What Do You Need to Camp During Covid-19
Every time we head out to camp, there’s always that voice in the back of my head, what did we forget this time? There is always something. Usually, it’s something pretty minor, like only bringing the camp bowls and forgetting the plates. Or having to swing by the store to pick up extra propane for the stove. Having a checklist that you can run through before leaving every time is a great way to make sure you are prepared.
However, during Covid-19 it becomes even more important that you are prepared with everything you need to be self-sufficient and limit your contact with other people. You want to avoid making unnecessary trips to the grocery or other stores. Take note of if the county you will be visiting and camping in requires masks to enter any business. The less contact you make with different communities, the more you help limit the spread of Covid-19.
Let’s take a look at some of the essentials to help you prepare for your next camping trip this summer.
Sleeping essentials
Whether you are backpacking or car camping, you need a shelter to sleep at night. That shelter could be as simple as a sleeping bag and bivy, or a multi-person RV. Double-check the weather before you leave to make sure your sleeping bag will be warm enough and to bring extra layers if you are unsure.
Once you have your sleeping bag, be sure to grab a sleeping pad and pillow. The sleeping pad provides insulation between you and the ground to help keep you warm and comfortable. If you’re car or RV camping, a full-sized pillow is a great luxury to have, but a small inflatable pillow, down jacket, or hoodie folded up make great options when backpacking.
The most important thing when it comes to sleeping while camping is that you stay warm and dry. As long as those two needs are met overnight you will be okay.
Kitchen essentials
Once you have your shelter needs met, it’s time to focus on food. Plan out your meals ahead of time and make a list before heading to the store. This will help you make sure you have enough food to cover each meal throughout the trip. Preparing ahead of time helps eliminate last-minute trips to other stores along the way and limiting your social interactions.
Once you know what you will be eating on your camping trip, gather all of your kitchen essentials. Below is a list of everything we keep in the camp kitchen.
Camp stove
Lighters
Pot or kettle for boiling water
Pot for cooking
Skillet pan(s)
Cooking/serving utensils
Plastic bowls/plates
Personal sporks
Sharp knives
Small cutting board
French press
Dishtowels/paper towels
Biodegradable soap
Salt and pepper
Depending on what you plan to eat while camping, this list may change. If you plan out all of your meals beforehand, you’ll know what you need to bring for your camp kitchen.
Water
Be sure to note if the campground you’re staying at will have potable, running water. If you are unsure, most outdoor stores, including Walmart, sell 7-gallon refillable water containers. Having extra drinking water on you while camping is never a bad idea. Extra water may also be necessary for putting out a campfire at the end of the night.
If you will be backpacking, make sure you are either staying near access to water or can carry the water you will need. A dromedary bag is one way you can carry water with you in your backpack. If you will be staying near water, always bring something to treat or filter the water. A few different options include gravity or pump filter, UV purifier, or iodine tabs. Depending on how much fuel you bring, boiling water for 5 minutes is also sufficient.
Covid-19 essentials
When camping during Covid-19, there are a few extra things you may need to consider. Have a mask with you in case you need to interact with people at other campsites or campground hosts. It is much more difficult to wash your hands regularly with soap and water while camping so bring extra hand sanitizer. Although you may not be anticipating interacting with others, you never know who you might encounter while camping or backpacking.
Other essentials
In addition to your basic food, shelter, and water needs, there are a few other items you’ll need to bring camping.
Make sure to pack a headlamp and extra batteries if you need them. Looking for your headlamp and realizing you forgot it is never fun in the dark. A camp lantern is also nice to have once it gets dark, though not necessary.
Pack extra layers. Having extra layers allows you to adjust your temperature throughout the day. It is also nice to have an extra layer in case one gets wet. Although the warm jacket may not seem necessary during the day, once the sun sets and temperatures start to drop, you’ll want to put on your jacket.
Depending on where you will be camping, you may need sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Being able to protect yourself from the sun is important while camping since you will be spending so much time outdoors.
Most importantly, relax and have fun! The better prepared to camp you are, the most you can sit back and enjoy. As with most things, camping gets better with experience. The more experience you have, the better prepared you’ll be!
