My Top Ten Camping Essentials

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Ranked #498 in Travel, #24,103 overall

Camping is Getting in Touch with Nature

Every summer we try to go on at least one camping trip. This summer we haven't been anywhere yet. Our daughter is going back to College for September. She will be disappointed if we don't get at least one weekend in for camping. It is already August!!!

We were planning on having an August rummage sale. My husband's words have echoed in my head over and over. "If we don't have a rummage sale, everything gets thrown out to the curb." For some reason he thinks I am a "Pack Rat" and procrastinator. Since there is no motivation to get this started, September is a good time for a rummage sale.

Camping goes back to the Roman era. Not the tents that are seen in modern times. Their campsite would have makeshift homes of large canvases draped over a frame of wood or whatever was available. This made an easy shelter from nature's elements. Tents provide temporary accommodations for solders during war time. Tents are easily transportable and can be moved from campsite to campsite.

We take to camping as a form of recreation. It is is a way of getting in touch with nature, go hunting, fishing, traveling and just relaxing. For more than 100 years, camping has been a recreation.

August is a good time for camping. Next weekend we will go for our daughter's sake. To make sure that we take everything, we need a list of camping essentials.

Camping involves being at a campground, camping at a lake or somewhere out in middle of the wilderness. Many people have different ideas on what is camping. Is it pitching up a tent, pop-up camper, rolling in the RV or staying in one of the cabins? Whichever way you prefer to camp, you should find this check list useful.

Of course these are just the basics.

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1. Where are you sleeping? 

Camping in a camper, RV or cabin...this one would not apply for you.

Columbia Cougar Flats II 15-Foot by 10-Foot 8 Person 2 Room Family Cabin Dome Tent

Amazon Price: (as of 12/11/2009)Buy Now

Don't forget the tent stakes, hammer, rope and a couple of tarps (one for the ground and one to place over the top of the tent, if needed.)

Tents evolved over the years. There are many styles from pup to deluxe tents with separate rooms, like this one.

2. What type of bedding do you need? 

Coleman Ash Canyon 25-Degree Rectangular Oversize Sleeping Bag

Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 12/11/2009)Buy Now

Make sure that you have the right type of sleeping bag for the season. Bring your pillow and teddy bear.

3. For Comfort an Air Mattress is a Must 

Coleman Comfortsmart Quickbed Airbed - Queen

Amazon Price: (as of 12/11/2009)Buy Now

We have slept directly on the ground before, but an air mattress has more comfort.

4. Duffel Bag for Your Clothes 

Beats a plastic garbage bag

Outdoor Products Mountain Duffel (Large)

Amazon Price: $25.99 (as of 12/11/2009)Buy Now

Duffel bag, backpack, toiletry bag are part of the essentials. Make sure you pack an extra pair of socks, sweatshirt for cold mornings or nights, swimwear, shoes and all the other necessary clothes.

Camping Club Having Pitched Their Tents 

5. Important to have a First Aid Kit 

Total Resources International 250-Piece Outdoor First Aid Kit in Red EVA Case

Amazon Price: $27.99 (as of 12/11/2009)Buy Now

How many times did you need a band aid and forgot to bring one? Make sure you pack the insect repellent as well.

6. Camping Lantern 

Coleman Rugged Battery Powered Lantern (Family Size)

Amazon Price: $24.77 (as of 12/11/2009)Buy Now

Eating late at night at the picnic table, a camping light is needed. Makes it easier to find your way back to the tent. Bring the flashlights too.

7. Cooler for Your Perishable Food 

Coleman 6-Day 50 Qt. Ultimate Xtreme Wheeled Cooler

Amazon Price: $76.23 (as of 12/11/2009)Buy Now

If you are camping for any length of time, a quality cooler is essential. A 6 day cooler has more insulation and will keep the food longer. Buying one with a drain is a plus.

Camping for the weekend, we plan for at least two meals. Sometimes, it is nice to go out and eat. Try not to forget those hot dogs and condiments. The camp store will more than likely have what you forgot, but you will pay the price.

8. Convenience of a Propane Grill Stove 

Coleman 2-Burner Electronic Ignition Propane Grill Stove

Amazon Price: $89.99 (as of 12/11/2009)Buy Now

Nothing wrong with cooking over the campfire. We love to roast marshmallows and hot dogs. There are camping tools just for over the fire. But if you want convenience of cooking that first morning cup of coffee and frying up some eggs and bacon, a grill stove is the way to go.

9. Coffee Pot for Camping 

Coleman 14-Cup Coffee Enamelware Percolator (Blue)

Amazon Price: $27.18 (as of 12/11/2009)Buy Now

This type of coffee pot can be used on the propane grill or placed next to the fire from the pit. Make sure you have cooking gloves to grab it.

10. Don't Forget the Camera 

Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

Amazon Price: $410.81 (as of 12/11/2009)Buy Now

Wouldn't it be nice to have some photo memories of your mini-trip? What about that large fish you caught? "Yes, it was that big!" Then there was one of the last three remaining Po'oulis in the world that just happened to fly by.

What should you bring on a camping trip? 

I have broken it down to only 10 items. There is more that we can bring. Add what else you would bring if going on a camping trip. This way we won't forget anything.

1 flashlight per camper2 points

Deck of cards

1 point

Book to read aloud.

I recommend anything by Patrick McManus, especiall more...1 point

Food

Might come in handy, unless you are on a strict di more...1 point

Matches and a Lighter to make Fire

1 point

Sit Upon

We used to make our own Sit Upons stuffed with ced more...1 point

solar shower

0 points

A large good tarp, to ward off rain showers.

0 points

Project #3: Lens Assignment - Top 10 List 

This is assignment #3 for Rocket Moms.

I had so hoped it would of been a recipe lens, being that I had some recipe ideas. But I'm sure that will come.

I had so much fun, this is my third Top 10 List lens. Vote for this and other Rocketmom lenses at How To Create a Stunning Top 10 Lens

My other two Top Ten List Lenses:
My Top 10 Stephen King Books
My Top 10 Robin Cook Books

Please leave your comments and 5* if you think it deserves it.

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