Buckle-up, ladies! Because we bring you the only list that you will ever need when you’re gearing up to go camping. Whether you’re a light packer, or a carry-it-all; whether you’re a crackerjack in camping, or a newbie raring to go for your first ever camp; this article has something for everyone.
Let’s face it – some of us absolutely love the idea of going off-the-grid and getting one with the elements, while some of us absolutely dread leaving behind a perfectly balanced skincare routine for staying in the middle of nowhere and being surrounded by bugs & mosquitoes.
But regardless of whether you’re a camper by choice, or just an awesome partner-in-crime for your fellow campers, the bottom line is – keeping the bare minimum essentials aside, the needs of ladies are different from those of men; and so are the wants.
So, it’d be unfair to not have an article with a checklist dedicated solely to all our powerful ladies managing an escape like a – what’s that word they use for Superwomen – yes, like a Bawse!
Without further ado, let’s jump right in!
Checklist #1: Safety is Priority. Period.
1. KYC. Know Your Campground
It is very important, from point of view of your safety, that you know of, and inform your closed ones about, the exact location & description of your campsite.
Also make a list of the nearest hospitals & precincts in the closest possible radius of the campground.
2. First-timers – Go With A Group Of Crackerjacks
While for some, the prospect of spending some alone time off-the-grid sounds like a perfect weekend, it is advisable for first-time campers to not take their first trip outdoors alone.
Go with an experienced bunch of campers; learn all the know-hows and hacks; gain some experience and confidence. Then, maybe, with a whole lot of pre-requisite knowledge, you’ll be able to plan a better alone-time getaway.
3. Spot or InReach
Having a personal GPS tracker comes in handy in situations where you’re stuck in a place with no cell signal. The subscription is also very low for both of these trackers. If your confused which one to go for, check these articles out to know the differences between the two:
The Garmin InReach Mini vs. the Competition | Outside Online
Best Satellite Messengers: Comparison & Reviews | REI Co …
4 Best Satellite Messengers in 2020 (Iridium, Tracking … – Wired
If you’re looking to buy a tracker, check the deals here:
Spot X 2-Way Satellite Messenger: Sports … – Amazon.com
4. Bear Spray, all-the-way
Be it an unwanted visit from the bear, or any intruding hom*o sapiens, this spray keeps all unwanted visitors away. Be sure to arm yourself with a bottle or two of bear spray. A few other things that might come in handy include a pocket knife, a pocket multi-tool, and a small toolbox with basic tools for repair.
5. First-Aid
This is the basic must-have for all travel checklists, regardless of whether it’s for camping, glamping or anything else. While you could directly purchase specialized camping first-aid kits, if you decide to carry a DIY kit, make sure you include the following:
- Hydrocortisone Cream
- The Anti Team: anti-inflammatory, antibiotics, antihistamine, anti-diarrheal & antiseptic
- Cold Compression (or a bag of frozen peas, if you’re carrying a cooler too)
- Allergy medicines (if any)
- Prescription medicines (if any)
- Bandages. A whole lot of ‘em!
Checklist #2: Self-Care Is Self-Love.
Superwomen could be getting all dirty & dusty while putting up a tent or hiking amongst the wildernesses, but they be looking pretty while they do it all – not something our fellow men could handle!
Let’s get real here. Hygiene and self-care take work. It is the seamlessness of you ladies that makes it look effortless; but it does take work. Especially when you’re out camping, personal care can get a little murky.
Firstly, you cannot carry all you usual routine items with you – it will unnecessarily increase the weight of your luggage, and make camping more of a dreaded trudge than a relaxing outing.
Secondly, you won’t have all the amenities you might need for a proper self-care routine. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your self-care altogether.
Here is a list of things that you still can carry to keep up with a more ruggedized routine of personal maintenance.
1. Love Thy Hair
On a campsite, you won’t be able to give your hair the hair wash they deserve. But you don’t have to keep ‘em all dusty all the time.
Bless thy hands, thee who made this precious little thing called dry shampoo!
Dry shampoo comes in the form of an aerosol spray that you need to spray over your hair & scalp, and massage a bit – that’s all. Make sure to carry it with you, because sweat makes the scalp oily, and an oily scalp is the clubhouse for dirt, dust and lice.
2. Skincare Made Easy
While you won’t be able to carry a lot of stuff, a few essentials should be in your toiletries bag:
- Carry a small exfoliating face wash. It’ll help unclog your pores after a long, tiring day of fun activities!
- Carry a good sunscreen. This is essential as you don’t want to spend a trip filled with skin rashes and burns.
- Carry a light moisturizer. Do not carry the usual sticky ones – we don’t want more dirt sticking to our face and causing acne. A light moisturizer will almost instantly get absorbed in the skin and leave it supple and non-sticky.
3. Don’t Forget ‘em Lips
The weather while camping can get a little harsh for lips, as they are nearly 10 times softer than the face! In order to avoid getting chapped lips, be sure to carry a small lip balm with you. Apply it regularly.
4. Mini Make-Up Kit
Whoever’s spreading the rumours that camping can’t be glamorous, needs to stop.
While you won’t have the time or luggage space to carry all your make-up essentials, here are a few things you can carry to give yourself a natural look:
- A good concealer-cum-highlighter. Pick a shade that goes with your skin, and isn’t too shiny. A natural look would look best in the wildernesses.
- A nude shade of lip colour. With a large variety of 24+ hour lip colours in hundreds of shades, this one shouldn’t be too difficult to find.
- A matte finish make-up stick. While you won’t be able to carry out the messy procedure of primer-and-foundation, a make-up stick is a fine substitute.
- Eyeliner, mascara OR kohl. Carry one of the 3, not all. It will add to the simple beauty of your natural look, without being too difficult to pack.
5. Be Prepared For A Visit From Aunt Flo
Even if your dates aren’t anywhere near your camping trip, be sure to carry a few extra tampons or pads. Strenuous activity often affects the cycle, causing your periods to come either earlier or later than you’d expect. And well, it’s also always better to have ‘em handy – just in case a sister needs help!
Check out our detailed Guide on How To Handle Your Period While Camping: Absolutely Easy Hack List
Checklist #3: Generic Essentials
While these aren’t essentially for either one of the genders – this general list of things is what’ll make up the basic packing list for all you superwomen going camping.
1. A female-friendly backpack.
Keeping in mind the physique, this backpack will be a durable, light and comfortable partner for all your adventures.
2. The appropriate kind of tent.
If it is your first time putting up a tent, or if you just plan on going into the woods for the weekend, a lightweight, easy to set up tent is the right pick.
If you’re going out for an adventurous camping trip with little access to amenities, or if you go to a place with a relatively rugged weather – a sturdy 3 or 4 season tent should be opted for.
3. Bug Spray.
Now this is something you would not want to miss at all, unless, of course, you don’t mind having a few creepy crawling visitors whilst you sleep.
4. A trusty headlamp.
A good headlamp is essential as it gives you the light you need while keeping your hands free to carry luggage or get any work done, or simply stroll ‘em around during a night walk.
11 Best Camping Headlamps: Make Your Night Camping Memorable
5. Wet Wipes.
Get a minimally scented pack of wet wipes with you to stay fresh on-the-go.
6. Mosquito Repellent Lantern.
This gear is a worthy investment – not just while camping but also during your evening siesta in the backyard or a barbeque party in the veranda. This lantern keeps the buzzkill mosquitoes away without any need for body sprays, room aerosols or open flames.
Best Mosquito Repellents For Camping: Fight From Every Bite
How To Repel Mosquitoes While Camping?
7. A space-saving stove.
Special lightweight camping stoves are a handy tool to carry when outdoors. They take up less space (it’s literally in the name!) and weigh less, and they can boil your water in just about 3.5 minutes! Carry one along and save yourself from the midnight grumbles in the wilderness.
6 Best Camping Grill Stove Combo For Your Next Camping Trip
8. Easy To Prepare hot meals.
Whether it’s instant noodles or meals that require pouring hot water over them, carrying easy to prepare hot meals is the best thing you will be doing for yourself. After a long, tiring day, a quick, hot meal would be a nice feeling.
9. A Portable Cooler.
Keep one in the car in your next camping trip, fill it with a little ice, and it will keep your food fresh for days!
Best Portable Battery Operated Air conditioner for Camping
10. Compact Camping Chair.
Do not let your backyard stiffen by constantly placing it on hard ground. Do yourself a favour and carry a compact camping chair the next time you go camping.
Check these articles out for more information:
10 Best Kids Camping Chair: Review With Buyers Guide
7 Best Double Camping Chair for Couples [2020]
11. A set of Extra Batteries.
Be it your headlamp, flashlight, cooler or glow lights – a set of extra batteries is a compulsory must-have for all your camping trips.
12. Extra Propane.
The same compulsion holds true in this case too! You’d much rather have unused extra fuel to take back home, than get stuck with no fuel at all in the untamed wild nature.
13. A temperature-controlled travel mug.
Oh, come on! Who would like their morning coffee to go cold, or their night’s pint to get too … not-chilled? Carry a good quality, durable thermally insulated travel mug that keeps your drink hot or cold for hours.
14. Portable Coffee Maker.
While we are on the topic of beverages, a portable coffee maker will help you maintain your morning caffeine schedule even when you go camping without amenities.
15. Appropriate Layers of Clothing as per weather.
You do not want to give up on a comfortable night’s sleep after a tiring day because your clothes got you too cold or too hot for the season. Carry clothing more according to weather, and less according to their aesthetic appeal. Although, you do have many cute tank tops and elegant winterwear available these days; so, it’s a win-win!
Quick Hacks For The Light Packers
1. If you want to avoid carrying both – a lip balm and a lip shade – combine them! Here’s how:
Mildly heat your transparent lip balm’s surface using a lighter or match until it melts. Once molten, add your favourite shade of lip colour in it and mix well. Let it cool. There, you have your very own lip-balm-cum-shade!
2. Instead of carrying a deodorant AND a facewash – carry a scented face mist. It works well for both – face, and armpits!
3. If you’re going camping in the cold season and want to lessen the burden of luggage on your back, then go for a nice, durable mosquito repellent jacket. That way you won’t have to carry a jacket and a mosquito repellent cream separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping in a tent safe?
Yes, for the most part, tent camping is very safe and millions of people every year camp in tents with zero incidents.
Is camping alone fun?
Solo camping is equally fun if not more rewarding in many ways. Camping alone gives you time to recharge, gather your thoughts, and learn how to be by yourself. In fact, I suggest everyone give it a try at least once in their lives if only to experience that utter solitude that comes with quintessential “me-time”.
What smells do bears hate?
Bears dislike the strong scent of pine-based cleaners, but avoid using anything with a fresh, lemony or fruity smell. And never mix bleach and ammonia; the combination produces fumes that can be deadly to both people and bears.
Are Sleeping pads necessary?
Sleeping pads play two very important roles for getting a solid night’s sleep in the great outdoors: cushioning and insulation. While it might seem like having a comfortable surface to sleep on is a pad’s most useful function, its ability to keep you warm throughout the night is often more important.
What should you wear in a sleeping bag?
The best practice is to wear a dry base layer (top, bottom, socks, and hat) in your sleeping bag at night to keep it clean and to keep you warmer in cooler weather.
Can I use a yoga mat as a sleeping pad?
Using a yoga mat as a sleeping pad when camping is not recommended. Yoga mats offer little comfort and insulation, making them a poor substitute for a sleeping pad outdoors. Thicker yoga mats are acceptable in warm temperatures.
Are self-inflating camping mats any good?
Self-inflating camping mats may not be the lightest or most packable, but they save effort and can offer more comfort.
Final Words
While it is important to check and double check your checklists before you leave for camping, once you’re at the campground – don’t forget why you’re really there: to relax and rejuvenate.
So, ladies, what are other essentials that you prefer including in your camping backpacks? Let us know in the comments below.
Happy camping, superwomen. More power to you!
