Packing Checklist for Happy, Healthy Campers
Aaaahhhh, the great outdoors. Sleeping under the stars. Relaxing beside a campfire. Hiking through nature's bounty. These activities make up some of the best family memories. Still, a calm camping adventure can quickly turn torturous if you find yourself without the necessary accoutrements. The best way to avert catastrophe is by creating a master checklist.
Depending on what type of camping you do and where you go, you'll need different supplies. Here are tips regarding some items you should ALWAYS pack, as well as some resources for creating your own personalized packing checklist.
Camping Essentials:
Sun Protection
Bring protective clothing, wide brimmed hats, and sunglasses as well as an effective and safe sunscreen. Use our pocket guide to help you choose the best product for your needs.
Bug Repellent
Make sure you weigh the risks of traditional bug repellents against the risks of the environment you'll be camping in and how long you'll be outdoors. You can check with the local public health department to find out if there are hotspots of insect-borne disease to help make your decision. Also, refer to our bug repellent pocket guide for help identifying safe, but effective products.
First Aid Kit
You should always keep a first aid kit in your car. When you're camping, make sure you keep it some place easily accessible. Check your kit before you hit the road to make sure nothing has expired and you have a good supply of all the basics. Use our Eco-Friendly First Aid Checklist to ensure you have everything you need.
Drinking Water
We live in a country with an abundance of access to faucets and fountains, but don't assume there'll be a tap everywhere you can camp - or that it's drinkable even if there is. Look into your drinking water options before you leave for your destination. If there isn't safe drinking water available on site, you may want to invest in a large water container that you fill yourself or even a camping water filter. There are BPA-free water jug options available from REI as well as various filtration options.
Healthy Food
The best camping foods are those that are packed with nutrition and energy and don't need to be kept cold. Nuts, seeds, dried fruits and whole grains like the oats used in this Almond Maple Granola are the staples of avid hikers and campers. Other good snack options for families include rice cakes with peanut butter, toasted whole grain pita chips, a dry cereals. For meals - consider basic spaghetti (dried) and marinara (jarred sauce); ready-to-eat soups (jarred or tetra-paks); or maybe even some type of organic, freeze-dried "meal" from a place like the BackPacker's Pantry. If you have a cooler and your trip isn't for long, of course you can always bring refrigerated staples, too - but do be aware of temperatures and how long things will reasonably last before becoming unsafe to eat.
Hand Sanitizer and Wipes
You're bound to get a bit dirty when you're out in the wild. Make sure you have the tools necessary to keep hands clean. Use this guide to find a safe hand sanitizer, but remember that hand sanitizers are only effective if the skin is free of dirt and debris. Use a bucket of soapy water or biodegradable wipes to wash hands prior to sanitizing.
Additional Resources:
Do you have any family camping tips to share? How do you make sure your kids are happy, healthy campers?
Image courtesy of Katstan / CC BY-SA 2.0
