Looking for adventure? Try camping! 10 million Americans camping each year
show that it's got to be something pretty enjoyable. What… No gear, you say? Don’t worry. You can
get a jumpstart on your camping skills with a camping kit.
Yep, that’s right… outdoor shops and online outdoor stores offer camping-in-a-box: one kit to buy for you basic camping needs. What do they contain? The basics, of course, for food and shelter and safe camping.
Unfortunately, there is not a single camp kit that offers all the
essential items you'll need. Everyone's needs are different anyway. So put
together your own camping kit, and get ready to head out camping!
Safety Camping Kit
Safety is the most important aspect of enjoying camping. This list should be packed first, before the rest of the camping gear.
First aid kit – well stocked and easily identifiable.
Water-proof matches, or just put the matches in a water-tight container.
Flashlights and batteries
Compass or maps
Multipurpose knife or camper’s tool. Those 1000-in-one gadgets are an adventure in itself, just figuring out what each attachment is for. Some of them include the compass in the multi-tool already so that’s one less weight for the kit.
Mirror, just in case you need help.
Rope, cord or wire. Bring one of each in 5 m lengths for any emergency that you may encounter.
Campers Dining Kit
For food Preparation, storage and dining, below is a list of things that a camper MUST have to fill the hungry, adventurous belly.
Stove and fuel – campfire is all good, but having a stove and ready fuel makes camping easier and campfires more reserved for marshmallows and good talk with family or friends.
Frying pan and stew pot with cover. Ideally made of cast iron bottom, as the lighter aluminum versions are not really ideal conductors of heat. It would be nice if the two were nesting together to reduce the bulk when packed in your kit.
Food prep tools: paring knife, chopping knife, a small chopping board, bottle and can opener.
Eating utensils + extra bowls, cups for serving or multiple use and skewers for marshmallows!
Large cooler
to store perishables and cool drinks. Ideally the compartmentalized one so it’s like bringing a small refrigerator. Ice substitutes are a convenient cooler, too!
Drinking water and water container
Portable water filter or chemical water treatment tablets, if your campsite does not offer potable water
Clean-up gear: biodegradable dish soap, paper towels, Ziploc bags and garbage sacks
Camping Shelter Kits
Most camping starter kits actually offer more of shelter kits. To be sure that your
camping kit is complete, look the following are essentially below:
Tent – to contain the number of campers enjoying the adventure. Check that the tent adheres to the season of your adventure, or invest in multi–season tents for all year sheltered camping.
Ground tarp
– additional protection for the floor of the tent.
Sleeping bag – rolled cot is the minimum but those airbeds with pump are really convenient and compact!
Pillows – for the homey feeling of your camp tent.
Most camping kits are either for shelter kit, dining kit or first-aid kit, so your best purchase would be three camping starter kits instead of one.
Commercially available beginner’s kits start from $50 for a single tent and sleeping cot to as much as $500 for shelter kits with airbed.
Beginning camping is as easy as one, two, three: safety kit, dining kit and shelter kit… this is your very own camping kit.
Visit the
Camper's Corner Camping Forums
Read stories, tips and advice from other campers. You can even share your own personal experiences, recipes, and gear reviews.
