Us in Camp

The last time I went camping was in 2007. It was a long time ago, but I still remember every bit of the camp experience. We were about 10 of us, all girls, we met up with thousands of others, from all over the country, and we had a rough but amazing 3 weeks together. I still cannot understand how I survived those 3 weeks, I fell seriously sick afterwards and went back home with all sorts of skin infections, but I won’t change my experience for anything in the world.

The 3 weeks camping was hard, but the first week was the hardest. I remember waking up after the first night, feeling very sick because I slept out in the open without a tent for the first time in my life. It felt horrible sleeping on the bare floor, with no shelter, and that experience made me realise what homeless people were going through every day of their lives, and how lucky I was to have a roof over my head.

The following weeks were better. We sorted out the shelter issue which was a massive improvement, and we kind of just went with the flow of things.I learnt a lot about myself during those 3 weeks, and I got to know my girlfriends a lot more as well. It was a great experience I would never forget it.

It is summer time, and I know many of us will be looking to go camping. So this post is just about me reminiscing and reminding you of some camping essentials you should not forget.

Camping Tents

Going camping without a tent is not smart. Trust me, I have been there, and I will never try it again. The first night we spent without a tent was horrific! For a hassle free camping trip, you will be needing a tent, and the great part about this, is there is a camping tent for every budget. So you should be able to find a reasonably priced tent. Just make sure you pick the right size for your group and your belongings. Also make sure your tent is waterproof, so you are sure to stay warm and dry.

You should also  ensure you have all the camping tools you will be needing like a good carabiner, which is a camping staple.

Sleeping Bags & Pillow

Sleeping bags and pillows are also camping essentials. They help aid a good night sleep, and sleeping bags are so compact and easy to carry. You can go with your duvet for maximum comfort if you prefer that, but bear in mind they take more room.

Insect Repellent

Like I said, I went back with all sorts of insect bites and skin infections. If I had an insect repellant I won’t have suffered half as much as I did. Make sure you go with one.

Waist/Hip Bag

As you can see in the pictures, most of us have on a waist bag. In there, we store keys, money, bank cards, phones, and any valuables we want close to us. Those bags are very handy, so get one each before you go camping, that way you can even sleep with all your valuables on you.

Water Carrier

Most of us had a water carrier as well. They came in handy when we had to go for long walks. They are definitely camping essentials.

Anti-bacterial Hand Gel

These hand gels come in handy when you are unable to wash your hands immediately. They are a life saver so remember to pick one up before you go.

Do you have any funny or horror camping stories to share? What are your camping essentials? Are you going camping this summer? Drop me a comment in the comment section below.

Thanks for reading.

*This is a collaborative post.