There’s a fine line between ‘essential’ items, and things you absolutely should not take on a camping trip. Not because they are a complete waste of time and space, but because it is for your own safety too.
Don’t worry though, many people still bring these on camping trips, which is highly not recommended and only going to get them in some serious trouble some day. Here’s what not to bring camping. Enjoy đ
1) Uncooked Meat
This is not only a risk to you and your families health, since uncooked meat being stored in a cooler is not the best option. Extending the amount of time it has been stored will increase the chances of you getting sick.
Not only that, but this is an open invite for furry friends. If you decide to bring uncooked meat, please cook it the night you arrive at the campsite and no later.
2) Too Much Snacks
Yes, snacks are important and highly recommended for keeping your energy levels up.
But that doesn’t mean you should bring the whole pantry with you. You should only bring enough for the duration of the trip, plus a little extra for an extra unplanned overnight stay. Or if a furry friend gets into your stash đ
3) A Television
I have no idea why people do this, a TV should NOT be brought on a camping trip.
The whole purpose of going camping was to get away from civilization and to temporarily stay with Mother Nature, while enjoying the great outdoors.
4) Excessive Amounts Of Items
This is similar to the excessive snacks I have mentioned above. Some people take way too many items on their camping trip. Just remember that you are cooking for you, your family/friends and NOT a restaurant.
Try to use multipurpose items, if a bowl can be used to cook a bunch off different recipes then go ahead and bring that. Do not bring 3 different sized bowls.
A little creativity can go a long way, just use your imagination!
5) Expensive, Unnecessary Items
Why do people do this? I have no idea why. But bringing jewelry, expensive clothing, Tablets or other expensive electronics is a huge risk.
As you are there to experience the outdoors, not play on your Tablet – while designer clothes is pretty much a waste of time – especially because the only thing that will be looking at you is the wildlife.
Bringing jewelry with you is not only a complete waste of time, but you are taking a huge risk, as there’s a high chance of you losing it.
6) Perfume
You don’t need to impress anyone. A shower will get rid of that odor anyhow.
When you get up to start your day there’s no need to use perfume, because the minute you start exploring the outdoor world, that smell can attract wildlife.
That’s another reason why you shouldn’t bring any with you in the first place.
An uninvited Grizzly bear is not the best thing to wake up to at 2 a.m, as he WILL be coming in to get your perfume stash.
7) Big-Ass Boots
Your ankles are weak as it is, wearing big boots as you hike through the wilderness on your day trip isn’t going to make them any stronger.
Our ankles were created to walk for 3 to 20 miles a day, for the rest of our life. By wearing lighter boots it will make it easier for you to explore, remember “big boots will not strengthen your ankles!”.
And it also stops the odd rock from flicking into your boots too đ
8) A Bar Of Used Soap
Please, I know you’re trying to help everyone, just in case someone left theirs behind. But nobody wants to use your leftover bar of soap, especially if it’s hairy.
I would suggest you bring liquid soap instead. Then everyone knows it’s clean.
Conclusion
There’s an easy trend you can see happening in these items that you shouldn’t bring. And they all seem to point in the same direction of being unnecessary.
People forget what the whole purpose of the camping trip is for, which is to appreciate what Mother Nature has to offer us, such as the amazing wildlife, the beautiful views, the peaceful sounds that the city life will never be able to offer us.
THAT is what camping is for. The sooner you realize that the easier it will be to know what you should and should not bring.
Hopefully I have opened your eyes to the possibilities of the outdoor world, because we are only on this planet for a short amount of time, and there is more to life than being born – paying bills – and then dying.
If you enjoyed this article please let me know the comment section below!
Or check out these camping mistakes that many people still make.