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Going camping with the family is no joke. You would think you only need to bring a handful of items with you, but in the modern world, there are so many things that are useful to bring along. You’ll certainly need to travel in your car and make full use of the trunk space and anywhere else you can find to cram items in, as they take up more space than you’d imagine.
Here are a few suggestions about what to bring on your next camping trip.
Sleeping Arrangements
Everyone needs their own sleeping bag. If you find the cold earth too hard and, well, cold for you, then we would suggest a suitable thin mattress that’s made for camping. With sleeping bags, they have ratings for different minimum temperatures they can handle, so be sure to verify what you own is suitable for the expected weather overnight or there could be some cold toes in the morning.
Some pillows, blankets, and a light source like a headlamp or LED torch are good extras to bring so you can see, stay warmer, and lie down with a soft pillow to fall asleep on. You may even want to bring a camping fan as well.
The Family Tent or Two Tents?
With tents and family camping, it’s a bit of a dilemma. Do you own a family-sized tent that sleeps three or four or do you opt for some parental privacy with the kids in a second tent right next to yours? Some parents will worry about their security and that’s a reasonable concern too. Certainly, a second tent should be pitched close by in case they need you suddenly.
As the group expands, you may find a need for a larger family tent. Try the ones at My Family Tent, which are specialists in reviewing and selling tents that are big enough for large families to use. Also, remember that older models don’t last forever and there are some benefits to newer versions like better heat retention and is easier and faster to set up.
Cooking Up a Storm
Cooking outdoors is often half the fun of going camping. You’ll need a good stove and heating fuel to keep it going. A set of matches to light it and lighter fluid is used to get a fire started to roast marshmallows as the lights start to go down. Don’t forget all the necessary pots and pans, knives and cutting boards, utensils and plates to prepare food, cook it up, and relax while eating it. And be sure to bring enough camping chairs to sit on too.
You could pack the kids’ favorite foods like burgers, ribs, sausage and eggs, and more. Don’t forget the treats for those people with a sweet tooth, otherwise, their sugar withdrawal could be painful. It’s fun to get the kids involved in the food preparation and cooking stage, as long as they’re always under your supervision.
Ensure you make a list of the things you need to bring. It’s simply easier to work from a list when packing for the next camping trip rather than winging it and hoping you don’t forget something important. If you enjoy playing music or reading a book, be sure to bring your smartphone and e-reading device, along with some power banks to charge them up when they run low on power.