If you want your visit to our mountain campsite in the Catalan Pyrenees to be as productive as possible, with this guide you will achieve it.
Here you will find the essentials that you have to take to a campsite, from basic camping equipment to essential camping equipment so that you do not miss anything. Whether it’s your first time at a campsite or if you already have experience, this list of must-have camping items will be of great help.
What is really considered essential for camping
To know the elements that cannot be missing in a campsite, it is best to establish three fundamental pillars: Safety, protection from the elements and rest and food.
To improve your safety at a campsite, bring elements that guarantee your physical integrity, for example, a small first aid kit. As for protection from the elements, it is important to always carry with you clothing that keeps you dry and at the right temperature.
As for rest and food, try to bring goods that allow you to recover energy efficiently. Depending on the type of campsite you are going to, you may also need camping equipment or outdoor sleeping equipment.
Basic essentials for any type of camping
No matter what type of campsite you go to, there are some essentials that you should always keep in mind.
Something that cannot be missing in a basic kit for campers is a good flashlight. The best option in these cases is for it to be a headlamp, as it allows you to have your hands free, but any type of lighting is important.
A high-capacity power bank can also help a lot. In addition to the power bank, consider bringing a solar charger so that energy is not an issue during your stay at the campsite.
It is also important to carry a good utility knife that will serve you for any situation in addition to duct tape and zip ties. The latter two are basic survival tools, as they will allow you, among other things, to fix any tears in the store.
Essentials if you go camping for the first time
In addition to the above items, if you’re going camping for the first time, feel free to add a good inflatable mattress that you can use as outdoor sleeping equipment, a basic cleaning kit, and comfortable folding chairs. If you don’t have experience setting up a tent, a good sledgehammer for the pickaxes will also help you.
Essentials for camping with children
When you travel with children, things change. In this case we recommend you take wet wipes with you, as they are quite useful for cleaning your hands and face as well as all kinds of unexpected stains.
Changing environments can scare little ones, so bringing a night light for companionship can also help. Don’t forget to bring with you a specific first aid kit to treat the little ones in case of need and an outdoor toy so that they can be entertained.
Essentials for camping in the mountains
When it comes to camping in the mountains, you can’t forget about thermal clothing for the mountains and emergency thermal blankets.
With clothes, the same thing, we recommend the theory of the three layers. This means having breathable technical clothing, a warm layer and a waterproof windbreaker.
Also remember to bring high protection sunscreen and lip cocoa, since in the mountains you will need it. If you like hiking, it’s important to carry an emergency whistle with you in case you get lost or suffer in an accident in a remote area.
What you can't miss if you sleep in a tent
To make sleeping in a tent a pleasant experience, we recommend that you bring a floor tarp with you. This is placed in the tent to protect it from moisture or stones as well as prolonging the life of the tent and making your stay more comfortable.
Your camping backpack should not be missing spare pegs, in case some of the original ones break or are lost. A good idea is to bring an inflatable or compact pillow and also a hand broom and dustpan. The latter is very useful to keep the tent free of dirt and leaves to improve hygiene and comfort.
Essential if you stay in a bungalow
If you stay in a bungalow things change. Check if the campsite has bed linen and towels, otherwise you will have to bring them yourself.
Bring a personal kitchen kit as well as camping cooking utensils. Don’t forget to bring salt, coffee or spices with you. In addition, for the kitchen we recommend that you bring your own cloth and scouring pads for hygiene reasons.
So that you don’t have a problem with the plugs, don’t forget to bring a power strip or plug adapter with you. This way you can charge the camping lighting kit, the camping headlamp or whatever you need.
Essential clothing and footwear for camping
The right clothing for camping on a mountain campsite is technical camping clothing. Here the golden rule is to prioritize functionality over aesthetics, so thermal clothing will help you a lot in this.
The ideal footwear for camping is that it is comfortable, but safe. Good hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip are a good solution. Don’t forget rest shoes and flip-flops for the shower, they will come in handy on more than one occasion. It’s also a good idea to bring several spare socks.
Something that is always forgotten is a cap or hat, ideal to avoid sunstroke during the day.
Hygiene and health essentials
Hygiene is a very important part of the campsite. In addition to needing a basic camping kit and first aid items, we recommend that you prepare a toiletry bag with everything useful such as gel, toothpaste or shampoo.
A microfiber towel is also a good idea, as it dries quickly and takes up less space than other types of towels. Remember to also bring some camping toilet paper just in case, as there may not be safely in the communal restrooms.
What to bring to eat and cook at the campsite
To eat and cook at the campsite, a portable stove and enough spare gas cartridges are a good idea. You can also take a portable cooler with you, electric if you have a portable battery for mobile phones with which to recharge it.
So that you don’t have to worry too much about cleaning, a good idea is that the dishes are disposable. Plates, glasses, as well as plastic cutlery will make your stay much more comfortable. Don’t forget to lighter and matches to make your life easier.
Safety essentials at the campsite
Safety at a campsite is a very important aspect. In addition to the first aid kits mentioned above, it is important to always have a physical map of the area. You never know when coverage or batteries might fail, but a physical map is always going to be there to help you.
For your greater security, bring a copy of your personal documents such as your ID card or health card. Store them in a waterproof bag so that they are much safer in case you need them.
Essentials to better organize yourself during your stay
Organization during the stay is key. Carry a few clear plastic boxes with you. These boxes do not weigh much and are perfect for storing food, tools or toys and you can see their contents without having to open them.
Also bring camping garbage bags to clean all the waste and disposable supplies you have taken with you, as well as clothespins and rope so you can improvise a clothesline and dry your clothes.
What you don't need to bring to a campsite
It is just as important to know what to bring to the campsite as it is what not to bring. Forget about elegant clothes, comfort and utility are prioritized over appearance at the campsite.
Don’t carry a lot of electronic devices with you, either. The aim of camping is to allow you to disconnect from screens and free yourself from stress, so you should leave everything electronic that is not strictly necessary.
Do not carry jewelry or valuables with you and reduce the number of glass containers you carry as much as possible.
How to prepare your list of essentials without forgetting anything
So that you don’t forget anything on your list of essentials, we recommend that you segment your needs by areas.
Ask yourself if you have everything you need to sleep, to eat, to dress, to maintain good personal hygiene and to entertain yourself. If you answer yes to everything, you have everything you need to enjoy camping in the mountains.
Why choosing a serviced campsite reduces your essentials
A campsite like the one you can find at Berga Resort that has numerous services will mean that you will have to take fewer essentials with you when you go camping.
If there is a supermarket or restaurant you will not have to worry about bringing food for a long time. The same goes for other items such as the garbage bag or hygiene utensils that you can buy at the campsite.
All these services make your stay more comfortable and you only have to worry about carrying cash or credit card so that, at any given time, you can buy everything you need.
