Of course, youve also been meaning to buy the required gear too.
What you should take on your camping trip depends on what bang out of trip you have in mind.
Driving somewhere and going on small day hikes from a populated base camp?
you could bring a nice, big stove.
Hiking 25 miles into themiddle of the Grand Gulch?
You want something a little more portable.
The distinction between the two is usually labeled as camping or backpacking.
Campers drive somewhere and camp out of that location.
Backpackers hike in and then make camp with what theyve brought.
That dual-use nature is good for anyone planning on doing both.
This is all the expensive gear youve been putting off buying until youreallyneeded it.
Thankfully, you might get by with a lot less you think.
Theres no such thing as a one-size-fits-all tent though.
Tents come in a variety of sizes and in a variety of types.
To confuse matters more, most tents come in two varieties:three-seasonandfour-season.
Youll also usually want a footprint to place beneath your tent to block out water.
Any ofthese will do the job.
Wirecutters a fan of the $200REI Radiant Sleeping Bagas a good all-around bag.
You will probably spend around $150-$200 for a decent sleeping bag.
Backpacks: Backpacks are an area where the distinction between camping and backpacking matters.
Which you need depends completely on what you plan on doing.
Headlamps, Lanterns, and Flashlights: Surprise!
It gets dark in the woods, so you want something to help you see at night.
Water Filtration Systems and(or?)
Some campsites even have fresh water available, but you should bring some anyway.
If youre backpacking however, thats not an option, so youll need a water filtration system.
For something on the cheap end, theSawyer Mini Water Filtration Systemfilters water andonly costs $20 at Amazon.
For a slightly more portable solution,Iodine tablets like these $6 Potable Aqua Treatment Tabletswork too.
Of course, like everything else here, you have a million choices.
In this case, your selection breaks down toboots,trail runners,approach shoes,andhiking shoes.
They also tend to have low longevity.
Approach shoes are meant mostly for climbing but sit somewhere in-between boots and runners.
Either way, double-check you have one.
First Aid Kit:It shouldnt be a surprise that you need a first aid kit for camping.
For camping, something big and bulky likeColemans camping stovesare sturdy, reliable, and easy to use.
They range in price from theclassic propane stove for $40to the more powerfulPowerhouse model for $180.
For backpacking however, you want special cookware thats effective and lightweight.
Pair that with the $42GSI Outdoors Destination kitchen kit, which includes about every utensil you need.
Youll be making your owngourmet MREsin no time.
You dont need much here.
Personally, thats too clunky for me, at least for backpacking.
A $30AeroPressworks much better because its way lighter, smaller, and cleanup is less of a chore.
Just check that you grind your coffee ahead of time.
If you dont care about anything other than the caffeine,instant coffee is easy to pack.
Bring along some dishcloths, some punch in of scrub brush, and trash bags.
Youll also need food to cook.
Of course, if youre just camping,anything you’re able to grill works.
Just ensure you bring along a cooler to store any perishables in.
Illustration by Sam Woolley.
Photos byZach DischnerandMaria Ly.
