Summer camping checklist: how to make your trip easier and more enjoyable
When you go camping in the summer, it’s all about making the trip easy and comfortable. The heat makes a lot of things easier, but it can also create challenges. Here we share what is often forgotten when packing your backpack. If you need a full overview of clothing, sleeping, food and other things to bring, check out this Camping checklist.
What to think about before a summer camping trip
Summer can bring scorching sun, rain showers and fierce mosquito attacks. That’s why we like to pack things that make the whole experience more comfortable without making our backpack unnecessarily full.
Things we take with us in the summer
Sheets in lightweight fabric
It’s a great alternative to a sleeping bag that can make it less clammy on warm nights and is gold when the temperature stays up even after sunset.
Sunscreen and aftersun
The sun often takes more of a toll than you think when you’re out all day. A small tube lasts a long time and saves us from getting sunburned and having to cancel our trip earlier than planned.
Tarpaulin
On hot trips, it’s great to be able to create shade or a small roof to avoid the sun. It’s also great as a shelter if the weather suddenly changes.
Sandals with a good sole
When your feet have been in hiking boots all day, it’s great to have something light and airy to change into. Perfect around the campsite and for other small chores.
Seat base
Even though the ground may be dry, soft and warm, it’s a good idea to use a seating mat as it can become heavy to sit without one in the long run.
Cooling bag with cooling elements
For short trips, it’s great to be able to keep your drink cold. There are many snug, collapsible variants that don’t take up space in your backpack when it’s empty.
Mosquito spray
Mosquito spray is extra important to have with you. Mosquitoes can ruin any trip that would otherwise be fantastic. You may also want to bring a mosquito net to be on the safe side. It weighs nothing and can save both cooking and the evening atmosphere.
Windbreaker in lightweight fabric
Even on warm days, the wind can be surprisingly cold when the sun goes down. A thin windbreaker often does the trick and keeps you warm.
Extra water
Summer means more water consumption than we often think. A collapsible bag takes up almost no space and is great when your campsite is some distance from water sources.
Food for the summer camping trip
In summer, you want to spend as much time as possible in nature. REAL Turmat makes packing easy, especially when the temperature is high and you don’t want to carry a lot. Often it’s a good idea to bring a couple of extra bags for safety and some simple snacks. For a full overview of hiking food and everything else we bring on a trip, you can see our full Camping checklist.
Small summer tips
- Pack food and snacks easily accessible.
- Always keep an extra bag for wet clothes in your backpack.
- Shake the tent thoroughly before packing so that sand is not taken home.
- Check the weather forecast and expect a bit of everything, even if the forecast is for sunshine.
If you want to see a full overview of everything you typically pack for a camping trip, including clothing for changing weather, first aid and basic equipment, take a look at our packing list here.
