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Essential Supplies

Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're new or an experienced camper, there are always new essential camping supplies you should consider bringing with you on your vacation.

Tarps, Rope and Bungees

It's very important to have tarps above your camping area. You'll want a large one (or multiple) to properly cover your picnic table, chairs and tent. This prevents tree needles, bird droppings, rain and small branches from landing on you, your food, tent and other things. You should also have another tarp to place underneath your tent to help block water and bugs from entering and possibly another for above your tent as additional protection in case your tarp fails during a rainstorm. You should bring lots of rope and bungee's to help with your tarp(s).

Sleeping Beds and Bags

When you have decided on a tent, you will need to get a cot/bed and sleeping bag. People don't always give much thought into this, but it's one of the most important things you need to consider, especially if your trip will be 7-14 days or longer. You may also want to select a tent after deciding on your cot to confirm you will have enough room. If you're concerned about bugs or water entering your tent, having a cot will provide an additional protection, allowing you to sleep above ground level. Selecting a bag that keeps you warm in low temperatures is important. Even in the summer time, it can get rather cold overnight in Nootka Sound. For longer trips, you might want to consider two sleeping bags so that you can lay one out to cover your entire cot, much like a bed sheet, but with added warmth.

Lanterns Lanterns have advanced a lot over recent years. Selecting one with LED's are much safer then propane lights and last for much longer. Some lanterns aren't as bright as others, so it's important to think about where you plan on using your lantern. Having one in your tent will require much less light then one on your picnic table would. Chairs If you plan on doing a lot of relaxing during your vacation, you should consider getting a chair that is light, takes up little room and is comfortable to sit on. Having a portable chair is also great when you want to sit down at the beach or at someone elses camping spot.

Portable Shower

Bringing along a portable shower is a great idea to keep clean during your long-stay trips. You can also put an optional portable toilet in the shelter if walking to an outhouse is difficult or dangerous late at night.

Create a Checklist

When planning and packing for your camping trip, you should always create a checklist to confirm what you have packed. For Microsoft Excel users, we have created a sample checklist that you can use and customize to your own.

View Checklist |

Recommended products discussed above from our partner Cabelas

	Cabela's Outfitter Series™ Tarps These extremely durable heavy-duty tarps are constructed from the same XTC fabric as our Outfitter Series tents – a tough, UV-resistant 250-denier polyester oxford. Sizes: 10' x 12', 12' x 16'.
	Poly Tarp Multiuse tarp for your auto, ATV or your next camping, hunting or fishing trip. Resists water and mildew. Aluminum grommets. 5-oz. poly material. Imported Sizes: 6'x8', 8'x10', 9'x12', 10'x20'.
	Universal Bungee Jumbo Pack No matter how top-heavy, awkward or bulky the load, these multisized bungee cords keep contents secured. Natural rubber core is covered with fibrillated polyethylene, making it rotproof, UV resistant and long wearing.
	Cabela's Folding Air Bed with Queen Air Bed and Pump The off-the-ground convenience of a cot combined with the comfort of an inflatable mattress. Cabela's Folding Air Bed Frame with Queen Air Bed and Pump comes complete with a high-output, three-nozzle, 120-volt air pump.
	Coleman® Four-Way Quad Lantern Four panels function together as one lamp when attached to the base, or as four single, detachable units. Master switch on top turns on all four panels. Individual panels have their own on/off switch and 6 LEDs per unit (24 total when attached to base).
	Cabela's Alaskan Guide® Model Mummy Sleeping Bag For maximum warmth retention and ease of storage and packing, choose our Alaskan Guide Model™ Mummy bag. We engineered this bag to withstand the rigors of Alaska, knowing that if it can handle that rugged environment, it can handle anything you throw at it.
	Cabela's Deluxe Camp Arm Chair From the quick-and-easy quad stool to the comfortable recliner, every one of these pieces will hold up to years of outdoor use. High-strength 19mm steel frames with durable, polyurethane-coated, 2,400-denier polyester fabric gives maximum weight support (275 pounds, 225 pounds on the stool) and lasting performance.
	Cabela's Shower Shelter Once you've readied camp for an enjoyable stay in the outdoors, set up this easy-to-assemble shelter for showering and other private duties.
	Cabela's Stainless Steel Bottles Extreme adventures call for durable and dependable gear, which is why we made these super-lightweight water bottles that are virtually indestructible.