How to have a great camping trip without breaking the bank
Camping is a great way to spend quality time with your family and enjoy nature’s beauty. You may think it’s expensive, but you don’t really need fancy camping gear and lavish clothes to go camping. With little creativity and resourcefulness, you’ll be able to enjoy your camping adventure and stay comfortable without spending a lot. Here are some comfort tips for camping on a budget.
Buy Affordable but Comfortable Gear
For $600 or less, you can have the basic camping gear you’ll need to camp comfortably. Renting camping gear can be expensive so it’s better to have your own which you can use for more camping trips in the future. Here are some of the camping gear you may need:
- Tent – If you are going to camp with your family or friends, a tent that sleeps six will be great.
- Sleeping bags – You’ll need sleeping bags that zip together and for added comfort, you may want to put sleeping pads under which you can get for less than $30.
- Camp stove – A propane camp stove is perfect for dishes that need a skillet or pot. You can get it for around $35-$50 while you can buy propane cylinders for just $2-$3.
- Cooler – To keep drinks cold and make your food last longer, you’ll need a cooler. Make sure it is spacious enough to serve your needs.
- Hiking shoes or boots – You may simply wear sneakers when camping but if you’re going to hike, hiking boots or shoes will be more comfortable. If you don’t have one, you can get it for as low as $25.
- Small portable generator – is a handy source of power as you can run your camping appliances directly from it.
You don’t need to buy everything to have a comfortable camping trip. There are lots of camping essentials that you have at home. Here are some of them:
- Cooking utensils: knives, spoons, forks, spatula, tongs, cutting board, pots, and pans
- Airtight containers for food storage
- Ziploc bags for leftover foods
- Cleaning items: rags, garbage bags, dish soap, sponge, and paper towels
- First aid supplies: bandages, gauze, blister pads, antiseptic wipes, burnt ointment, whistle, and emergency blanket
- Tools: scissors, tweezers, tape, and medical gloves
- Lighter, matches, and fire starter
- Map and compass
- Clothing: jacket or coat, hat and gloves, comfortable shoes, socks, and rain gear
Remember to Bring the Hammock
Your camping trip will be more comfortable and refreshing if you have a hammock. You can easily make it using fabric, rope or netting. Hammocks are great if you want to sleep or just rest while having some fresh air. At night, you can also use it to watch the stars until you fall asleep. It is one of the best things to do while camping. Hammocks may not have all the features a tent has but if utmost comfort and relaxation are your goals, they can be your best companion.
Arm yourself with Bug Spray
Dealing with insects and bugs when camping is inevitable. There will be ticks, mosquitoes, and other annoying insects that may undermine your comfort and even your health. This is why bug spray should be on top of your camping essential checklist along. Apart from bug spray, you can also bring other items that will help keep the bugs away such as citronella candles, a mosquito coil and a mosquito head net. You may also wear insect repellent clothing so you don’t have to put toxic creams on your skin.
Make your Own Camping Chair
Camping chairs are also important but you don’t have to buy them if you’re on a budget. Also, they can be expensive and if you don’t camp frequently, it will not be worth buying one. You can make your own camping bushcraft chair. You’ll just need some rope and make a square lashing knot. It may be challenging and time-consuming but it is fun to do. It is also rewarding knowing you are sitting in a chair you worked hard for.
Use a Battery Lamp Instead of Lantern
Most campers use lanterns to keep their tents bright. However, lanterns get hot, attracting bugs and insects. To get rid of insects, use a 9-volt battery lamp which you can get for $10 or less. You don’t really need a lamp with extra features since you will only need it to brighten your tent.
Make your Own Camping Meals
Some campsites offer meals for campers but if you want to save some bucks, it is best to prepare and cook your own meals. Just bring your cooking and eating utensils, some dry goods and non-perishable snack items and you can keep yourself full throughout your camping journey. Don’t forget to bring basic condiments and spices to make your meals more delicious and satisfying.
Conclusion
To achieve maximum comfort while camping, you don’t need to break your wallet and buy expensive camping items. You can find great reviews of gear on Globo Surf. For your next camping adventure, try these camping tips and save your extra funds for other exciting outdoor activities.
Leave a Reply