Camping / Overlanding Tips To GET YOU OUT THERE! (also, a gear checklist)

Associated YouTube Video - https://youtu.be/nMTf68GC3XI

In order to find a break in your busy schedule, you must make it as easy as possible to actually go. If camping seems like a daunting task, you're doing it wrong. With a few basic tips, you'll go from a weekend inside, filled with regrets, to a weekend filled with fun and great memories.

1. Make a solid / structured plan. Days, weeks, or months ahead of time, develop a solid plan with a location that you'll go to, a time that you'll go, and what you'll do when you're out there. Having a backup plan / location isn't a bad idea either.
2. Make a gear checklist. Having an actual list of gear that you need/want to bring will help make packing a breeze, and be one less thing to think about when you're trying to get yourself out the door. I've compiled my own list that you can use as a started down below - but you'll want to develop a list that is specific to you.
3. Use cases / bins to making packing a breeze. Having your gear spread out all over the place will greatly reduce your packing efficiency. Having the gear you need, already packed up and ready to go, will make it easier to spend less time packing, and more time doing. Cases / bins / tubs / totes / bags help tremendously.

Here is a sample packing list (my own personal one, actually). I break them into two sub-lists.

1. Gear that I keep in my garage / shed.

• Extra Fuel, if not already loaded.
• Recovery bag / gear, if not already loaded.
• Shovel for recovery or bathroom needs...
• Medical / survival gear, if not already loaded.
• Water Jug
• Camping tub/bin (this bin has the bulk of my camping gear - cooking / fire kit, hammocks, extra food and supplies, lanterns, etc)
• Leveling blocks (used to level vehicle for rooftop tent camping - could just use rocks/logs as well)
• Chairs
• Table
• Sleeping bags
• Activity appropriate gear (camping games, fishing gear, bikes, etc)

2. Gear that I keep in my house.

• Filming / photo gear
• Cooler packed with food / drinks
• Extra power (solar generator, etc)
• Extra lights / headlamps
• Pillows
• Toiletry kit (toothbrush/paste, deoderant, etc)
• Weather appropriate clothing (rain gear just in case, and extra shoes/socks are always a good idea)
• Dog food / bowls (plus anything else you might need for your pet)
• Trash bags

You might want to bring additional items if you have kids, or anyone else with any special needs. I have this list on my phone on a simple app, I use Google Keep, but any list type app should work just fine. You could also print it out if that's more your style.

Below you'll find some links to various specific pieces of gear that I've grown to like using over the years. Some of the links here are affiliate links. purchasing gear through them helps support this blog (via small commission from the website) at absolutely no extra cost to you (often actually cheaper).

• Fuel Container - https://amzn.to/2LfFw6R
• My main shovel - https://amzn.to/2NE01a9
• Water container (great for washing hands, etc) - https://amzn.to/2OaePyo
• Concentrated, biodegradable camp soap - https://amzn.to/2LEGRQR
• Convenient camp towel - https://amzn.to/2LHgg5K
• Big Camping tub - https://amzn.to/2JJQP1D
• Main two lanterns - https://amzn.to/2LzC0DC and https://amzn.to/2Obwtl7
• Fairy LED String lights - http://amzn.to/2iIuR6S
• A great, compact, affordable single burner stove - https://amzn.to/2LBO9YG
• The best, small, affordable stove/grill combo - https://amzn.to/2uLpCqB
• Lightweight, folding fry pan - https://amzn.to/2NGBm4W
• Folding spatula - https://amzn.to/2uGZk96
• Leveling Blocks - http://amzn.to/2gkQKVh
• Stainless wine glasses - http://amzn.to/2wna2Tl
• Eno Hammock - http://amzn.to/2wjQUWo
• Solar Generators (power) - http://amzn.to/2x7Ct8F
• Bluetooth Speaker / ambiance - http://amzn.to/2wjUb7O

• Ultimate camping table / kitchen - https://amzn.to/2JNlPh6
• My favorite camp chair to-date (rocking chair) - https://amzn.to/2LKPJ7p
• Ultracompact camp chair - https://amzn.to/2mBZaLC
• American Cornhole set - https://amzn.to/2A0NtI3
• Dry Bag I use as a trash bag (put a trashbag inside) - https://amzn.to/2NGaRMD
• Big roomy sleeping bag - http://amzn.to/2ldiThN
• LED dog collar - http://amzn.to/2wpmJLP
• Long cheap leash - http://amzn.to/2wk4edk