Camping: Ultimate Must-Haves!

When it comes to having fun camping, it’s all about balance. For traveling light without missing anything, it becomes a balance between comfort and a change of scenery that will be different for each person and each type of holiday. But whatever your camping preference, a list is always a good place to start to help visualize the kind of getaway you’re planning. And don’t forget: if the camping lists seem too long, most of these lists are designed to be divided among family and friends so that everyone can contribute to the success of your camping trip. Happy planning! 

1 - Seeing Well

Your eyes are precious and camping conditions can put your eyesight to the test. Plan your essentials based on your activities, opting for the practicality of contact lenses for outdoor days and a pair of glasses, just in case, for those quiet rainy days spent reading in the tent. Don’t forget good quality sunglasses, so you can see clearly in the woods or on the lake and to protect your eyes from the intense glare from the sun in the great outdoors.  

Optician’s tip: use drinking water and soap to wash your hands before handling your contact lenses and avoid hand sanitizers at all costs as they can really irritate your eyes! 

• Contact lenses and solution

• Eyeglasses

• Sunglasses

• Eyeglass case

• Microfiber cloth

• Drinking water

• Hand soap

3 - Settling In

Who says you have to be uncomfortable when camping? Small comforts are not a luxury if they allow you to make the most of your stay. Make your camping space more welcoming and don’t hesitate to invest in things that will make you feel more comfortable: strings of solar-powered lights for example are a great addition that will help you enjoy the outdoors, even late at night.

• Tent and pegs

• Ground cover

• Tarpaulin and rope

• Sleeping pad

• Sleeping bag

• Pillow

• Hanging lantern

• Headlamp

• Padlock

• Hammock

• Outdoor chair

• Tablecloth

• Clothesline

4 - Eating Well

Grocery shopping before a camping trip can be overwhelming, but with just a few items from your pantry, most meals and snacks will be a breeze. Here are the essentials to bring from home or to add to your grocery list before the big day! 

• Salt, pepper and assorted spices

• Oil, margarine or butter

• Vinegar

• Tea and coffee

• Nut butter and jam

• Sugar

• Milk of choice

• Pasta and rice

• Canned goods

• Bouillon cubes

• Crackers and cookies

• Drinking water

• Marshmallows (OF COURSE!)

5 - Cooking With Ease

Preparing meals in the great outdoors is probably the biggest undertaking of a camping getaway, but good planning will ensure that you don’t forget anything and that you’ll be able to cook all meals easily. Yes, there’s a lot to bring along, but having a list will make life easier when it comes to preparing a comforting meal. 

• Camping stove

• Propane tanks

• Matches and a lighter

• Pots and pans

• Kettle

• Coffee maker or filters

• Cooler and ice packs

• Kitchen tools (spatula, ladle, tongs, etc)

• Plates and bowls

• Utensils (forks, knives, spoons)

• Cutting board and sharp knives

• Drinking and wine glasses

• Coffee mugs

• Can opener

• Bottle opener and corkscrew

• Aluminum foil

• Basin

• Dish soap

• Scouring pads

• Dishcloths

• Plastic containers

• Garbage bags

6 - Having Fun

Whether you’re more of an outdoorsy type or in relaxation mode, camping is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the little things. Plan activities to suit the weather and your destination: beach toys, hiking equipment and peaceful leisure activities for those rainy days during your trip.

• Water bottle

• Hiking bags

• Bug repellant

• First-aid kit

• Books and magazines

• Board games

• Bluetooth speaker

• Ball

• Frisbee

• Sand toys

• Hammock

• Marshmallow sticks

• Chargers

7 - Taking Good Care of Yourself

It can be difficult to simplify the routine you’ve established for home, but there are a few tricks that can help you travel lighter without compromising your usual hygiene: decanting your products into travel containers or opting for multi-purpose products or solid forms, such as shampoo bars, are a great way to lighten your toiletry load – which will make your treks to the public wash areas much simpler and more enjoyable! 

• Toothbrush and paste

• Quick drying towels

• Hand sanitizer

• Body wash and biodegradable shampoo

• Deodorant

• Toilet paper

• Sunscreen

• Medication

Careful, the sun’s rays are stronger than ever! It is important to choose quality sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays. Visit your OPTOPLUS clinic to discover our wide selection of sunglasses and benefit from an optician’s expertise to help you make the right choice.