Do you have what it takes to leave (almost) all of your stuff behind and hit the backcountry? Enjoy your time in the wild and stop hauling oversized bags! Simply use minimalist camping gear and be sure to follow these six tips for packing lightly on a camping trip.
“Minimalist camping” might sound redundant. Isn’t the whole point of camping to experience nature without the niceties and material goods of everyday life? True, comfort and luxury used to be pretty absent from the camping experience. But now, if you wander the aisles of any camping supply store, you’ll find an amazing amount of stuff that's available for you to buy. But here’s the thing: Most of those items are completely unnecessary. Utilize minimalist camping gear, pare your belongings down to the basics, and you won't have to haul a heavy load. For a weekend camping trip, you shouldn’t need more than one small bag, like the lightweight and versatile Cargo Hauler duffel. Here, six tips for packing for camping to help you figure out what to bring—and what to leave at home.
1. Skip the Fancy Gear
Minimalist camping is all about roughing it—and making substitutions for (or going without) your usual creature comforts. For example, you don’t need an enormous, fancy tent. You can make do with a simple tarp or a hammock. For campfires, skip the lighters and boxes of matches, and pack a simple flint instead. What about that portable coffee maker? Well, there’s something beautifully nostalgic—and tasty—about perfecting the art of coffee cooked over an open flame. Minimalism at its best!
2. Follow the One-Bag Rule
Minimalist camping means no more than one bag per person, and children under 10 years old should share a bag. The bag should hold clothes, bathing needs, and entertainment. Smart campers use packing organizers to make things very easy to locate: Toiletries go in their own toiletry kit to keep things neat in one bag, underwear and accessories in their own packing cube, and so on.
Pro camping packing tip: If you can’t carry your own bag for at least five straight minutes, that's a sign that it’s too heavy and you need to remove some stuff.
3. Stick to the Essentials
While putting items into your minimalist camping gear, whittle your packing list down to the essentials. You don’t need to bring multiple outfits for a weekend in the woods. Rather, each person will need a sleeping bag, a small amount of clothing, and the most basic hygiene necessities. If you're going for only a weekend, consider bringing just what’s on your body, one extra shirt, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. Camping is, after all, about becoming one with nature, and a little sweat and dirt is part of that experience.
4. Cook Like a Caveman.
Okay, you don’t need to go that far back in time, but when it comes to camping cooking gear, keep things basic (dare we say minimalist): a camp stove and fuel, one or two pots and pans, some tongs, a mess-kit for each member of your party, and aluminum foil for foil-wrapped dinners. As an alternative to the camp stove, you can always cook over an open fire.
5. Don’t Neglect Self-Care
Going minimalist doesn’t mean that you should skimp on the important basics. One great packing tip for campers it to pack biodegradable toilet paper and soap, insect repellent, essential medications, sunscreen, a small sewing kit, rope, and a first-aid kit. You should be able to fit almost all of those things within one small toiletry kit.
6. Resist the Urge for Luxuries
Leave behind anything that functions only as a comfort item. Bringing things like large lamps and heaters defeat the purpose of going camping. If you don't want to deal with a chilly night, perhaps you should consider renting an RV or a cabin instead of sleeping in a tent.
Remember: A little planning goes a long way. If you throw everything that you own into several travel bags without thinking, you're going to regret it the moment that you have to carry that huge load through the hilly woods. Plus, once you arrive at your destination, you're going to get a headache trying to find everything. The best camping tip you can heed is to pack lightly and use organizers—it’s the only way to go for a weekend camping trip.
For even more comprehensive packing tips, check out the ultimate packing list for camping beginners.
Related Links (from Eagle Creek blog):
The Essential Packing List for a Traveling Kitchen
