You can use your phone or even your car’s headlights, but we highly encourage you NOT to do so. Using your phone for a flashlight drains the battery, and using your car’s headlights may be overkill.Pro tip: In addition to the flashlight, you might want to consider picking up some extra batteries for it. This way, if the flashlight runs out of juice in the middle of an emergency situation, you won't be left with a useless and potentially dangerous tool.Watertight first aid kitCamping isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, even though it should be. It can get pretty hectic, especially if you’re a beginner camper. There are many things that can go wrong when you’re camping. Because so many things can go wrong outdoors, a first aid kit is essential. A well-stocked first-aid kit is the most important essential camping item to bring with you. To ensure that your hike is fun and safe, be sure to pack these must-haves:Adhesive bandages (or blister kit and hiker’s wool)Compression bandage3 x butterfly bandages Irrigation syringe Gauze, non-stick pads, and tape (to secure them)Antibacterial ointment Alcohol or Antiseptic wipes Ibuprofen and paracetamolAntihistamineAntidiarrheal pills Eye drops Tweezers Pocket knife resistant gloves Lip balm Bug repellent Repair kit and multi-toolsIf you’re going camping or into the great outdoors, it’s a good idea to carry a multitool with you. Whether you need to cut something, open a bottle, trim your nails, or even tighten some screws, this 9 in 1 pliers multi-tool is incredibly convenient and a tool that you should always keep in your car—and one that is certainly worth investing in.In the field, you can make do with a few tools. A multi-tool is an actual necessity, but add to that a pair of safety glasses, foldout scissors, rope, tent poles, stakes, a small trowel for digging holes and a pocket knife, No matter what essential camping items you choose to include in your repair kit, you’ll be glad you have it when your camping gear goes south.Foods and snacks to bringNeed to spend some time in the great outdoors? It's essential that you bring some food and snacks to fuel your journey. Think about what the climate will be like where you're going and pack accordingly. So even if you're only packing for an overnight hike or a day at the beach, always consider these camping food hacks before you pack.If it's hot and sunny, consider bringing foods such as granola bars or trail mix to help keep you energized throughout the day. Pack something that will provide you with enough energy to go exploring or hiking! To ensure that you have enough energy to get through a backcountry hike, remember to pack snacks as well as an extra meal’s worth of food (if not two). Aim for non-perishable items that won’t wither in extreme conditions, including jerky, gels, trail mix, granola or energy bars, dried fruit, chips, and crackers.If you're backpacking out in the cold, consider bringing a soup, morning coffee, or hot cocoa to keep your body temperature high. You may also want to pack ingredients that you can use to make a tasty meal over your campfire. It's important to pack foods that won't go bad and don't require refrigeration.Having enough non-perishable food items can ensure that you can make an inexpensive, healthy meal quickly and easily, so when this is all you have available, it can be a great help.There are plenty of tasty campsite food options out there, so get creative! If you're planning on cooking dinner over the fire, consider packing hot dogs or marshmallows for a yummy s'more. You can also bring fruits such as bananas, oranges, and apples to enjoy as a healthy snack.Remember: Pack everything in Ziploc bags or in a waterproof container so that it doesn't leak inside your backpack!A backpack with the essentialsCamping means that you should take some gear with you. The first thing that many campers need is a suitable backpack to carry all the equipment. When choosing a backpack, make sure it has these features:Your pack should be lightweight. This is key since you will likely have to carry everything on your back and up and down steep mountainous areas.Extended straps are a must. A lot of the time, backpackers have to climb rocks and mountains in uneven terrain where there isn't a long flat surface. You don't want the backpack slipping off your shoulders.Your pack must have a lot of pockets and compartments to store all your camping material. Besides, it is so much better when everything you need is very close at hand without having to go hunting for it in the bottom of your bag.Make sure your backpack has a rain cover. If the material is water-resistant, you might not need it, but it's always safer to have one just in case.The backpack should have good ventilation. If you're going to be hiking all day, you don't want your back getting soaked in sweat.Packing for a camping trip can be simple if you follow these lists of essential items. These items are not only necessary but also handy and fun to have along on any trip. Remember to load up on sunscreen, insect repellent, and warm clothing for colder climates.Now that you have the best camping essentials, we hope our camping checklists have helped you get ready for your trip. Let us know where you end up and if this guide was helpful in the comments! Happy camping!Need a printable copy of our camping checklist? Our checklist comes in handy when you are packing your gear. It makes it easy to check off items as you get them packed. Click on this link for our camping essentials checklist pdf.
