Camping is one of those activities which one can make as basic as they wish or complicated as much as they want. Whether you are a layman who plans to spend a weekend in the mountains or a professional hiker who is going to spend days in the wild, proper equipment is crucial. However, there are some other items that you may consider to be useful when going camping, apart from the tent, sleeping bag, and other necessities such as cooking utensils. Here are five items that can be added for the next camping experience, and which may be helpful in the camping activity.
1. Portable Solar Charger
Let’s face it: There are times when one has to be connected, even when they are out in the wilderness. Whether it is charging your cell phone for those unexpected incidents that occur or having a GPS to follow the roads in a new area, it is crucial to have electricity. For this purpose, a portable solar charger is the best solution. Unlike conventional battery packs, which need to be charged at home, a solar charger uses the sun’s energy, making it environmentally friendly and easy to use. Today’s solar chargers are portable, small in size and yet very effective. They can be hooked on the outside of your backpack during the day to charge under the sun when you are hiking, ensuring you are always prepared when you need to use them.
2. Camping Hammock
A camping hammock may sound like an extra, but once you get to use one, you will wonder how you camped without one. Hammocks are comfortable, portable, and easy to install, thus making them an excellent companion when going on a camping trip. They are much better than conventional camping chairs or can be used as a bed if the ground is hard or has sharp rocks or stones. When selecting a camping hammock, it is recommended that one select a hammock that is strong, portable, and light.
3. Rooftop Tent
In case you are a professional camper, you should consider getting an overland rooftop tent. These are basically pitched on top of your car; this gives you a raised bed that will not only be off the wet and bug-infested ground but also within the car. They are very easy to use; they make it possible to pitch a tent almost anywhere your car can reach without having to look for a flat surface or sweep away the brush. Another great aspect of overland rooftop tents is that they vary in terms of size and complexity, from simple tents to ones that include annexes and awnings.
4. Compact Cooking System
Camping and food usually go hand in hand and having the right cooking equipment makes the whole process of preparing meals on the camping site much easier and enjoyable. A compact cooking system like a portable stove or an all-in-one cooking equipment is very useful for any camper. These systems are most often designed to be lightweight, fast, and simple to operate; you can make anything from a cup of coffee to a complete meal without much difficulty. Therefore, when choosing a cooking system, one should look for one that they feel comfortable with.
5. Waterproof Dry Bags
One thing that is very important when you are out there is to ensure that all your items of equipment are dry, especially if you are close to the water and other regions that can be affected by a downpour. Dry bags are the perfect answer to the problem of keeping your equipment and personal belongings safe from water. These bags are manufactured from extra thick and fully waterproof fabrics, providing a secure shield against the elements. They are available in a range of sizes from small enough for holding a few pieces of clothing, a couple of mobile phones, or cameras, to large enough to accommodate food and other supplies needed on a camping or hiking trip.
Conclusion
It is possible to make several small improvements to the equipment you will use during a camping trip, which will greatly improve your experience. From being able to charge your phone on the go with a portable solar charger to having a good night’s sleep in a rooftop tent, these accessories are convenient, comfortable, and reassuring. Therefore, before your next trip, take your camping or hiking gear to the store and consider buying one or more items. You will be glad you did!
