Camping stay: The essentials to put in your luggage

Have you decided to go camping? Excellent idea ! Camping is a fun, healthy, and relatively inexpensive way to commune with nature. You can turn off the screens, escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and return to nature where you can eat and sleep under the stars.

But if you're new to camping, how do you know what to bring with you on your trip? What type of accessory do you need? And how can you be sure not to forget anything?

Rest assured. This article tells you how to plan a camping trip and gives you tips to prepare for a successful and enjoyable adventure under the stars.

We've used our camping experience to compile this list of essentials to pack and explain how to ensure a successful stay, wherever you go.

Let's find out right away.

I - The campsite: Everything you need to know

What is camping?

The term camping is very broad, but at its essence, camping is a way to get away from the hassles of city life and settle into a more natural environment for a limited amount of time.

It consists of staying in the open air, usually in a tent, and spending more than one night there. It's ultimately about staying outdoors, away from towns and villages, and enjoying nature and the fresh air.

Recreational camping began in the late 19th century and has become one of the most common outdoor activities worldwide.

Camping is associated with many adventure activities, like hiking, trekking, which provide the ultimate outdoor experience. Some like to go camping alone, but others like to go there with their family and friends to share a unique moment.

Origin of the campsite

Our nomadic ancestors were the first to build dwellings for shelter when it was difficult to find a cave or a cave in the middle of nature.

Today, of course, we no longer use wooden sticks and a few skins to build our removable house. But you get the idea.

Although the equipment is much more sophisticated today, the spirit of adventure of that time is still present in the technological age.

Difference camping and glamping

We're sure you've heard of glamping before. Already scratching your head? Glamping or camping, what's the difference? Are they really two separate things? Let us explain.

Glamping is like camping, but you bring things with you that are absolutely unnecessary except to make your experience more comfortable.

Technically, even an inflatable mattress can be considered a glamping item.

Let's take an example. When you go camping, you are normally in the woods or at a campground, with a log fire and a tent.

When you're glamping, you're usually somewhere a little more comfortable, like a log cabin with all the amenities that come with it.

II - Essential accessories to take camping

We will assume here that you will sleep under the stars in a tent. Everything that is most basic during a camping experience. Be aware, however, that you can also use this list if you are glamping.

Let's see what you need for a successful experience.

1. Bring a good tent

First, you need to make sure that you have chosen the best tent for your needs. Nothing can change the quality of your camping experience faster and more completely than bringing along a tent that's too heavy, too small, or doesn't offer enough protection from the elements.

Ideally, you don't want to spend a lot of time in your tent when you're not sleeping, but if conditions aren't ideal, you want to be as comfortable as possible.

With the many technological advances of recent years, and the wide variety of proposals on the market, it is easy to be overwhelmed. And so, how to choose it?

Some are suitable for cold seasons and others for warm seasons, or according to the number of people who will use it.

It is clear that there are other determining factors. But to choose your tent, take into account the structure, the method of assembly, the climate, the resistance to water, the weight and your budget.

Indeed, if the camping virus has really gotten to you and you have in mind to repeat the experience several times, the best thing to do is to invest in a quality tent.

2. Take a good sleeping bag

Your sleeping bag is another factor that will greatly impact your comfort. The last thing you want is to slip into your sleeping bag after a long day of adventure only to wake up shivering an hour later.

With options ranging from down to synthetic, mummy to rectangular, it can be hard to know where to start.

In general, it's better to have a bag that's a little too warm than not warm enough, because you can always unzip your bag to cool down, but you can't get it any warmer.

The warmer the bag, the larger and heavier it is often. Again, you need to consider your own needs, the nature of your hiking or camping trip, the climate and the seasons you are likely to use it.

3. Choose a good backpack

In practice, the backpack becomes your portable wardrobe. Choosing the right backpack is not an easy task, but it is not impossible either. You have to be very meticulous and use logic.

Of course, your backpack must be adapted to camping, to your physiognomy, and the space must be optimized to the maximum. It is not possible to take items with you without a reason.

But what should you take with you? We strongly advise you to make a list of all the things you need to take with you. You can also read our article on this subject to find out exactly what you should take in your backpack .

Remember, you always have to consider how much weight you're willing to carry, or you might not be able to carry it all.

4. Clean and healthy: Bring your toiletry bag

We advise you to bring a toiletry bag in which you will store everything you might need at any given time and which you cannot find in stores or pharmacies nearby. And also because you have to wash!

Dressings, tape and bandages, disinfectant, analgesics and other anti-inflammatories, powerful mosquito repellent... And, of course, all your hygiene products.

We understand that in the middle of nature it can be difficult to take a shower like in a hotel, nevertheless it remains important to take care of your body and to be clean.

So choose your toiletry bag accordingly. Prefer a large toiletry bag preferably for your basic necessities and your beauty products.

Stick to the classics, your toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and a microfiber towel, which is more absorbent and lighter. No need to bring your perfume collection.

5. Items for cooking

It is essential to bring a small stove because, even if you go to a campsite with a restaurant, you may want to have a coffee at any time.

It is also essential to have a small cooler to store food and drinks, and of course some kitchen utensils such as pots, pans, plates, cutlery, glasses, napkins, etc.

Finally, also plan a can opener and a bottle opener, a water bottle to carry water if you go on an excursion, a little scouring powder to do the dishes and, of course, a garbage bag, to leave the place that you used even cleaner than it was.

Our final tip

That's it, with all these tips, you are now ready for your very first camping trip.

Be aware, however, that it is important not to overlook the small details. We haven't covered these points in the article, but some of these items are must-haves and others may be needed at any time.

We are thinking in particular of flashlights, rope and clothes pegs, mobile phone charger (if you find a socket), camera to immortalize the moment, knife, lighter or even toilet paper.

In short, everything that will allow the adventure not to become a nightmare, but an extraordinary experience to be repeated.

So, ready to go?