So we have already talked about shelter, now it’s time to move on and talk about clothing.
When it comes to packing your clothes for a camping trip there are several things you have to keep in mind:
1. Where are you going?
2. When are you going?
3. What are you going to be doing?
4. Are there children involved?
5. What’s the weather forecast looking like?
Pretty standard and obvious stuff right? Not Really.
I have been on literally dozens if not hundreds of camping trips in the last couple of decades with a variety of people and one things I have noticed is that most people (including myself for a long time) have literally no idea how to pack for a camping trip clothing-wise.
So let’s take these one at a time:
Since I am most experienced in camping in and around New Jersey I am going to speak specifically about camping in that area but the basics will apply whether you are camping at the Jersey Shore or in a remote jungle region of Central Africa.
Where are you going?
This is basic common sense but I am going to go over it anyway (since common sense isn’t so common anymore). If you are camping at the Jersey Shore you will need different clothing and shoes then if you are camping along the Appalachian Trail. Makes sense right?
Once you have determined where you are going you can start to to narrow down your list of requirements already. For example: if you are going to the shore you probably won’t need those heavy duty hiking boots or that -40 degree mummy sleeping bag.
When are you going?
This one is pretty easy. You obviously pack differently if you are camping in the dog days of August versus the middle of January.
What are you going to be doing?
Swimming, fishing, mountain biking, 20 mile hikes, leisurely strolls along a beginner trail, hanging around the campfire and beach time all require different types and quantities of clothing.
Most likely you are going to be doing a little bit of each of these (as well as several other things) while you are camping so you can combine items that will work for both to reduce the amount of clothing you will need to take.
Are there children involved?
No matter what type of camping you do, no matter what climate you do that camping in and no matter what activities you will be doing while camping…if you have kids the amount of clothes you will end up bringing with you will literally double if not triple.
Kids get dirty, kids get wet, kids dribble s’mores onto their nice and clean pajamas 5 minutes before bed. Kids also have a way of knowing that you have just changed into your last clean pair of jeans and come and find you with something really nasty and sticky all over them and want a hug!
I have two children of my own and I love them dearly and wouldn’t trade them for all the money in the world so please don’t think I’m anti-kids. I’m just trying to let you know that not only do you have to content with bringing multiple changes of clothes for each kid for each day you are there but you will most likely have to bring an extra set of clothes for you too!
What’s the weather forecast looking like?
In my opinion, you should always have at least some basic rain and foul weather gear with you just in case. Weather changes and weather changes very quickly. So you need to be prepared. That might just mean running to your local Wal-mart and picking up a couple of those 99 cent emergency ponchos and throwing them in your first aid kit. That is the absolute minimum I would do and only if the weather forecast is absolutely picture perfect from three different sources.
If you are expecting some foul weather while on your trip then you need to bring more then just the ponchos. You need actual foul weather gear – raincoats, rainpaints, waterproof shoes of some sort and an extra set of clothes to replace the ones that still get wet somehow.
Now that we have gone through all that, here’s the checklist:
Jeans or other long pants – At least one pair per day for adults and probably two pair for kids. If you are camping in the middle of summer I would still bring at least one pair for the trip per adult and two pair for each kid.
Shoes – This is really a personal preference and it depends on your planned activities. Here is the list I usually choose from: sandals, flip-flops (to/from pool), sneakers, hiking boots. Always bring a backup pair of sneakers that can just stay in your vehicle unless you need them.
Shower shoes – An absolute must unless you have a large enough RV that you can shower in it. No matter how spotless a campground shower facility looks you never really know what is going on in the shower so you don’t want to go barefoot.
Shorts – For adults I suggest two pair a day and for kids I suggest a minimum of three pair per day if it’s summer. If it’s spring/fall/winter I would still bring at least one pair just in case you have an unseasonably warm day.
Sweats pants / shirt (or Sweater) – Mid-summer I will still bring at least one per person. It can get pretty chilly at night once you get away from the city and out into the woods or mountains.
Swim suit – 1 pair per adults and 2 pairs per kid.
T-shirts – Same as shorts – 2 per day for adults and 3 per day per child.
Underwear – 1 set should suffice for adults but for kids I would pack at least 2 per day and I usually throw in an extra pair for every 2 or 3 days we are there just in case.
Pajamas – Adults could probably get away with one pair since they could probably use a tshirt/shorts or sweatpants if there pj’s get dirty. For kids I would always bring a new set for each night and probably an extra set just in case.
Rain Gear – I always have 5 or 6 ponchos in my first aid kit and if the weather forecast is calling for any sort of rain during the trip I will be more durable foul weather gear including a coat, pants and boots.
Socks – Adults and kids each need to have 2 pair per day.
Jacket – I always bring at least a windbreaker for each person. Again you never know what it’s going to be like at night. If you are camping in the winter or early spring/late fall I would recommend bringing two jackets per person, a windbreaker and something a little heavier just in case.
Warm gloves/hat – For any camping you do outside of mid-summer I would definitely recommend a pair of gloves and a warm hat at least for the kids.
That about covers the clothing to death.
Until next time.