Essential Camping Gear Makes Living in the Great Outdoors Easy and Fun

There's nothing like a camping trip with the family to create some unforgettable memories and bonding time. Getting away from the daily grind to explore the great outdoors can be both relaxing and energizing. But before you go, make sure you have made the necessary preparations with this essential camping gear list:

Food

Part of the fun of camping is having the opportunity to prepare and eat your meals outdoors – the fresh smell of coffee and eggs – wafting through the air. One easy breakfast recipe, Hillbilly Trash Breakfast, uses aluminum foil to cook hash browns, eggs, sausage or ham, and cheese together for a delicious start to the day with easy clean-up. And of course, no camping trip is complete without a hot dog roast and s'mores under the stars.

Sleeping bags

Sleeping bags come in various shapes and sizes and use different materials for insulation. Before choosing a sleeping bag, consider what kind of camping you are going to do. Are you a summer weekend camper who likes to head to a state park? Or maybe you'd like to try something more serious. For casual campers who like to just get outdoors during the warmer months, a basic sleeping bag should suffice. For those who want to try their hand at camping in cooler or more inclement weather, consider a "mummy" sleeping bag with insulation for up to zero degrees.

Tent

Tents come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. Make sure to really shop around before making your purchase. Consider, are you a family of four or more? A two-room tent might be ideal for you. If you're just starting out with a spouse or friend, you could get by with a two-person tent. Tents also come with or without screened-in porches, ideal for storing shoes and other miscellaneous items.

Water

You'll need lots of water when camping – for drinking and cooking. It's a good idea to stock up on individualized water bottles. For those using water from a campground source, you might need to sterilize it first. A portable water filter is your best bet to ensuring the water is safe to drink. These filters remove bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and chemicals.

First Aid Kit

Definitely do not go camping without a first aid kit. Well-stocked first aid kits include: bandages and gauze of various sizes, antiseptic cream, sterile wipes and rinse solutions, pain medicine, tweezers and scissors, sunburn relief spray, and anti-diarrhea medicine.

Flashlight

For those late-night calls to the bathroom, a flashlight is essential. No matter how close you may be camped out near the facilities, you'll need a flashlight to see your way. Choose a sturdy flashlight that has been designed for outdoor use.

Utility Knife

For all the tools that you use at the campground, a quality utility knife will be one of the most versatile. Always keep your utility knife clean and sharp. A dull knife is a dangerous instrument. Always hold the utility knife firmly by the handle and cut away from the body. Knives should not be used to pry something open or as a screwdriver.

Rain Gear

Don't forget clothing for any inclement weather you may encounter. That means a complete change of clothes, in case the ones you're wearing get wet. A rain jacket always comes in handy for when the weather turns wet.

Lantern

Once the sun goes down, it can get pretty dark around the campsite, save the light from the campfire. Always bring along a lantern to provide additional lighting. You can purchase a lantern fairly inexpensively.

Camp Stove

Unless you're skillful at cooking over an open fire, a camp stove will be necessary for cooking most of your meals. Like lanterns, camp stoves are inexpensive items that use the same fuels as lanterns.