The Essentials for the Non-essential Camper

Camping Essentials for the Chronically Unprepared (But Cool and Charming)

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Four girls, three water bottles, two camping sites in Wyoming, one agenda; to efficiently pack—not excessively pack—for a camping trip. Here's how we should've done it right:

As a non-essential camper, I've camped, but am no pro camper. I don't want to overwhelm myself by purchasing and packing the matching enamel camping cookware, camp shower heads, or other extra gimmicks the pros might take; but I do want to make sure I have everything I need.

Prior to this recent tent camping trip in Wyoming, I had prided myself in packing just enough. As with much in life, sometimes you just have to live and learn, but luckily for you I've crafted this essential camping list from my experiences so that you can learn from my mistakes.

You might already have an idea of what you should take on a camping trip, but here are some specific things you didn't know you needed. If you enjoy the simple things in life, like light packing and a good laugh, this is just the friend for you. No fluff, just all the right supplies.

1. A Tent (clearly)

   Yes, the most packed item on a camping trip, but did you know there are different styles of tents to withstand different conditions? If you find yourself embarking on a camping trip from CO to MT and decide to camp in Wind River snuggled in Boysen State Park with a regular tent however, you might need to be extra mindful of the last item on the list.

   

   
   

2. A Sleeping Bag / Tons of Blankets

   You might be thinking, Triniti I'm aware I'd need a sleeping bag or some blankets to add padding and keep warm outside. However, as your camping older and fun sister, you need to include an additional blanket that is multifunctional. Specifically you must pack a blanket that has an aluminum side. Before you ask why, let's note the obvious; aside from using it like a normal person would you can also use it to build fires. Keep in mind that it is generally unadvisable to start fires on extremely windy days, but on an un-extremely windy day with light gusts-- you'll want that wind blockage blanket.

   

   
   

3. A Mallet / A Large Rock

   So after setting your tent up, you will need something to stake it down into the earth. A mallet is clearly ideal and is suggested to use when staking down pins, however I just love using big rocks instead. They're nearly everywhere so very accessible, if you don't use them they'll just sit there collecting dust, and something about them just feels so fun and primal. Of course, be mindful of how you stake the pins, but if you're not, at least make sure you bring the last item on the list.

4. A Solar Power Charger Bank

   Let me note that I was the hit of the camping party with this cool gadget. You've heard of portable chargers, you've heard of solar powered panels, but a solar-powered charger bank?! This was a game changer. If you're off grid and don't have the avenue to continue to recharge your battery or your charger for your battery, this is the charger bank for you. My charger bank was multifunctional and also worked as a flashed light, so how could I not have been the coolest, most sought after person, after that?

5. Spare Hiking Boots/ Quality Tennis Shoes

   Along with being a nonessential camper, I am also a nonessential hiker. When it comes to hikes I just stick to the basics, which I have been rethinking after my previous camping trip. I'm a soulful gal but I found myself sole-less very quickly right after starting my hike. This is just a nice reminder that it's a good measure to always include back-up active shoes, otherwise you might have blisters from the cheapo Birkenstocks you had to hike in.

   

   
   

6. Quality Snacks and Food

   An imperative component to any successful camping trip is being equipped with good food. I definitely packed s'mores (with gf graham crackers for me), chips, and some other quality snackies, but forgot good dinner supplies. Make sure to pack good food otherwise you might end up scrounging for anything salvageable in your supplies and find yourself having tuna in a roasted bell pepper for dinner (which was much tastier than it sounds). Additionally, if you're bringing snacks for the fire-- make sure you bring a lighter, fire starter, and logs, so you don't have to ask a neighbor.

   

7. T Rex Tape

   If you choose to disregard everything else, please don't forget the T Rex Tape or a good alternative. Did you pack a regular tent that just ripped from the intense gusts of wind? T- Rex tape can fix that. Did the soles of your shoes just crumble less than .5 mi into your hike? T-Rex tape can fix that.

   It's easy to forget how much good duct tape can fix, but I'd hate for you to be unprepared and need to be reminded. The possibilities of utilizing duct tape for camping are limitless; you can also make a rope, fix a zipper, improvise clothing, mark a trail, one source claims you can even spear head fish with it (use to your own discretion).

   Let me just say, I hardly ever put blind faith into anything, but I will put my full faith into T-Rex tape every time.

   

There are many art forms, and one of them happens to be packing camping essentials. If this list made you giggle or even shake your head, share it with your favorite camping buddy! Don't forget to subscribe for more international and intranational travel.

Thanks for reading—I’m so glad you’re here.

With love as strong as T-rex tape,

Trin