We recently went on a massive camping trip that included hiking on the Appalachian Trail and climbing a mountain. This was the first camping trip I have been on since I was 6-years old and it has left me with plenty of tips and must-haves to share with you. Since it was the hubs and my first time camping in quite a while, we brought plenty of goods- some of it we used and swear by and some of it will not be packed in our camping bag again. These 5 must haves for camping are all the little things I would not venture on any camping trip without.
1. An Infinity Scarf
You may laugh at this and think I am such a city girl gone glamping, but it is for waaayyy more than looks. My infinity scarf was the most used and most appreciated thing I brought... Well, other than food and a tent. The scarf will keep your neck warm and ward off any unwanted bug bites on that super sensitive area. I also used mine as a eye mask to keep the early morning sun out, as extra umph to my camping pillow, a hood when things got wet, a napkin when hands got dirty, and a pot holder. Yes, the infinity scarf turned out to be the best portable oven mitten ever!
My best advice would be to bring an infinity scarf that is made out of a gauze-like material and one that you do not mind loosing to the elements.
2. Flip Flops
No, you will not be wearing these whilst hiking, but yes, you will be wearing them almost everywhere else. Sure, hiking boots or sneakers are great when you are roughing the elements, but no one wants to worry about untying and retying them every time you go into or come out of the tent. And don't even think about wearing those muddy sneakers inside your camping abode. Instead, pack a pair of sandals that you can wear around the campsite and easily put on or kick off.
3. Cotton Balls
We like to start a fire the simple way, some tinder and that scratchy spark-maker thing wisely called a "fire starter." Sometimes however, nature does not make things so easy or dry. Cotton balls make the easiest tinder and the best cheater method for starting your fire. Besides, most girls have them in their toiletries bag anyway :)
4. Baby Wipes
Most camp sites do not have showers or, they are the kind you would prefer not to use (another reason to bring flip flops). Sure, you could purchase and lug one of those portable showers everywhere with you, or, you could just purchase a pack of pretty scented baby wipes. No, it is not a five-star bath house, but it will do the trick after a long day of hiking. Baby wipes are my best secret to staying clean and smelling good the whole camping trip long!
If you are really wanting to glam it up, some dry shampoo, a good deodorant, and facial cleansing wipes are pretty great to have as well!
5. A Good Attitude
Bear Grylls says that one of the most important parts of being in nature is your attitude. Remember, you are in the elements and things might not always go according to plan. There will be bugs and some nights, there will be lots of rain and little food. My best advice would be to get over these trip snags as quickly as possible and remember why you are out there in the first place.
All of the things listed above along with a tent, good sleeping bag, food that does not need to be heated, water, snacks, and hair ties will make a camping trip easier, but nothing will make or break a trip like the attitude going in and coming out of it. Camping is super fun, just go with the flow, relax, stay positive, and you will be sure to love it!!
P.S. A handy tip would be to know the wildlife in the area... We knew of bears but had no idea there would be rattlesnakes- these are the little, vital things to know :)
Oh, and one more thing... I am so excited about tomorrow's post talking all about our trip on the Appalachian Trail. There will be lots of pictures too!!!
