Outdoor Vacations - Packing Light Basics
An outdoor vacation of camping in the great outdoors is sure to be a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life. While many campsites don’t require hiking much further than your automobile, they don’t provide you with seclusion and adventure of hiking to more remote campsites. The downside of hiking to remote camping locations is that you have to carry your belongings and camping gear on your back. Here are some tips to downsizing your load but still ensuring you have the essentials.
First off, do some research and see if your campsite will have running water and showers. The more remote ones rarely do. Even if there is water it may not be suitable for drinking and cleaning cuts and scrapes. If needed, bring enough bottled water for your hike or consider purification tablets.
Check the climate and weather report before you leave and pack accordingly. Even if the weather report doesn’t forecast it, be prepared for rain with at least a light poncho or rain resistant jacket.
Bring an appropriate sleeping bag for the climate and conditions of your camping location. If it’s a warm weather destination then a lightweight sleeping bag can be cheap and easy to find. If you’ll be camping in a cold climate then it’s wise to invest in a lightweight yet well insulated and water resistant sleeping bag.
A lightweight tent made of durable material is essential for camping. While it’s nice to have a huge tent it’s not necessary and less is more. In remote campsites you can change your clothes and keep your belongings outside your tent. You may also consider purchasing a tent that is self-assembly and requires very little time and effort to set up and take down.
A well-stocked first aid kit is also a must for camping. Make sure you have various sized bandages and disinfecting spray or ointment. Also carry some antihistamines and pain relieving medication. Have some small scissors or a Swiss Army knife and some tweezers which come in handy when dressing wounds and doing a multitude of tasks.
Your fully loaded backpack will weigh no less that 20 pounds and should weigh no more than 40 pounds. That may not seem like a lot but if you have hours of trekking to do then it’s sure to feel like twice after an hour or two. Remember that on your trip you will not have car hire available to carry your stuff. So pack carefully.
Taking a camping holiday in more remote areas can be the adventure and seclusion you’re looking for but it will require hiking with your equipment. Pack wisely and only bring the essentials.
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