Camping with the family should be a relaxing time to kick back, grill, bond with each other and let out energy. What could be simpler than quality time for you with your family in nature? Not much! The course of the vacation, however, will take a downward turn if you forget to bring a few essential items required to keep things moving smoothly. Here is my list for 7 top products that every camping family needs.
1. You’ll want to sleep inside a solid tent.
Have you ever been ready to hop in a tent that the wind has turned into a tumbleweed? Few things are more frustrating than needing to rescue a tent or two, just when you’re ready to catch a few zzz’s. Setting up multiple tents takes up extra time and do you really want to sleep apart from your little ones?
A great option for the family will shelter multiple people and have extra security. Some of the least expensive available will still sleep up to 5 people while more extravagant tents will fit up to 8 campers.
2. Comfortable sleeping bags that stay warm during cold nights.
A few things to consider when looking for sleeping bags include cost, warmth, weight and ease of storage. It should also be comfortable. Included among top sleeping bag producers is Mountain Hardware, who pay attention to heat capacity (so you and your family stay warm in cooler climates) and weight, so you can each carry your own as you trek to your camping spot.
3. Bug repellents that both work but won’t douse your loved ones in chemicals.
Long loose clothing and mosquito lights are nice alternatives to keep the pests at bay, but sometimes a topical repellent is necessary. Bathing in pure Deet, however, may not be an attractive option for you, but repellents with low levels of Deet can be safe for children as young as a couple of months, according to some authority sites.
4. Sunscreen for long days under the UV rays.
When choosing a sunscreen for yourself and the kids, opt for a minimum SPF of 30, which blocks up to 97% of the sun’s rays. Also look for the active chemical, zinc oxide. Here you will find a list of 32 safe sunscreens and a couple extras that should be avoided.
5. A solid camper’s stove/grill will keep you all well-fed.
Roughing it in nature doesn’t need to mean forgoing certain luxuries. Bringing along a quality stove and grill will ensure that you all eat well. From a simple two burners to hybrid stoves and grills, there are options for every budget and necessity. Choose a smaller, lightweight option if hiking is on the agenda or a heavier luxurious stove if you plan on driving up to your camping destination.
6. Consider a tarp to sit under when the weather turns bad.
Being in nature is the point of camping, but what happens when it begins to rain? World Outdoor Products said, “Setting up a tarp over your camping zone may allow you to continue sitting outside and watching the rain drops while staying dry.”
7. The right fishing gear will help you catch your own dinner.
You will need activities to keep busy and fewer fit camping more than fishing. Also, as the saying goes, “give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, but teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.” Teaching your kids to fish isn’t only a fun pastime, but a lesson in self-dependence, appreciation for nature and the rewards of patience. A simple but sturdy rod and reel and a basic tackle box will be all you need to get started.
A simple camping trip will turn into memories that will be visited for years to come. Having these key products in mind will ensure that you and your family only look back with fond thoughts.
