Let it be known that I for one am not an outdoor professional in any sense, but think I am mastering the art of camping. And while many people grew up in the outdoors and know standard survival skills, I didn’t know how to set up a tent or start a fire until recently.
I had done a handful of camping trips with my parents, but it was more a glamp than a traditional rugged experience.
I have created a list of my camping must haves for beginners and outline the general vibe of various camping experiences.
Car Camping
I think car camping is a great place to start with the camping world. You are able to bring a lot of stuff, can usually cook fun meals, and don’t have to sacrifice any luxuries. Throughout the US (and I’m sure throughout the world), there are special sites you can drive your car, and set up your tent right beside it. Some of these campgrounds have amenities like bathrooms, fire pits, and nice patches of land to set up a tent, while others are much more simple. Car camping doesn’t always require a permit or reservation, but I find reserving sites is a lot less stressful than searching for a spot day of.
BackPacking
Backpacking is taking camping and adding a huge physical element. You no longer have a car but a simple backpack to carry your necessities, and suddenly every pound counts. Backpacking trips can range from various lengths, and usually allow you to disperse camp where ever you can find a spot (and many now requiring permits). While backpacking is more strenuous, it is personally the most rewarding.
Reservations and Finding a Spot
Something is so fun about a spontaneous camping getaway, and also you don’t always know your weekend schedule to the day before, or the weather. While I love the idea of a spontaneous hike, in the time of Covid and Colorado overpopulating, reservations are huge. My first camping trip was four years ago, before Colorado was even profoundly full, and we struggled to find a campsite, and spent a full half of a day searching for a spot. We ended up having to pay a hefty amount to stay at a KOA, which wasn’t the nature vibe we were going for.
Book in Advance
What I did this summer, because I knew the crowds would be large, is booked out a bunch of random weekends throughout the summer. Worst case scenario the weather is bad, best case I have an awesome weekend plan. Although I love the idea of driving somewhere and searching for a spot, it’s much easier to plan when you know for sure you have a place to set up.
My Camping Must Haves
The outdoor industry will convince you that you need a million and one gadgets to be comfortable on a trip, but really the simpler the better. Camping gear can be really expensive, and if you’re just getting your camping gear bundle, the prices can be intimidating.
- A tent. Obvious but can make or break a trip. Investing in a tent, is essentially investing in your outdoor home. You want it to be durable, keep you warm, and not frustrate you to set up. I just purchased the Storm Breaker 2 Tent for North Face for $100 during the REI sale. I wanted a solid two person tent, and knew from past experiences it had to be weather proof. Research what you want, with specs, space, and durability before investing in this! A tent should realistically last you a very long time, and outdoor brands are usually pretty good at honoring warranties.
- A sleeping bag. Camping and sleeping can be the make or break moment for a good time during a trip. No one wants a restless night sleep, shivering in the cold. Investing in a good sleeping bag that will keep you warm and comfortable is imperative for a good night’s sleep. Research the length you want, if it’s a slim fit, if it will be warm enough for the temperatures you plan to sleep in.
- A sleeping mat. Truthfully, I didn’t even know these things existed, but they are so necessary. Sleeping mats not only protect you from sharp rocks and uncomfy ground, but will absolutely make the difference in keeping you warm. There are ranging levels, and some more bougey ones can actually feel like a mattress.
- A cooking stove. Depending on your budget and preferences, investing in a good little cooking stove will make for nice warm meals. Having a hot meal in any camping environment creates a cozy feeling for before bed, and again can make the difference if it’s cold. I use a little backpacker stove because it’s simple and although I can’t fit a very big pan on it, it does the trick for making quesadillas, burgers, and pasta which is all I need it for.
- Water filter. Depending where you are, lugging around gallons of water can be annoying, but if you have a water filter you can cut your need for lots of water. I have a water bottle that filters through the straw and was a life saver for many of my longer stretch hikes.
Of course there is so much more to elevate your camping game, but if you’re just starting out, keep it to the basics.
What’s your favorite part about camping? Mine is spending time without cell service, playing games, and savoring a golden brown smore before bed.
Hailee Boyle Social Media Management 