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Van Tuong (24 years old, Da Nang), a camping enthusiast, shared his advice on packing for first-time campers: "From basic items like tents, sleeping bags, and cooking stoves, to auxiliary items like flashlights, knives, scissors, and repair tools, everything plays an important role in creating an enjoyable and memorable camping experience."
Camping trips offer participants a sense of wildness, freedom, and adventure.
Tường noted that most camping trips take place on weekends in well-known locations, which are usually easy to get to. Therefore, don't bring too many unnecessary items, as it will make the trip cumbersome. You should choose locations with a certain level of safety (ask people who have been there before to avoid problems like theft, social vices, and wildlife). Anticipating weather and natural disasters is also important for your safety. "And most importantly, keep it simple to have a truly enjoyable trip," Tường emphasized.
Tents and accessories
A tent is essential for an enjoyable overnight camping trip. Don't overlook buying or renting a double-layered, waterproof tent; avoid trying to save money only to end up sleeping in the rain. A quality tent will protect you from dampness, keeping you dry in harsh weather conditions.
A tent is an essential item in camping gear.
Before choosing a tent, consider your needs. You can choose a compact tent if you want to relax alone, or a larger tent to accommodate more people. You can also choose colors and designs that suit your preferences, making the trip more enjoyable. However, make sure the tent has a sturdy frame, good water and wind resistance, and is easy to set up and dismantle for deployment at the campsite without too much difficulty.
Your tent is your "home" during your camping trip. So make sure you have a reliable, comfortable tent to create many memorable and safe camping experiences.
Sleeping bag
When packing for a camping trip, a sleeping bag is an essential item. However, choose thin sleeping bags that can withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius, suitable for the weather at your planned campsite. These sleeping bags are usually compact and can be folded down to the size of a hand.
Don't forget to bring a sleeping bag, or you can also prepare a waterproof hammock along with a thermal mattress pad.
If you plan to explore the North, where the climate is colder, then of course you'll need thicker, larger sleeping bags that can withstand temperatures as low as -10°C. This will ensure you stay warm and comfortable while sleeping in the harsh northern weather conditions.
Flashlight
When you're planning a camping trip, having adequate lighting is crucial. Whether you want to enjoy a romantic sunset or simply need light to navigate in the dark, various types of lights are indispensable.
Make sure you have enough light so you don't have to grope around in the dark.
The easiest item to pack for camping is a flashlight. This type of light provides illumination for navigating in the dark, making it easier to move around and explore your surroundings. Additionally, flashlights can be used as a first-aid tool in case of an emergency. If an incident occurs, a flashlight can be used to signal rescue teams or others in the area to search. Make sure you have enough spare batteries to ensure continuous light throughout your trip.
Stove, grill
Choosing the right cooking equipment is also an important part of camping. If the campsite offers grill rentals, you won't need to bring one on your packing list.
However, if you prefer to prepare and cook your own meals, or if there are no grill rental services available in your area, then bringing your own grill is essential. There are many options for portable cooking, including pellet grills, charcoal grills, wood-fired grills, electric grills, and more. Choosing the right type of grill depends on your personal needs, group preferences, and the conditions of your chosen camping area.
Cooking together is also a fun activity when camping.
Tường shared: "The process of preparing the barbecue ensures that you can enjoy delicious meals while immersing yourself in nature. Furthermore, cooking your own meals provides a fun interactive experience for you and your teammates during the camping trip."
Food and drink
A simple rule of thumb is that each person should bring about 1 liter of water, not including water for cooking. When preparing food, choose simple, lightweight dishes to avoid making the trip too cumbersome. Grilling food over a campfire or preparing dishes like stir-fried snails with tamarind sauce or steamed clams are excellent choices. Raw food can be stored in an insulated cooler for better preservation. This not only helps reduce waste but also ensures your food stays fresh and safe.
It is recommended to buy pre-prepared food, which can be reheated upon arrival to save time.
A helpful tip is to buy ready-made cooking supplies before arriving at the campsite, then simply reheat them. This saves time, allowing you to spend more time chatting and relaxing together before bed.
Personal items, basic medications
When camping overnight, besides preparing clothes, you need to prepare and bring personal hygiene items such as: toothbrush, toothpaste, toothbrush cup, face towel, bath towel, soap, facial cleanser, skincare products, etc. These personal hygiene items help you keep your body clean and feel more comfortable and relaxed even in a place with limited amenities. "To make these personal hygiene items easy to find and prevent them from getting lost or mixed with other items, you should pack them in separate bags or containers for easy access and use. In addition, you should also bring other items such as a knife, a multi-tool kit, etc., so that you have them readily available when needed," Tuong added.
Don't forget to bring any medications you might need for camping trips, such as: stomach ache medicine, painkillers, fever reducers, allergy medication, cold medicine, cough medicine, etc. When in an unfamiliar environment, you or someone in the camping group may experience health problems due to the body not adapting to the new environment, or due to unhygienic food, catching a cold, etc.
Bring just enough personal items and basic medicine for peace of mind during your camping experience.
