Looking to get away from it all? Why not do it literally – by going camping or loading up the RV and hitting the open road. We went ahead and put this list of some super handy-dandy items that you’ll likely forget to bring, but will make your excursion all the better. Just remember to pack them.
1. Garbage Bags
Garbage bags are the perfect accompaniment for a camping trip for several reasons. Not only can they hold lots of stuff, they’re pretty durable, and best of all, they’re great for keeping things dry. If a little unexpected rain should happen to fall during your trip, they can even be turned into ponchos relatively quickly. (Please remember to be extra-careful to make the neck holes large enough when making a garbage bags into ponchos.) And speaking of rain, if the ground should happen to get soaked, you can cut up a garbage bag and use it as a makeshift tarp or plastic carpet.
You didn’t think you were going to find a list of camping materials on Bounty’s website, and not find Bounty on it, did you? Of course Bounty paper towels are going to show up here! Messes can happen anywhere, and keeping the great outdoors looking great is everyone’s responsibility. So make sure that when the inevitable spill occurs, you’ve got some strong paper towels on hand to handle the job. Naturally, we recommend Bounty.
3. Leather Gloves
You know what spooky ghost stories and burns have in common? They can both turn into nightmares really quickly. Here’s the deal – campfires, being fires, are extremely hot. So if you’re planning on using them to cook anything, bring leather gloves. They work just as well as an oven mitt for handling potentially hot cookware, and can be used in other non-cooking situations like adjusting hot logs. They’ll keep your hands splinter-free when hauling firewood, and are a lot more practical than oven mitts when it comes to being able to grab something.
4. Spare Batteries
Ever wonder what else you could do with a dead flashlight? So do we. Bring spare batteries.
5. Tin Foil
Why pack tons of pots and pans when you can get away with a roll or two of tin foil? Not only will you avoid cleaning cookware under less than ideal circumstances, tin foil has a variety of uses. Aside from cooking with it, you can use it to wrap your food (or anything else you don’t want to wander away). Trust us, it’s just something you’ll be glad you brought.
6. Bottle Opener/Corkscrew
Anyone who goes camping will tell you that it only gets better after you manage to get the kids to sleep. That time, is your time. And if you want to enjoy a nice glass of wine or a cold beer, who’s to stop you? Well, your corkscrew or bottle opener – if you forgot to bring it.
Okay, this one might sound like a little bit of a no-brainer, but it happens all the time. You can’t rely on camping site bathrooms to be stocked with toilet tissue. And if they are, they probably aren’t using the good stuff. Bring along a few rolls of Charmin toilet paper to add the most essential home comfort, and keep some potentially embarrassing conversations from happening at all. You’ll be glad you did.
8. Aspirin
This one’s a biggie. Mother Nature isn’t known for her caring disposition. So if you think you’re going to spend fifty weeks of the year behind a desk, then hike up some trail that would have billy goats second-guessing themselves, without straining, pulling, or twisting something, you’re in for a surprise. And if your husband is the kind of guy who moans and groans after spending a night on a lumpy mattress, just wait until he’s used a rock for a pillow. Good times. Throwing a bottle of aspirin into your sack might just end up being one of the smartest packing decisions you’ll make.
9. Dish Tub
More than likely, you’re going to need to bring some kind of dishes or cookware. (Unfortunately, tin foil can’t replace everything.) It’s best to be able to have a way to wash, store, and transport these items easily. That’s where the dish tub comes in. You can also use it to haul water, as a makeshift hamper, and it can double as a secondary cooler in a pinch.
10. Cutting Board
You remembered the knife, but where are you supposed to do all the cutting? A cutting board is just one of those things that everyone wishes they’d brought along after they’ve arrived at the campsite. So slide one into your pack and don’t break it out until it’s really needed. You’ll be an out-of-home hero! Or better yet, slip it into someone else’s pack instead. You did the thinking, let them do the lugging.
Happy camping!