All I can think about at the moment is packing for my next big trip. I’m headed to a formal awards gala in Las Vegas (read: cocktail dresses) but first I’m stopping by the Grand Canyon for an ambitious hiking and camping trip. My suitcase/duffel bag is going to be confused to say the least.
Plus, though I’ve done a little camper camping in my day and plenty of day hiking, I’ve never gone on a full-fledged camping trip, much less one that involved plane travel to get there. I’ve decided that the trick is to bring the RIGHT amount of gear–not too much and not too little.
Score a cheap flight or outdoor vacation package, and then take a quick peek at my best packing tips. Plus, leave your tips in the comments section!
1) Know Your Campsite: I’m the poster child for spontaneous (cough, cough–some would say unplanned) vacations, but when you’re headed into the wilds of nature, you should at least understand what will be available and permitted at your campsite.
For instance, I’m staying at Mather Campground inside Grand Canyon National Park. This puts me very close to the South Rim and provides me with quite a few amenities that’ll save me space in my duffel bag. The campground has a bathhouse–but I’ll need to bring shampoo and soap. However, the bathhouse does provide hair dryers.
There’s also a general store right nearby, meaning that I don’t need to bring food or wood with me. Speaking of firewood, always check to see if a fire is even permitted at your site. There’s no sense in packing tons of cooking stuff if you won’t even be able to light a match.
2) Check the Weather: Rain gear may seem light as a feather when you’re in the comfort of your home, but it can add up when you’re camping. If there’s zero chance of rain and you’re heading to the desert, consider packing only an emergency poncho and leaving the tent’s rain fly and other gear at home.
Similarly, make sure you understand how cold it will be at night (or alternatively, how warm) and pack the right gear to stay toasty. Nothing is more miserable than shivering all night long.
3) Think in Weight: Do you really need to bring that hardcover novel with you? What about that collapsible chair? Seriously, the laptop? There are plenty of creature comforts and indulgences you could bring with you, but you should seriously consider the weight of each item. While we all have one item we don’t strictly need but simply won’t do without (for me, my French press and coffee), it’s best to leave other, less important frills at home.
Consider buying an ebook and reading it on your phone via the Kindle app. Don’t overpack on food and use the general store for back-up needs. Leave the cook stove at home and make do with the provided campsite grill instead. The joy of camping lies in its simplicity. Embrace it!
4) Come Prepared: While I am a fan of simplicity, I don’t want this post to be misconstrued as championing bad decisions. There are some basic things everyone should take on a camping and hiking vacation in order to be safe. Don’t skip packing:
- a weather-appropriate tent and sleeping gear
- weather-appropriate clothes
- spare clothes in the event of a change in weather
- a headlamp or flashlight
- a multi-purpose tool or knife
- duct tape
- food, including snacks for hiking
- water (if not provided at site) and a reusable bottle
- waterproof matches
- a phone and ID
- some emergency cash
- hiking boots
- good maps of the area and your hiking route
- a basic First-Aid kit
5) Leave No Trace: As the resident green guru and a nature lover, it’s important to me that I follow the “leave no trace” mantra on all vacations–and particularly on trips in the great outdoors.
Bring a reusable water bottle and drink the tap on site. No tap where you’re headed? Bring a water bottle with a filtration system. Pack reusable bamboo flatware to cut down on waste.
And if you’re really keen to up your green cred, invest in a solar-powered gadget charger. I’m trying out the Solio Rocsta on this trip. It’ll help me be safe by always having a charged phone with me for emergencies. Plus, I plan on reading my ebooks on my phone at night. (I won’t, however, be answering phone calls. Sorry, Mom!)
Alison Presley, Travelocity Employee
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