Spending some time in the outdoors is one of the best gifts you could give to yourself. Being able to breathe fresh air while enjoying the view and the great hikes is just amazing. However, in order to improve this adventure of yours, you should have the needed camping gear.

Lots of outdoor camping stores are available on the market, but the key is finding the one that can give you all the needed gear that can meet all the quality and safety standards. Speaking of essential gear, having a clear picture of what to take with you is one of the first things you need to do before starting your camping adventure.

Waterproof Tent


Having a tent is one of the most essential items you should look in trusted outdoor camping stores. Even though sleeping under the stars is your passion, having a place where you could hide from the annoying insects or from the rain is fundamental.
And not only because of this, but having a tent can also reduce the risk of hypothermia if camping during the colder time of the year. Whether you choose a one-person, two-person or cabin-style tent, choosing a waterproof tent should be the first gear on your list. Just make sure that the chosen model has all the needed accessories like tent poles, rope, a rain fly and stakes.

Sleeping Bag


Whether you love sleeping under the starry sky or in your tent, having a sleeping bag is a must if you want to feel warm and comfortable. Even when camping in summer, temperatures can drop significantly at nightfall, so having a sleeping bag can certainly aid you with this as well. Not to mention that your overall sleep will be improved since sleeping bags have padding which can aid your back and spine, especially if sleeping on the ground.

Fire Starter


Let’s be honest folks, the first thing people think of when someone mentions camping is sitting around a crackling campfire. This is one of the cosiest and best things that you could experience when camping, especially if the night and talks get long. In other words, creating amazing memories is the main thing that you could have from nights like this. And in order to start a fire, you will need a fire starter like a cigarette lighter, magnesium fire starter, a flint and steel, etc.

First Aid Kit


Not that you will have to deal with some life-threatening situations, but having a first-aid kit can always come in handy when camping. Small cuts, scrapes and even blisters can get infected if left untreated and in touch with dirt, so having bandages and antiseptic in hand can be quite helpful.
Besides these things, first aid kits usually contain scissors, gauzes, soap, adhesive, an emergency whistle, etc. The things in it can mainly depend on the brand and on the kit's size.

Multi-tool or a Knife


A knife or a multi-tool is another essential type of camping gear that you should take with you. Being small and compact, a multi-tool is an item that can be kept in the pocket of your jeans while having a huge purpose. A tool of this kind could be the ideal way to trim a rope, slice food, cut a fishing line, open a sealed package, tighten screws, sharpen a stick, skin a small animal, etc. There are so many ways in which you can use a multi-tool, and giving the fact its small size, having one in your pocket is always a good idea.

Headlamp and Lantern


Having a headlamp and lantern is essential when camping and hiking. Although you can invest in a flashlight too, it seems that headlamps are easier to use since you won’t have to hold them in your hands. Additionally, both headlamps and lanterns are portable, so you won’t have a problem to take them with you in case you need to find something when the night falls.

Toilet Paper and Water Bottle

Unless you are a hardcore camper and survivalist, you won’t find appealing the idea of using bark and leaves instead of toilet paper. So, if you plan on camping in the deep woods and away from civilisation, then you would probably love the idea of having toilet paper. And in case you are concerned about the environmental impact, then you should invest in biodegradable toilet paper. You can also invest in a refuse bag for disposal.
The last but not least thing you need to always carry with you is a water bottle. Water is essential for surviving especially when in the outdoors, so making sure you have a fresh supply of water is paramount. In case you can’t take with you a huge amount of water in order to fill up your water bottle, you can always invest in a good filter, water purifier or water tablets so you could refill your water bottle from a nearby system or from a lake.