Important Items You Need to Remember When Camping in a Tent

You will need to prepare for your tent-camping trip differently based on whether you will be backpacking or car camping. Regardless, you will need to do several things and pack specific items to make your camping experience safe, comfortable and fun. Make sure to research the weather and topography of the area you will be camping in and to bring appropriate clothing.

  1. Check Your Tent

    • Practice setting up your tent in your backyard or living room before you head out on your trip. Knowing how to put all the pieces together will make it easier for you to erect your tent outdoors, even if it is dark or windy. Check to make sure you have all of the tent's components, including the tent body, poles, rain fly, stakes and a ground cloth. Coat the seams of your tent with a sealer intended for that purpose, if your tent seams were not sealed at the factory, and allow them to dry before repacking.

    Pack Appropriately

    • Know the weather and conditions in the area you plan to camp in. Bring sleeping bags rated at least ten degrees below the expected weather. Pack warm clothing that will retain its warming properties even if it gets wet, such as wool and fleece.

      Check to see if there is a burn ban in the area. If not, pack firewood because it will be more expensive at the campsite. If you are planning to backpack in, you will have to collect wood at your site. Plan to bring a camping stove for cooking your meals. Pack pots, pans, food and utensils.

    Remember the 10 Essentials

    • The 10 essentials are:

      1. Map

      2. Compass (optionally supplemented with a GPS receiver)

      3. Sunglasses and sunscreen

      4. Extra food and water

      5. Extra clothes

      6. Headlamp (outdoor) or flashlight

      7. First aid kit

      8. Fire starter

      9. Matches

      10. Knife

    Add Comfort Items

    • Make a list of extra, non-essential items that will aid in your comfort and trip-enjoyment. Some examples are: toilet paper, pillows, folding chairs, playing cards, extra batteries, a hatchet and a shovel.