Gear You Need to Take When Going Camping

Oct 22, 2010
Toby Welch

You Need the Proper Gear When Camping - Philipendula

When going camping, there is some gear you will need that will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

What is absolutely necessary to take when camping? Peter Tucker, Executive Director of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, shares his top five list.

Shelter - A good tent, sleeping bag and ground insulation (Therma-rest or closed cell foam pad) will ensure that you spend a warm, dry night in any situation. Your tent should have a full waterproof fly and your sleeping bag should have a thermal rating just below the expected night time temperature of the area you're visiting.
Clothing - In the mountains, expect any weather at any time of year. Your clothing layers should consist of an inner layer that wicks perspiration away from your skin, middle layers that provide insulation and an outer layer that is waterproof and preferably breathable. A hat and gloves are also good ideas; take lighter ones in the summer. As well, good footwear is essential.
Food & cooking gear - Take food that is light, simple to prepare and high in calories. Your stove should be light and fuel-efficient. There are several on the market that fit this bill. Don't count on being able to make a fire. Regulations and/or geography may constrain you and stoves have much less environmental impact. Don't forget a lighter or waterproof matches.
First aid - Take triangular bandages, analgesics, Band-Aids, gauze, tape, blister kit, sunscreen and any medications that are pertinent to you (anti-histamines, Epi-pen for severe allergic reactions).
Navigation equipment - Take maps and compass as a minimum. Altimeters and GPS (Global Positioning System) units are optional. Know how to use the equipment.

More Gear to Take When Going Camping

Be sure to pack a durable flashlight. Double-check it before leaving and bring along extra batteries. How else will you see your way to the bathroom at 3 a.m.?

Be sure to take lots of water. It is essential you keep hydrated. There is no safe drinking water in most areas due to parasites and animals. You can boil water, use a water filter, or take iodine tables as back up.

M.B. Wilson, owner of Wagon Trains RV Tours and an avid camper since 1970, recommends campers carry a weather radio with them. “A weather radio picks up all the forecasts across North America and you can get one for about $50. The type of weather radio I am talking about is not one that is in your CB radio or sits on the dash of your truck. This one runs off electric and has a battery backup. We’ve carried one for years and it is one of the first things we tell people to have.”

Camp Stove

If you plan to do more than roast wieners over the campfire, you’ll probably need a camping stove. Propane stoves are very easy to use but don’t give off as much heat as gas stoves. Gas stoves produce the most heat and burn without any odour. There are too many choices and kinds to cover here so ask at your local camping gear store for their recommendation based on your needs.

Liquid Fuel

Most campers need some type of fuel for their stove or other uses. Always transport fuel in a container intended for that purpose. If your fuel is carried in the trunk of your car, take it out when you get to your destination. If the travelling time takes all day, open the trunk whenever you stop to ventilate the area. When setting up camp, keep your fuel as far away from the tent and campfire as possible but in a safe place.

For more information, check out:

Love The Outdoors, "Camping Checklist" (accessed October 22, 2010)
Places in France, "What Camping Equipment Do You Need?" (accessed October 22, 2010)
Checklist for Camping, "Check List For Camping" (accessed October 22, 2010)
Get Outdoors New England, "What to Bring on a Camping Trip?" (accessed October 22, 2010)
Camping Cooking Equipment, "Camping Cooking Equipment" (accessed October 22, 2010)