Packing Hacks for Your Next Camping Trip
When it’s time for you and your tribe to head into the wild, here are some ways you can minimalize your gear so you can stress less.
Keep It Simple
The beauty of staying outdoors is the opportunity to get away from distractions, busy schedules, and stuff. So keep it simple. Take one hat instead of 3, one pair of jeans instead of 2, etc. Yes the clothes might get a little dirty by the end of the trip, but that’s part of the experience, you’re not staying at the Hilton, you’re camping. Just pack one clothing item for every type of weather, an extra pair of socks, some sunglasses, and you’re good to go.
Keep it simple when it comes to gear and food too. A package of hot dogs and some roasting sticks, or some aluminum foil packets over a fire, and you’ll be enjoying some time-tested and approved camp cuisine. Look for easily foldable and packable items like collapsible tables and chairs or folding bikes to save on cargo space in the vehicle.
Multi-Purpose
Another tip is to look for items that can be used for multiple purposes. Multi-tools, combination elements, and more are good ideas so you can pack less. Instead of bringing a large generator, find solar-powered options, and embrace the weekend away from technology. Some multi-purpose soap that can be used for dishes, laundry, or body care is another good addition, and food that keeps well like oatmeal, dried sausage, hard cheese, fruits, and bagels can be mixed and matched for any meal of the day.
Some other items that should make the list are a tent or shelter, water, sleeping bags and pillows, a first aid kit, sunscreen and bug spray, a fire starter, a flashlight, and one set of eating dishes and utensils per person.
Pack Efficiently
Finally, after everything is rounded up, and you’ve paired it down to the essentials, it’s time to load it into the vehicle efficiently. Remember the motto of “last-in, first-out”. Whatever you will need first when you arrive at the campsite should be the last thing you put in the car. That way it is easy to reach and easy to unload. The tent, tarp, foldable road bike, and cooler are examples of items that you will want to unload upon arrival.
From the folding bikes to the multi-tool and every other gadget and gear in between, you can have a great time camping this summer and pack less. And if you do forget an item at home, remember that it’s part of the adventure, you’ve gotten away from creature comforts for a while, and it’s time to make memories.
