Your First Camping Trip: Gear to Buy and Borrow

Are you considering embarking on your first camping trip? Camping can seem overwhelming. New campers may not know how to start camping or what to buy for a first camping trip. Not to worry! You need not invest hundreds of dollars in equipment. This short list of camping gear to buy features the essentials you need. We also share what items you can borrow to save money on camping.

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1. Sleeping bags

First time campers will want to buy their own sleeping bags. I mean, some people might not mind sleeping in someone else’s sweaty old cooties, but wouldn’t you rather use one that only has your cooties in it? When you buy a sleeping bag, you’ll need to consider the weather where you plan to camp, and how warm or cool you like to be when you sleep. Learn how to choose the right sleeping bag for camping.

2. Good hiking boots

If you plan to do any hiking during your camping trip, especially while carrying a weighty backpack, then you will need to buy some sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. Ankle protection is important, too, even if you think it will be too hot. Look for grippy soles to keep from slipping on the trail. Before embarking on your first camping trip, break in your boots. Hike in your boots so they conform to your foot, your stride and your bunions. This will help prevent getting blisters during your trip as well.

Zappos offers a wide array of hiking boots for men, women and children in a variety of price points and colors. Vasque Breeze is my hiking boots brand of choice. They took me through Newfoundland’s hilly East Coast Trail and Chile’s muddy Cochamó Valley with equal ease.

3. Moisture-wicking socks

Your best protection from blistered hiking feet are some wool, moisture-wicking socks. Believe me, you’re going to need these. If your socks do get wet from crossing a stream, rain, or other mishap — then be sure to dry them out before putting them back on. Depending on how many days you’ll be camping, you may want to pack a few pairs per camper. Check out the impressive selection of moisture-wicking socks from Zappos.

4. First aid kit and other safety gear

You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the wilderness without a first aid kit. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when far from medical help. For safety’s sake, you should also be sure to pack a safety whistle for every member of the family. You should also bring at least one can of bear spray, just in case you come across any bears, wolves, mountain lions or other aggressive animals during your camping trip.

5. Backpacks

It’s important to have the right-sized camping backpack to be comfortable and avoid injury. Think about how much stuff you’ll need to carry, and cut it in half. The most painful part of overnight hiking is the weight you carry on your back. If you have more room, you’ll take more stuff, and you’ll be sorry. Trust me on this. Take a look at these highly ranked camping backs.

6. Reusable water bottles

Hydration is important for good health, especially when camping. All campers should carry their own durable, refillable water bottle so they have easy access while hiking on trails.

Camping gear to borrowTo learn what to borrow for your first camping trip, I spoke to Kristi Bray of Recreation.gov, the website for reserving campgrounds in National Parks in the U.S. She suggests that you borrow the following things from more experienced camping friends, if you can.

• Tent
• Sleeping pads
• Stove
• Walking poles
• Compact cooking kit
• Water filter
• Lanterns
• Head lamps
• Camping chairs
• Secure food bins (for locking food away from wildlife like bears)

When considering camping gear to buy for your first trip, a tent is probably the first item that comes to mind. While tents are an important part of camping success, they can be expensive, especially if you’re not sure whether your first trip will be your last. (Let’s hope not!) When borrowing a tent, practice putting it up and taking it down properly before you go. Bray also suggests you test any tent’s waterproofing and reseal the seams if needed.

Most people will be happy to share their camping gear, which usually only gets used a few times per year. If you don’t have any camping friends from whom to borrow these items, then you can buy all the camping gear you need from outdoor experts Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s. Alternatively, you can rent camping gear from OutdoorsGeek.

Now that you know what to borrow and what camping gear to buy, get out there and have fun on your first trip! Family camping is a great way to connect with nature and your kids. And after a few days of roughing it, you’ll all appreciate the comforts of home more!

Learn more camping tips

Make the most of your first camping trip with these tips from a camping expert.

Keep your family safe while exploring the outdoors with these camping safety tips.

Take a look at these camping meals for families.

Not sure where to camp? Find camping sites near you.

Is glamping (glamorous camping!) more your style? Take a look at these popular glamping spots in the U.S.

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Where will you go on your first camping trip? Is there any additional camping gear you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

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