How to Prepare for a Camping Trip - The Essentials and a Few Extras
Wondering how to prepare for a camping trip? Packing for a camping vacation can seem like hard work, especially if the kids are coming along. If you have very small children you may have been avoiding taking the family vacation, fearing that the little ones are just too young. Most intrepid campers understand the value of keeping things down to a bare minimum but there are several necessities for kids that will ultimately take up a little extra space.
When you prepare for a camping trip you need to learn how to be ruthless! By carefully separating what you really need, want or would like to take along into the great outdoors you will make sure that you have all the essentials and a few coveted extras (not too many now - this is camping after all!). The trick should be packing as light as possible but not feeling too deprived. This is especially true if you have children. Let's start with the emergency equipment.
An Emergency Box is essential. When you prepare for a camping trip you should always have supplies available for coping with disaster - natural or otherwise. If you live in an area like southern California where earthquakes are common or an area prone to hurricanes, make sure your emergency box is packed accordingly. Your emergency box should contain:
* Flashlights with batteries (for parents and each child).
* Headlamps for night hiking cooking and eating at night and fixing your tent if it blows down!
* Wooden matches and a lighter
* A battery powered radio (and extra batteries)
* Basic tools- Phillips head and slot head screwdrivers, a hammer, and a camp knife are critical.
* A fire extinguisher - which you may never use but will be glad you brought along in an emergency situation.
* A first aid kit - make sure any medication the family needs is included when you prepare for a camping trip.
* Duct tape
Add any other emergency essentials you think you may need based on where you are camping, for how long and what your activities are likely to be. You can never be too prepared when it come to emergency supplies as many an unprepared camper has found out. When you prepare for a camping trip this is not the place to skimp!
