Packing The Essentials

Who loves over-packing?

Everyone. It's so common to over-pack, especially when you're going on a road trip/camping. Here's the reality. You might think in your head that you need to stock up in case out of no where you become Indiana Jones, but lets face it, that's not the case.

Below I've put together some basic essentials to take with you when you're on the road. Whether that's car camping, or if the weather permits, actual camping. So, let's get started.

Water - jugs, not individual plastic bottles. This comes in handy when you're refilling your camel-pack before hiking, refilling you reusable water bottles, putting out camp fires before leaving your site or sleeping, and most importantly, simply cuts down your plastic waste.

*PRO-TIP* Most gas stations won't mind if you bring your water jug inside their store for a fill up, just be courteous and ask first.

Food - here's where people can get a little carried away. I've put together the perfect mesh of foods that are perfect for road trips and traveling under my blog, Food 101

https://madsjane247.wixsite.com/movewithmads/post/road-food-101

Supplies - Now here's where those essentials start that I was talking about. Be LOGICAL. You're hiking most of the time and in the car a whole lot, so when it comes to clothes, think comfy. As for everything else, here's what's always on my list..

~ Hiking bag (or backpack)

~ Swim Suit (weather depending)

~ Towel

~ Water Shoes

~ Pillow

~ Blanket

~ Sleeping bag

~ Hammock/Tent

~ Hiking Shoes (or sneakers)

~ Socks (and thick socks at that. The worst thing to experience while you're already sleeping at altered comfort is having cold feet, trust me, I know)

~ Baby Wipes (let's be honest, you're not going to have a shower everywhere you go)

~ Deodorant (best for road trips are liquid and sprays that won't melt)

~ Sweats and a thick hoodie

~ Bug Spray

~ Reusable water bottle and reusable gallon jug to have as backup

~ Tarp and Rope or bungee cords

~ Toothbrush and toothpaste

~ Tylenol and Benadryl

~ Hat

~ Glasses

~ Toilet paper

~ Hand Sanitizer

~ Sunscreen (actual sunscreen, not that tanning stuff. Believe me you will still get a very good tan wearing sunscreen)

~ Flip Flops

~ Collapsible chair

~ First Aid Kit

~ Chap-stick

~ Rain Coat

~ Gloves (for those cold nights)

~ Waterproof case or bag

~ Flashlight or Head Lamp

~ Reusable utensils (I found an amazing set of bamboo utensils which are chopsticks on one end, and a spoon and fork on the other - if you've ever seen Friends, you know what I'm talking about)

Now that you're packed with all your essentials without over packing, feel free to bring anything else that might fit. Just remember, you won't magically become a whole new person on this trip, so be reasonable. I have below and on my Amazon shop tab a list of some of my favorite items that I've brought along on many trips with me as well. So browse, and ENJOY! You're now packed and ready to go on your very own road trip.

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Reusable Utensils

https://www.amazon.com/JapanBargain-Taste-Burnished-Bamboo-Chopsticks/dp/B00OH0P0CM/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=chopstick+fork+spoon&qid=1566966335&s=gateway&sr=8-5

Hiking Bag

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074M72R33/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hammock

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079HZMY1L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hiking Shoes

https://www.columbia.com/womens-newton-ridge-plus-waterproof-hiking-boot-BL3783.html?cgid=activity-hiking-boots&dwvar_BL3783_variationColor=052#eid=Google+Adwords+US&gclid=CjwKCAjwqZPrBRBnEiwAmNJsNlGbMUvc8F8PZbDgi6Zv5EZ3UagzmOGI76fk_yGn7savexdpcE_zrhoCb5cQAvD_BwE&s_kwcid=AL!3937!3!351583127265!e!!g!!columbia+hiking+shoes&ef_id=CjwKCAjwqZPrBRBnEiwAmNJsNlGbMUvc8F8PZbDgi6Zv5EZ3UagzmOGI76fk_yGn7savexdpcE_zrhoCb5cQAvD_BwE%3AG%3As&nid=COL%7CBrand%7CActivities%7CGoogle%7CExact%7CUS&mid=paidsearch&oid=Hiking_Shoes_General&did=columbia+hiking+shoes&start=5