Camping is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors, either by yourself or with friends and family. While it’s not exactly a high-fashion experience, what you pack in your duffel can impact how much fun you have. Choosing clothes that are comfortable and breathable that can protect you from the elements is a must, whether you’re going for an overnight trip or an extended adventure into the wilderness.
Must Have Apparel For A Camping Trip
Wear Layers
Whether you’re camping in summer or winter, consider layering your shirts. Bringing a thin, moisture-wicking shirt as a base layer can help keep your skin dry, and long-sleeved shirts will protect you from bugs or unfriendly plant life. Plus, bringing layers means you can put on or take off layers as necessary for the weather. We don’t recommend short sleeves, though, even in hot weather: you never know what you’ll find in the wild, and long sleeves will keep your skin safe.
Pants or Shorts?
It’s tempting to wear shorts in hot weather, but pants offer more protection from the elements. A pair of lightweight, quick-drying pants will often be more comfortable than a pair of shorts. Many camping stores will sell pants that are very lightweight but made of sturdy material so they won’t easily snag or tear. Consider packing pants that can change into shorts if you plan on going in the water or bringing several pairs if your trip is going to be longer than a few days.
If you have to wear shorts, make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray to make sure you’re protecting your skin as much as possible. It’s better to over-protect than risk being bitten, stung, or brushing up against something you’re allergic to.
Protect Your Feet
Even if you’re planning on a leisurely camping trip, some walking is going to be necessary. That’s why it’s vital to wear a rugged, comfortable pair of boots, ideally ones that are water-resistant or even waterproof. There’s little worse than having wet feet, after all. Pair your boots with a good pair of wool socks to make sure you stay warm and dry even in cold weather. Your feet will thank you.
Bring a Hat
It seems like a no-brainer, but many people forget that the top of your head is just as susceptible to sunburn as the rest of you. Bringing a hat on a camping trip is a necessity to keep your head protected from the sun. You can wear a baseball cap or a more traditional wide-brimmed hat to provide some shade. And if you’re planning on going on a night hike, don’t forget to bring a headlamp or a hard hat.
Making sure to pack everything you need can seem like a tall order. A camping checklist can help! Whether you’re packing for a weekend or a week, bring enough clothes to stay comfortable, and don’t forget about pajamas and underwear. Always pack one more set of clothes than you think you need, in case of emergencies, and you’ll be prepared for camping fun.
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