Solo traveling is always fun to plan and adventurous to experience. We get to meet multiple people and learn things from them. But these are also the trips where we need to be extra careful about what we need to take along. Like when going to a hill station or trekking we need to keep everything on our own. From paper soaps to trekking tents and sticks we need to ensure that everything gets packed before leaving. It simplifies the trip and keeps you ready for whatever may come. The same goes for camping. Since all the burden is on you to collect and carry things, a well-prepared solo camping checklist will be a great help.
Camping, no doubt is a highly transformative and adventurous activity. It lets you explore the new you in a completely different environment. You live without the comfort of your home and learn basic life skills. These can be reading a compass, building fire, pitching a tent, and much more. Also, for many people, it is the best way to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. But to experience all this you need to be well prepared physically, mentally, and resourcefully. A well-equipped trip ensures that you make the best of your time in the wilderness. So to help you out, here is the list of 10 essential camp gear items that you just can't do without.
Prepare yourself for solo travel
Now if you are someone who loves going out, good with strangers, and are regular in activity then it is easy for you. You know what to do. But for those who have just started, we would say prepare yourself physically and mentally.
Get used to dirt:
Camping comes with its perks only when you get inclusive with nature. And when that happens you’ll be getting dirty with mud, wet in rain and might feel cold or hot. Get comfortable with all this and enjoy the fun and uncertainty of nature.
Learn some skills
While on a camping vacation, you are bound to learn some skills that you can’t do without. These may include reading maps, navigating through compass, building fire, and much more. Though you’ll learn them once out there in wild, the better thing is to get an idea from youtube videos.
Get yourself moving
Now if you are someone who doesn’t love much activity or are not habitual, camping is gonna hurt your legs. Start walking daily and put yourself into the habit of walking long distances.
Prepare a solo camping checklist
Solo traveling comes with its perks of being free to roam anywhere and the other part that is you have to look after everything. From packing essentials to deciding place, searching routes, booking transport, and whatnot? You need to take care of everything. This becomes easy once you prepare a solo camping checklist and keep on ticking as you move closer to the D day.
Your 10 essential camp gear items
A right tent
A tent is a very important part of camping as it shelters you from harsh weather and gives you a resting place to be back to at night. Now since you are traveling alone so a small size tent or a two-person tent will work. It will provide you with enough space to keep your belonging and rest after a long day.
Remember to purchase the one that will be easy to set up and light in weight to carry. Also, look out for a tent air conditioner if planning for humid places.
Sleeping gear or mattress
Camping trips can be rough at times. This will be a time when you’ll only want to have a comfortable sleep in your tent. For this, you need to put the second item on the camping checklist which is sleeping gear. You can even use an inflatable mattress to lie down after a tiring day.
First aid kit
While traveling solo, there’s no chance that you can compromise on a first aid kit. It should include basic medicines, antibacterial ointments, bandages, and other medical essentials. Also, don’t forget to keep medications for your allergies or special conditions.
Knives and multi-tools
Camping is an activity that throws you open to nature and needs you to be prepared like that. So keeping knives and other small tools will help you in cutting and sharpening sticks. It will ensure that you are self-sufficient during the whole trip.
Maps and compass
After you have decided on the place you want to visit, get thorough with the routes and rides. Though now Google maps are handy and you may find compasses in the phones, keep maps and compass. These will help you in times of poor network connection and no power backup. So, learn to read maps and navigate through a compass before going.
A flashlight or head map
During the night or while navigating through dark places, the flashlight will come as a savior. You can use a headlamp even for reading while you lay inside your tent. Remember to keep the batteries of the flashlight.
Hygiene
Going out for fun must not be a compromise with health and hygiene. Ensure that in your solo camping checklist you pack wet wipes, shampoo and conditioner pouches, pads, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. Also, pack insect repellent to stay safe from mosquitoes and other insects.
Cooking utensils and packed food
Preparing food during such trips can be hectic sometimes. But it will allow you to make food whenever you feel hungry and ensure you get proper food intake. Taking along some utensils like spoons, disposable plates, a pan, glass, and if possible a cooking pot, will help. A small-sized cooking stove is also to be added.
You can take along pre-packed food or something like instant noodles. It saves you time and ensures your intake of fresh food. Also keep some healthy snacks like dry fruits, to keep up your energy throughout the day.
For Rain
Camping is surely not easy for those who hate getting wet or dirty in the mud. It is a non-luxury activity and demands your inclusion with nature. Rain and thunderstorms may end up making it a little hard for you during camping. But including these things in your solo camping checklist might help:
- Raincoat
- Water-resistant clothes
- Quick-dry towel
- Extra pair of socks and undergarments
- Water bag to keep your wet clothes.
Trash bags
These are important for you as well as for the environment. Carrying a handful of trash bags will allow youtube to manage your waste mindfully and you can dispose of it whenever you find a dustbin. You can even keep separate bags for shoes and other clothes.
Final Words
Now after you are done packing, time to enjoy the trip and the adventure that awaits you. Make friends and enjoy your heart out. On reaching the spot, set up your tent and light a fire if it's night or cold. remember to take good sleep and maintain a good intake of food and water.