The Ultimate Packing Guide for Your Camping Trip
Spending time in the great outdoors is an exhilarating experience. On the other hand, packing for the trip is not as much fun. Perhaps you’ve had the misfortune of packing and unpacking as you try to fit everything into your car, and still leave enough space for your family.
Fortunately, packing for that camping trip you’ve planned for an entire year does not have to be a troublesome experience. You can make the task even easier with a bit of preparation, strategy, and the right packing guide.
Take Your Time
The first thing you should do is give yourself sufficient time while packing. Time is all you need to get an opportunity to prioritize what you load your car with. In case you break or lose something, you still have enough time to replace it, and don’t have to rush to the local store at the last minute.
Two weeks before the trip, come up with a gear checklist, gather your items, and check the gear to ensure it is in working condition. At the same time, make sure to clean your sleeping bags and even purchase packing containers. A week before your camping trip, buy any missing equipment and replace broken items.
Two to three days to the take-off date, place all your camping gear into containers and load them into your car. If you’re a snowbird traveling south, you have the option of shipping a car to Florida with Executive Auto Shippers, for example. However, make sure that everything is secured in your vehicle.
Calculate Available Space
Knowing how much space you have to work with before the trip gives you an idea of how much stuff you can actually take with you. For instance, a family-sized SUV provides enough space for fitting all your camping essentials and still have your kids comfortably seated. If your car does not have roof rails or a rooftop carrier, consider investing in one to make your road trip more enjoyable and comfortable.
For maximum use of space, roll up clothes, towels, blankets, and sleeping bags. In addition, if you are carrying food, carry small portions that are enough for a one-way trip. However, you should consider purchasing food on the way to increase space in the car
Be Selective with Gear
While choosing your camping gear, make a list of the essentials first, and then add to it depending on the space available in the car. If you’re unsure about the items you can carry for your camping trip, various online resources can guide you depending on your destination. However, don’t forget to pack the all-essential emergency kit that includes a flashlight, road flares, jumper cables, and other necessities.
Stay Organized
Keep all your gathered camping essentials organized in clear storage bins for easy transportation. Some bins feature wheels that will help you move around while at the campsite. Make things even easier for you and your family with the use of colored bins that allow you to group items.
Sort your things carefully and keep similar items together. Place your cooler box close to the passenger seat and don’t stack anything on it. Heavier bins should be stacked at the bottom, with the lighter ones on top.
Finally
You shouldn’t let the stress of packing for the camping trip take the joy out of your outdoor adventure plans. Dedicate enough time to packing, assess the available space in your vehicle, and be selective in the gear and items you carry along with you. Then, sit back and enjoy your adventure-filled camping trip.