Save for those who are obsessive-compulsive who double or triple check their camping checklist, most of us end up forgetting something.
It's so frustrating when you realize you have forgotten something and there's nothing you can do about it because you're in the middle of nowhere.
Okay, maybe not in the middle of nowhere but far enough from the nearest store.
What do you need to include in your checklist? Camping essentials are those items which you can not simply do without in the campsite and these are shelter and bedding, cooking and eating, food and drink, first aid kit, personal hygiene, clothes, and cleaning items.
There are also articles which are not necessary for camping set up but you'll be glad you brought them along such as binoculars, a deck of cards, a hammock, sewing kit, and of course, a camera or camcorder though some people would consider these as camping essentials.
Here is your list: 1.
Shelter and bedding o Tent, poles, stakes o Sleeping bags o Sleeping pad o Headrest o Tarp 2.
Cooking and eating o Cooler o Camp stone/burner o Can opener o Matches o Charcoal o Knife o Eating utensils o Cooking wares o Water container 3.
Food and drink o Water (at least 600mL per person per day) o Food (as much as needed and then some for emergency) 4.
First aid kit o Personal medication o Bandages, gauze, medical tape, tweezers o Antiseptic, alcohol o Aspirin, sinus tablets, antacid o Bug repellant o Sunburn ointment o Band aids o Eye drops 5.
Personal hygiene o Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss o Soap, shampoo, shaving cream, razor o Comb, hair brush o Deodorant o Toilet paper o Towel 6.
Clothes o Jacket (depending on the weather) o Shirts, pants, underwear o Shoes, hiking boots o Hat/cap o Socks o Gloves/mittens 7.
Cleaning items o Detergent soap (biodegradable is preferred) o Dish rags o Dish pans o Broom, dust pan, garbage bag (separate biodegradable from non-biodegradable) There may be some items you'd like to add to the above list and please do add what you think you will need.
However, don't pack too many unnecessary articles, bring only what you need.
You may be taking some time off from work to enjoy the great outdoors but you're not going to have a luxury vacation so please leave that linen blanket behind.
Another important thing you should remember is to be a responsible camper.
Therefore the cleaning items listed above are essentials.
Separate your wastes into biodegradable and non-biodegradable, and as mush as possible use only biodegradable detergent and soaps.
One more thing you shouldn't forget to bring with you is the digital camera or a camcorder.
Some very unforgettable moments are bound to happen and you better be ready to capture them.
The great outdoors is also a wonderful venue to put those hidden photographic talents to work.
The most famous line among campers, hikers, and mountain climbers is: "Take nothing but pictures leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.
" So do you part, gather all your garbage, even those which are not yours, separate them accordingly and throw them at the designated area.
Be sure you put out the fire when you leave the campsite; many a bushfire begin from a forgotten camp fire.
Armed with the checklist and some tips, you'll be all set for that long-awaited time off, away from the bustles of the city life.
So enjoy the sunshine, the fresh air, the bird songs, cicada symphony, and the clear, starry night sky.
But remember, be a responsible camper so that others today and in the years to come can also take pleasure in the great outdoors.