There is no better way to get in tune with nature than going primitive camping. You can find a remote spot and enjoy the peace and quiet for days, allowing yourself to put everything that stresses you out on hold.
However, when you choose to camp in the wild, away from designated campsites that offer amenities to eager campers, you need to come prepared. There might not be any stores or other facilities in your vicinity, so if you forget to pack an essential item, your trip might be ruined.
Here's a packing guide to help you get ready for your primitive camping adventure.
Gear You Should Bring
The quality of your stay in nature will depend largely on the gear you bring. If you forget an essential piece of equipment, you might even be forced to return home or at least to the nearest camping gear store to get what you need.
Here are the must-haves on a primitive camping trip:
- Quality tent Bring a quality tent that is large enough for your needs. It’s your main shelter from the elements. If you’ve never pitched it before or it’s new, you should try doing it at home first so that you don’t struggle to pitch it at the site.
- Sleeping bag : Bring a comfy sleeping bag that is suitable for the temperatures of the place you’re going to. If you need extra cushioning, bring a sleeping pad. An inflatable pillow is another great addition that doesn’t take much space.
- Multi-tool: A diverse multi-tool is a compact way to bring all the tools you might need. Bring some all-purpose tape with it, and you’ll be able to fix any tears in your tent, bag, or clothes.
- Camping stove: If you want to cook hearty meals while out in nature, bring a small camping stove, as well as basic cooking utensils.
- Light source: You’ve never known dark until you’ve stayed far away from city lights.
What You Should Wear
The exact clothes you should bring depend largely on the season and the weather. However, the rule of thumb is to always have at least two layers:
- Inner layer: Soft, breathable undergarments, i.e., underwear and socks.
- Outer layer: Ideally, something moisture-wicking. You want to avoid cotton at all costs. A cotton T-shirt will stay wet for a long time if you break into a sweat.
You may bring shorts, but having a pair of long pants and a long-sleeved shirt is a must. These clothes will protect you from scratching plants and mosquito bites.
When it comes to footwear, it's best to bring sturdy hiking shoes. You can also bring flip-flops or sneakers for when you're resting. It's also not a bad idea to have headwear, i.e., a light hat to protect you from the sun.
Food and Beverages
The kind of food you bring depends on your preferences and what importance you give to your food while camping. For some, barbecuing is an essential part of their camping experience.
However, if you're wondering about the most practical foods to bring, it's best to go for dehydrated food. There's a variety of options for everyone's taste. It's delicious, and most importantly, it's easy to prepare, even if you're not much of a cook.
You should also pack a variety of power snacks, such as a trail mix of nuts and dried fruit, pre-cut fresh fruit, power bars, etc.
The most important thing to think about is whether you'll have access to drinkable water at the site. If not, make sure to bring plenty of water to sustain you for the number of days you'll be staying.
Apart from these, you can bring anything else you like and have space for.
Personal Care Products to Bring
Of all the essential items, you're probably most likely to forget some of these, so be careful and think about your personal hygiene routine. Everyone has different habits, but there are some basic things everyone should bring.
If you don't want to forget anything important, it's best to imagine your day at the campsite in great detail. What do you do from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep? This process will help you remember all the products you might need.
Here are some of the essential items to bring:
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Biodegradable soap and shampoo
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Toilet paper
- Deodorant
- Pads or tampons if necessary
- Wet wipes
- Towels
Finally, don't even think about going without a full first-aid kit. You never know what might happen out there in the wild, and you need to have bandaids, painkillers, and other necessities with you at all times.
Hopefully, this packing guide will help you prepare for your primitive camping adventure and not have to worry about anything when you get there.