Best Camping Tips Part 2: Weekend Checklist
If you missed the first ‘Best Camping Tips’ in this series, be sure to go back and check out my recommendations for the perfect camping menu.
Labor Day is over, but for me the camping season continues. Have you ever camped in the snow? It’s actually fun. As long as you have the right gear and plan ahead, a snow-covered camping trip can still be the best time away from reality to reduce those anxieties.
There are so many camping accessories these days and over the years the hubby and I have really upped our game. Of course we started out with your basic small tent and 2 sleeping bags. In our younger days, it was easy to bring the bare bones while sleeping on the ground. But when we moved to Colorado – the mecca of all camping – we decided to upgrade to a pop-up camper. Tent camping was getting harder on my old ass body. The pop-up camper was comfortable, spacious and all around amazing - with one exception - we were not good at parking it in our curved driveway. You’ve seen those t-shirts and pillowcases that read “Sorry for what I said while we were trying to park the camper.” This was us and it was comical and infuriating all at the same time. I once managed to parallel park the camper between two trees in our driveway. No Joke! We were trying to get the damn thing up our drive and as we worked on fixing the angle issue, I kept making it worse. Then it was wedged in between two trees while still attached to the hitch of my Jeep (sigh). With no way of getting it out, we had to go buy a come along cable puller to crank it out. You know at the end of a camping trip when all you want to do is unpack, shower and lay down. Yea, that didn’t happen on this trip.
It didn’t take long to decide that the yelling and hours of parking matches with the camper had to go. So, two years ago we decided to upgrade once again to a camper van and bought a used 1994 Chevy van, named Chevy Chaser. We stripped the inside, built a bed, kitchenette and storage space. This was a major game changer and we love our latest camping accessory. I’ll never go back to tents or pop-ups again. The van is so easy, convenient and comfortable. We keep all our gear inside and can pick up anytime and go with very little planning or set up. All we ever need to pack for a trip is clothes, food and drinks. It’s pretty great, but it was a long road of ups and downs to get to this luxurious point and so here, I’m going to share my favorite campsite set up as well as provide you with a convenient camping trip checklist, so you never forget something you need while unplugging outdoors.
As you begin prepping for a better camping season in 2021, here are my top 10 must have items every avid camper should have:
Jackery – this is our latest love. A Jackery is a portable power station to help keep all your gear charged. From your phone, laptop, small fans and more, this has proven to be very helpful for us this past season.
GOOLOO Car Jump Starter – This tiny item has saved us a few times with our old van. It’s very convenient and easy to pack up.
OontZ Portable speaker – I love having music at the campsite and these portable bluetooth speakers are easy to travel with and very affordable.
Reliance Luggable Loo Portable Toilet and Reliance Double Doodie Bags – Ok, everyone poops and most campsites have bathrooms. But, there are so many incredible camping spots where it’s just you and the open air. This is the perfect restroom solution.
Pop up privacy tent – Pair this with your Reliance Portable Toilet and you have the best outdoor potty. This tent also works as a shower cover when you’re feeling extra filthy.
Jetboil Stove Cooking System – we’ve been using one of these for years and it heats water up so quickly and is perfect for coffee/tea, packet oatmeal and pre-made backpacking meals.
Cooler – Yes, I want a Yeti so bad but they’re so expensive. For now, a good old fashion Coleman cooler works just fine.
ENO Camping Hammock with Straps – I bought one of these about 5 years ago and it’s still in excellent condition. These are so easy to pack up and relax on the go. Highly recommended.
Packable Hanging Shelves – This little goodie hangs off the door of our camper van. We use it to store our coffee cups, condiment packets, hand sanitizer, wipes, hand soap and more! It’s the perfect accessory to store all those little things.
Games – We’ve managed to find so many fun travel games and we keep these fun activities packed away in the van. Some of our favorites are a Mini Tabletop Cornhole Set, Mini Frisbee Golf Disk Set and Sorry (the classic game of sweet revenge!). Don’t forget your deck of cards too.
And finally for your prepping pleasure, below is my full list of all things camping. These are all items we’ve picked up along the way and is a great checklist to go through before your next camping trip. It’s a lot, so feel free to save this version here and always remember to pick up your trash and leave the campsite better than you found it.
Happy camping folks. Peace & Love,
Nikki
CAMPSITE SET UP:
Tent (or van)
Sleeping bags
Camping chairs (we also purchased these easy & light folding chairs)
Lantern, flashlight or head lamps
Grill and fuel
Firewood (Reminder: please be sure to check your state fire restrictions!)
Fire starter logs (Tip: if you buy the large logs at a grocery or hardware store, chop it into thirds to save money and use on multiple fires)
Newspaper to get your fire going (Tip: collect all that junk mail before your camping trip)
Indoor/outdoor carpet (the basic carpet at a hardware store, so you can walk around barefoot at your campsite)
Collapsible trashcan & trash bags (don’t forget your recycle bag)
Storage bins (to put all these things in for easy gathering and storing)
Reliance Luggable Loo Portable Toilet and Reliance Double Doodie Bags
KITCHEN MUST HAVES:
Don’t forget to visit my camping menu
Spray dish washer - this can be made with a pump garden sprayer attached to a kitchen sink sprayer by a hose clamp. This also serves as a shower.
Drip coffee system and your favorite coffee
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Dish towels
Pot scrubber/dish sponge
Coffee cups (I seriously LOVE these mugs)
Cast iron skillet and pot
Cooking utensils
Dry reusable bags and foil for leftover food and things to bring home
Bag of ice
TOOLS:
Pocket knife
Duct tape
Mallet/hammer/ax
Matches/lighters
Bottle opener, can opener, corkscrew
KEEPING IT HEALTHY & CLEAN:
Biodegradable soap
Toothbrush/toothpaste
TP
Baby wipes
Hand sanitizer
Feminine hygiene products
Sunscreen
Bug spray
FUN EXTRAS:
Tapestries
Koozie
Games
Dog gear: bowls, food, leashes, toys, jackets
YOUR PERSONAL STUFF:
Water bottles
Phone charger
Chapstick
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Remember to pack light – you don’t need all those extra clothes. My backpack usually includes:
Overalls
Thermal under shirt
Yoga pants
Tank tops
Shorts
Flannel (light weight & thick)
Sweater
Winter hat, gloves and scarf
Hiking boots and flip flops or water sandals
Extra socks
Rain jacket
Baseball hat/sun hat
Towel(s)
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE CAMPING TIPS?
Tag @thesunshinehustle on Instagram and hashtag #thesunshinehustle
