You are interested to go for camping but not sure what to pack for the trip? Obviously, you want to be outfitted with the most appropriate and reliable camping gear for the night to stay safe and enjoy all your outdoor adventures. If you are a newbie in the camping world, you may fall in a dilemma what to pack and what to leave. So, what are the must-have gears for camping at night?
Must Have Gear for Camping at Night
Shelter and Bedding
The camping shelter is a protection for you from the wild animals and opens outdoors, while the bedding will keep you warm and comfortable. Basic shelter and bedding gears include a tent, tarp, sleeping bag, sleeping pad. A tent should be at the top of your priority list which gives you a homey feeling.
You need to sleep at night so the sleeping bag and sleeping pad are essential for you. Most campers prefer a sleeping pad, an air-filled pad that sits between your sleeping bag and the ground for having a little more comfort. Tarps are used to protect the bottom of your tent or as an extra shelter at your campsite. There are few items which may give you extra comfort like camping pillow, blankets, cot, comforter, throw rug, pillow, mosquito net, etc.
Cooking and Dining Gadgets
Cooking and eating are exciting, especially during camping time. You need some basic cooking and eating utensils to make your camp cooking and dining enjoyable. Some basic camping handy items include fire starter or lighter, water, cooking oil, stove, plates, small bowl, mug, spoon, can opener, frying pan, sharp knife, cutting board, knife sharpener, dish scrubber, and so on.
You know, the knife is must-have gear for your kitchen. A machete style knife can be a very good option for any camper. They are really useful for a lot of works like cutting the woods, making a hole for cooking, cutting branches for camp use and many more.
Clothes
Obviously, you need some cloth to put on during the camping period. According to the weather forecast, you should choose your clothing. When backpacking you have to consider rain and sun protection system. The essential apparels include t-shirts, shorts, pants, underwear, cap, camp shoe, sweater, rain gear, swimsuit, jacket, socks, etc. With a spare cloth set, you needn’t worry about sudden weather change.
Goggles
Wildlife observation at nighttime will be incomplete without night vision devices. A quality night vision goggles is such an optical device which will enhance your night observation. It will make your surroundings visible, clear and more attractive. By using goggles or such optical devices you can easily gather amazing experiences. Besides, you can look for any danger that may approach at night too.
Don’t forget to take the necessary first aid kits. A first aid kit is essential for small cuts, scratch or injuries. Some of the kits are aspirins, pain killers, gauze, bandage, saline, burn ointment, antiseptic cream, sunburn lotion, antibiotic wipes and so on.
Water and Water Purifier
When you are at outdoors, pure water is quite difficult to get. While backpacking take plenty of drinking water. If you get a water source near a campground, you need to purify it before drinking. Boiling works but you may prefer water purifier.
Navigation
Your GPS on phone may not work in the remote area while you are enjoying your hiking or camping. So you need a guidebook, paper map and a compass to ease your navigation. You may take some signaling items like a whistle, it may help you if you fall any danger.
Hygiene and Sanitation
You should maintain proper sanitation even in the wilderness. Clean your hand before eating anything, simply a soap or hand wash will help you in that case.
Headlamps and Lanterns
Darkness is dangerous while you are surrounded by wild animals. Always lit your lantern on. If possible, set fire near your campsite. If you need to go to the bathroom at mid-night probably you will need a headlamp or flashlight to see your way. Be sure your headlamp battery is performing well. A flashlight is also a good choice for you.
Miscellaneous Items
There are various items you might wish you had in the campground. Sometimes you need some special foods or gears, so carry them according to your personal preference. Some other things that may help you in the campground are camping chair, a survival tool, extra rope, whistle, pen, paper, camera, binoculars, candles, fishing gear, a jar of peanut butter, dried meat, etc.
Ending Words
You should be precise to take camping gears. Avoid unnecessary items, otherwise, it will create an extra hassle for you. Don’t explore at night lonely and try to stay in a tent. Always, keep a survival tool with you. Hope you enjoyed the guideline and got the perfect idea of must-have gears for camping at night. Be safe and share your night camping experience with us. Cheers!
Jerome is an avid outdoorsman who moonlights as an attorney when he’s not creating the world’s greatest online content.