Tag Archives: camping trip

Ready to GO! What Should You Keep in Your Pack?

Sometimes, you catch the feeling of adventure on a whim. What should you keep in your pack, ready to go for such an occasion? That is what we are going to break down today.

I preach planning your camping adventures often, and about a month in advance. I talk about planning how long it will take to get to your destination, what activities you want to do, which campsite will be home for the weekend. However, there are moments where you just want to go with the flow, live life to the fullest and go on an unplanned adventure. Even while being spontaneous, a little bit of planning can definitely help make your adventure a fun one that goes smoothly. This is a hack for us that we use, mainly in the summer so that when the mood strikes we just have a few things to add to our pack and off we go. So…

Keep These in Your Pack to be Ready to Go

 

Make Sure to Store These Out of Your Pack

  • Sleeping bag, storing it compressed will ruin the loft
  • what should you keep in your pack Sleeping pad (I prefer self-inflating pads, and these should be stored expanded and not compressed.)
  • what should you keep in your pack Food, it just helps you keep an eye on expiration dates to store elsewhere. And if there happens to be a hole in the packaging you won’t get any ants crawling into your pack for a snack.
  • Knives, knives require maintenance and leaving them in your pack is an easy way to forget about them. Your knife is an important tool so making sure it is taken care of decreases the risk of it breaking or being damaged. It also allows you to change it up.
  • Flashlight or headlamp. This seems like a great idea, but you need to keep the batteries charged. Neither of these will do you any good if you get to camp and the batteries are dead.
  • Sunblock or Bug Spray, just in case they break open. You don’t want that stuff all over your pack.

 

There you have it! Storing these items in your pack will make it so you can throw in a few extras and spend more time enjoying your adventure! Make sure you check out our other camping lists here to make sure you grab everything you need. Let me know in the comment section below what you always make sure to have packed!

Planning a Camping Trip

If you’re reading this chances are you love camping, and would like to go on as many camping trips as possible. Life is busy, so to fit in a camping trip it helps to plan! As much as I love the idea of an impromptu trip to the forest, I know that for me it wouldn’t end up happening. Here are a few tips on how I plan out camping trips.

Pick your days in advance!

Pick a block of days about 4-6 weeks in advance for the camping trip. I pick which days we are going BEFORE  narrowing down where we’re headed. Knowing just how much time helps me pick somewhere within a reasonable distance, and not one that is going to put us on a time constraint and stress us out. We planned on 3 days and 2 nights for our George H. Crosby Manitou trip, the furthest trip we’ve taken. We were able to account for stopping to see some of the touristy sites and grabbing some food, while not feeling rushed.

Small cascade at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park

Where will the camping trip be?

Picking where you are going to go camping gets narrowed down quite a bit when you know just how many days you have for your camping trip. If you only have time for a quick overnighter, pick a new spot or even a favorite one within an hour of home. This ensures time for stress-free setup and tear down. If you have half a week? Travel to the other side of the state and take in those sites. When picking a campsite and we have more time on our side I like to pick places with things we have never seen. Two examples would be Itasca State Park has the headwaters of the Mississippi, while George H. Crosby Manitou has a secluded and gorgeous waterfall.

Itasca State Park, Mckay Lake

Pick Your Gear!

You’ve decided where? Great! When you are going to a hike-in site, you’re going to need lighter gear and to fit it all in your pack. If car camping with the whole family, you can bring all the entertainment and the big luxury tent. Bringing your dog? here are three things that will make the trip even better. Another thing to think of when picking your gear is the forecast. Take a look as you get closer, but also remember that weather changes and to be prepared. Our store has tons of gear ideas for beginners and experts!

Mora at Itasca State Park

All in all, camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors by yourself or with those you love. The best way to do that is to plan and be prepared!! Let me know in the comments below your tips for planning a camping trip!