Many of us are divided in opinion as to whether or not outdoor camping is an ideal escape, and some may not find it very entertaining due to all the problems associated with planning and arranging a camping trip.
Nonetheless, once the overcome all the challenges, you will be surprised to find that this is an outstanding treatment for emotional stress, sleeplessness, and boredom. It may also be worth mentioning that it is also a confidence booster.
The hardest and least enjoyable part of camping, especially if you are a rookie camper, is most likely to tame the chaos of planning and preparing.
Even a newbie will become an organized pro with a good guide, a few hints, and tips, and you may even want to schedule the next getaway sooner than you think.
Through introducing a structured system, removing the chaos will not only ease the effort of the immediate trip but also make it easier to prepare and prep for the next trip.
The P-System of Camping
Without applying the proper order and method, no project, task, or vacation will ever be completed or enjoyed to its full potential. To do this, an integrated structure will need to be introduced.
It’s even more important when it comes to camping. If you don’t build a fire, you won’t have a fire, but what if you don’t know how to build one?
It can be frustrating and difficult to organize camping gear, and doing it wrong can mean that you have left something important behind. You don’t want to set up camp just to find that you’ve forgotten your brand new Geertop sleeping bag, have you?
Using the camping P-system is an easy way to untie unnecessary knots and debug your trip from the start of the trip to the ride home. It is particularly useful for beginners whose enthusiasm may leave them flustered or even forgotten.
Plan
By preparing the trip first, no camping trip can be completed. If you decide you’re camping, you’ve probably decided on a spot. It is important to perform the necessary research on your chosen location, so you can change your equipment and plan for the region’s precautions and weather.
There may be an alert in the region for malaria, for example, or bears may be in season. Whatever it may be, you will have to be prepared. This is particularly true if you’re a new camper.
You will need to learn how to camp and what to pack, as no camping trip is the same, and no list of equipment can be prescribed for your particular needs.
Most of the lists you will find will mention only the necessities, but you will need to make a checklist that includes the gear you need.
It is better to use a priority-focused point system to help you organize your equipment checklist, which ensures that basic needs are first put, followed by any other element, such as hardware, entertainment, and luxury.
Food and drink, related cooking gear, cutlery, and, of course, how you want to prepare your food will be the basic needs.
This should also include the right type of clothing for the conditions you’d be facing, as well as your means to sleep safely, like a tent. Basic needs will also include first aid kits filled with allergy medicine if needed, and bug repellent may be included.
For optional ease, you might want to bring along hardware equipment, including utility knives, a small hacksaw for easier woodcutting, rope, and don’t forget a mallet if your old school tent still has anchoring pens.
For each individual, the list changes, especially when it comes to entertainment and luxury. You should plan to leave nothing out.
Prep
When preparing takes place in the time leading up to the day, training will certainly be done shortly before departure. You are going through your checklist for the first time during this process, ensuring that the list, as well as all the equipment, is full and easy to pack.
For storing all gear and small, loose pieces of equipment, use bins, containers, and Ziploc bags.
This will ensure that all will remain untouched, dry, and safe and will not vanish shortly before departure. Additionally, make sure all the equipment is working and all consumables, such as batteries for all devices, including the flashlight, are kept.
Even, if you are camping in a dry area, make sure you take some painkillers and medications, as well as a freshwater supply.
Practice
Just try camping for the first time before you leave, even if it’s in your backyard. This will encourage you to review the list to be accurate for the second time, helping you to become acquainted with any new gear.
Beginners will find this third step incredibly useful, particularly when practicing the skills you need to create fire and other survival skills. It will also help you in your first camping experience not to feel unprepared, and you won’t look like an idiot fighting with your tent.
Packing
Eventually, go through the list for a third time while packing the car on the day of departure, and you will find that most of the effort has already been made. Now, all you need to do is enjoy the trip.
A Basic Beginner’s List of Camping Gear
Basic needs
- Cooking pots and holders
- Frying pan
- Eating and cooking utensils
- Bottle/can/cork opener
- Plates/bowls
- Mugs/cups
- Foldable sink/basin table
- Stove (LPG gas/other), ensure it is fueled
- Matches/lighter/fire starter
- Cooler box/bag with ice/ice pack
- Water/containers
- Dishtowels
- Trash bags
- Tent
- Sleeping bag/pad
- Pillow
- Headlamps/flashlight/lantern and batteries/fuel
- Toiletries
- First-aid kit
- Personal/hygiene products
- Hardware
- Multi-tool/utility knife
- Duct tape
- Extra cord
- Rope
- Saw/axe
- Mallet/hammer
- Small broom and dustpan
- Binoculars
- Navigation equipment/field guides
- Portable camp shower
- Solar charger/power bank
- Basic first aid supplies
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibacterial ointment
- Compound tincture of benzoin (bandage adhesive)
- Assorted bandages
- Butterfly bandages
- Assorted gauze pads
- Blister treatment
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellents
- Painkillers
- Antihistamine meds if needed
- Clothing
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Long and short quick-drying pants
- Suitable boots/sneakers
- Lightweight fleece/jacket
- Long socks of synthetic or wool
- Rainwear/hats
This is a short and sweet list you could try, but leave space for entertainment and other extras.
Conclusion
You should implement a strong system and do things in an orderly fashion if you want to enjoy your camping trips more or eliminate those buggy complications of leaving everything to the last moment.
If the above-mentioned method, the camping P-principles, does not meet your needs, by all means, create your own specific self-disciplinary approach that would work for you, as long as you use a structured plan and leave nothing to chance.
If you’re camping, remember to do the necessary research for your convenience and health. Double-check your list and make sure you’ve included all the equipment you may want or need and that you’ve got all the fresh supplies.
Check that all consumables are well stocked, and never forget to bring your friendly camping spirit with you for a final word of advice. Have a lot of fun!