What to Pack for a Camping Trip
What to Take on a Camping Trip for Exceptional Outdoor Meals
Tap into nature and rejoice in the beauty of the outdoors with a well-planned camping trip. To get you on track to your fresh air adventure, look to the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee. Let’s explore meal ideas and what to pack for a camping trip.
Your Camping Trip Checklist
Take it a step beyond the sleeping bags, tents, and s’mores with the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee. Camping calls for outdoor eats, compact and portable cookware, and a little preparation to fuel your trip with good food. Let’s dive into our ultimate camping trip checklist to get you ready for your adventure.
Embrace Space-Saving Containers
When it comes to things to take on a camping trip, avid outdoorsmen know that space-saving items are an asset. Opt for clear, stack-and-load containers to ensure your cookware, ingredients, gear, and other camping trip necessities remain moisture-free and safely stored. Label each container according to its contents for easy access and a convenient, risk-free storage solution.
Pack the Non-Perishables First
Get ahead of your camping trip stress by loading up as much as possible before the day of departure. This means packing hygienic supplies, fire-making tools, cookware, and non-perishable food items first. By doing this, it allows you to load perishable items into ice-filled coolers at the last moment to help avoid spoiled food.
Simplify Your Meals Without Compromising Taste
An ultra-cheesy mac-and-cheese is a time-honored favorite. However, washing camping cookware following a gooey meal not practical. Instead, choose hassle-free alternatives without compromising taste by planning your meals in advance and packing the ingredients into ready-to-go containers that can easily be assembled and heated over the fire.
Cook, Freeze, Pack, Reheat
Our favorite camping trip meal hack is to cook at home, freeze the meal, pack it into a cooler, and reheat it over the fire. Some of our favorite freeze-and-reheat foods for camping trips include loaded potato soup and quick and easy sheet pan meals packed with potatoes, vegetables, and your choice of meat.
Get Familiar With Camping Cookware
If you’re the proud new owner of a camping grill, it’s important to get familiar with your new outdoor tool. Before arriving in the wilderness with a gadget you haven’t tested and no cellphone reception to access a quick tutorial, practice using your new camping trip cookware at home.
Be Proactive About Camping Trip Foods
Get proactive about your camping trip foods before only having hotdogs and s’mores to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We recommend creating a list of meal options prior to departing for your trip. This allows you to stock up on the necessary supplies while helping avoid overpacking and wasted food.
Essential Tools for Your Camping Trip
Your camping trip packing list should outline the essential tools you may need during your outdoor adventure. Beyond snacks, blankets, and recreational items, it’s essential to factor in the must-haves, including:
- Hatchet
- Newspaper
- Matches
- Full gas canisters
- Dish tub and soap
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Toilet paper
- Flashlights and batteries
- First aid kit
Don’t Forget Your Morning Fuel
Although a camping trip is a time to tap into nature, certain creature comforts, such as coffee, are non-negotiable. Invest in a camping-friendly French press and battery-operated coffee grinder to ensure you get your morning fuel.
Protect Your Food Items
Once you arrive at your destination, you will want to preserve your fresh food items. Non-perishables are covered with your stack-and-load containers, but perishable foods require durable coolers filled with ice. We also recommend packing a rain tarp or protective covering to keep your food and belongings dry in the event of rain.
Contact Us for More Tips for Your Camping Trip Meal Planning
The Colorado Potato Administrative Committee is here to help you determine what to pack for a camping trip to achieve the best camping eats. As the nation’s trusted potato enthusiasts, look to us for recipes, storage solutions, and other resources to keep you energized during your outdoor exploration. Contact us today to learn more.
