You just found a new hobby for you and your buddies, a hobby that involves backpacking and spending a few nights out camping where you’re surrounded by nature, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
As this is your first encounter, you are unsure what to bring. You’re concerned about your budget and whether what you have meets the checklist you found online of the best camping gear for beginners.
This article is the ultimate guide to that first-time camper on a budget. We go over a checklist of the things you need to bring, to make your first trip a success without costing a fortune.
Budget Camping Gear for Beginners- Must Haves
- Lightweight Backpack
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Headlamp
- Camping stove
- Food supply and cooler
- Cooking and serving utensils
- Lighter
- Drinking Water
- Change of Clothes
- Toiletries
- First aid kit
- Camera
1) Lightweight Backpack
Because this is the first time you have to look for the lightest backpack that you can find on a budget, the best options that have been rated well over time are either the Teton Sports Scout or the Mountaintop Adventure.
Although both of these backpacks are available for less than $100, they are of good quality and you won’t have to spend again buying a backpack the next time you are out camping.
2) Tent
This is one of the most important must-haves for camping because it is where you have to spend your night. One should also consider the number of people the tent is meant to accommodate. A good tent shouldn’t only be affordable it should also be lightweight and easy to set up. The Night Cat Backpacking Tent for 1 to 2 Persons that can be had for less than $50 meets all these criteria.
3) Sleeping bag
The sleeping bag works only when it’s cold at night because it helps the body preserve heat, as you sleep. The North Face sleeping bags are renowned for their good quality and durability but they also come at a premium price. Don’t worry because we have alternatives like the Mallome sleeping bags and the Teton Celsius which are great for the budget shopper.
4) Sleeping pad
A sleeping pad is a camp-specific variant of a mattress designed to be lightweight and durable enough to withstand the demands of camping. A decent sleeping pad, such as the HiiPeak and TOBTOS Inflatable Sleeping Pad, is reasonably priced and includes an inbuilt pillow to keep your head lifted without the need for an actual cushion pillow.
5) Headlamp
As a camping beginner, you’ll need a headlamp something to illuminate your nights which sometimes can get very dark. A headlamp has the advantage that it’s hand-free making it easier for you to complete other tasks. Although the headlamp utilizes a battery you can alternatively opt for a solar-powered, lantern which can be shared by a group of campers.
6) Camping stove
Of course, during camping, you’ll need to prepare something to eat, and for this, you need a reliable camping stove. Weight is also a factor to consider if you are a beginner. These camping stoves use many fuel sources, including alcohol, propane, and liquid fuels such as kerosene. The best budget alcohol stove is the Trangia Spirit burner, which costs less than $20. The Gas One GS-3400P Stove and the MSR PocketRocket 2 are the propane alternatives both priced under $40
7) Food supply and Cooler
The food supply needed by a camper, necessitates the need for a cooler to preserve it, especially if the camping takes a longer duration of time. The supply of food can be bought for a budget packaged from a supplier like Mountain House or one can just prepare their own. A portable backpack cooler like the FORICH Backpack Cooler can be had for less than $30
8) Cooking and serving utensils
Since you have carried foodstuffs, you need to prepare them and this can be a rewarding and satisfying experience with the proper wares. These are the easiest to find in camping stores but opt for the basic utensils that will not take up much space in your camping gear. You can find a budget cookware set complete with serving utensils specifically for camping for less than $35.
9) Lighter
The lighter is a multipurpose tool and is used to put up fires during camping. Of course, one of the requirements is that the lighter should be weatherproof to survive the elements likely to be experienced in camping. One such lighter is this refillable torch lighter that comes in a pair for less than $15.
10) Drinking water
Fresh drinking water is necessary for survival and this should come at the least cost when camping. Carrying water can be done easily and on a budget if you are a beginner using a collapsible container which gives the added convenience, of portability especially when empty.
11) Toiletries
Personal hygiene is an important aspect of making your camping an enjoyable experience. Even though camping is about embracing nature, staying clean and taking care of your body is important to prevent discomfort, illness, and environmental impact.
Some of the must-have toiletries are bathing soap or cleanser, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. Bathing Wet wipes can be bought for quick freshening up without the need for large amounts of water. A camping towel can also be included for those full showers because it is lightweight and dries up quickly.
12) First Aid Kit
Cuts, scrapes, burns, and blisters are common during camping, and medical help can be hours away in remote areas. Being prepared can make a significant difference in handling emergencies effectively. This is why a first aid kit is important, and for less than $20 you can get a properly equipped first aid kit if you are a beginner.
13) Camera
I consider a camera a must-have especially if it’s the first time you are going out camping. Camping is filled with memories and shared experiences, and for a beginner, it’s important to document these milestones. A camera will also keep good images of the scenery and landmarks which can also be used for navigation.
One can carry a smartphone for this purpose, but if you are leaving that behind, you can get a budget one-time-use camera like the Fujifilm QuickSnap which costs less than $15.
Best Camping Gear for Beginners- Optionals
Besides what we have looked at there are other items one can consider when it’s their first time camping. Although these aren’t a must-have, they sure are important when camping.
| Navigation & Safety | Extras for Comfort & fun |
|
|
What Determines a Camping Checklist for Beginners
Although this article gives a must-haves list for camping, it is noteworthy that the quantity and composition of this list of gear can change depending on different things which include;
1. Duration of camping
The duration of your camping trip significantly impacts the type and amount of gear you need to carry. You’ll need more supplies, extra food, and clothing for longer trips. There is also a higher wear and tear of camping gear if used on longer trips. Shorter trips are easier and you can opt not to carry much gear.
2. Season
The season mostly affects the type of clothing you are going to carry. In summer for example you’ll need breathable wear and special tents with ventilation for that extra cooling. A bigger cooler, a hat, and sunglasses maybe. In winter the food can stay fresh for longer even without a cooler, so you can miss out on a cooler, but you’ll have to include warm clothing and stronger lighting if it’s foggy.
3. Number of persons
The number of people on a camping trip influences the type and quantity of items. This is because we have a lot of camping gear that can be shared like tents which can accommodate a larger number of persons.
Camping for Beginners-FAQs
Can I use a campfire instead of a stove?
Yes! Although cooking over a campfire can be enjoyable, it is not always allowed or sensible. A stove is often more reliable, especially for backpacking or in areas with fire restrictions. If you choose to use a campfire, make sure you do so responsibly and safely.
What’s the best way to stay warm at night?
The best way to stay warm at night is to use a sleeping bag that is rated for low temperatures. You can also add a sleeping bag liner to further increase the warmth inside the sleeping bag.
How do I choose a campsite?
Choosing the right campsite is key to having a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable camping experience. Choose a spot with level ground to make sleeping and setting up your tent easier. A shade will also keep you cool during the hot weather. Avoid camping under dead trees or branches that could fall, and also avoid loose rocks and potentially dangerous wildlife areas.
Which is the best season for Camping?
The best season for camping depends on your preferences, but each season offers unique experiences and challenges. Summer for example, gives long days for activities, and most campsites, trails, and facilities are open. Summer however can be extremely hot, and with many bugs.
During spring you get to see blooming scenery, and you will also spot many animals. When camping in winter you can enjoy beautiful winter scenery but may require specialized gear, to deal with the cold. You also get to experience shorter days.
Conclusion
This article gives hope to a beginner who thought that camping wasn’t possible because the gear couldn’t be had on a budget. Going through the article you’ll see that all of the items included are very affordable and are of good quality for a quality and satisfying outdoor experience.
Related