5 essentials you must bring along when you go camping

Camping can be a great way to escape stress, as long as you pack everything you need. Here are five essentials no camper should leave the house without.

Before you do anything, create a checklist to ensure everything you need gets packed. It's easy to forget things in all the excitement. A checklist will help ensure you bring all the necessary items for your trip, like:

The first thing you want to add to your checklist is the proper camping gear—a waterproof tent, ground tarp, extra stakes and an axe or hammer. This means you can set your campsite up right away before you start unpacking. Consider bringing foam floor tiles to make your sleeping area softer. Camping should be relaxing and that includes a good night's sleep.

It's important to make sure you have a proper first-aid kit on hand whenever you head for the woods. An injury can put a serious damper on your trip. Some important things to include are:

• Bandages
• Aspirin or acetaminophen
• Sterile gauze, medical tape and elastic wrap
• Antiseptic cream
• Sunburn ointment
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Tweezers
• Eye wash

The biggest benefit of living in the wilderness is the peace and quiet. This is ideal for a great night's sleep. So, be prepared to slumber in comfort by packing bedding, pillows, an air mattress, a mattress patch repair kit, sleeping bag, and an air pump. This extra comfort will guarantee you sleep like a baby.

Some of the best meals are cooked over a roaring fire. Be prepared to grill a culinary masterpiece by packing the essentials: a campfire grill, grilling utensils, cleaning supplies, disposable plates and cutlery, paper cups, and aluminum foil. You should also pack garbage bags to clean up after indulging in your delicious meal.

Bugs, weather or unexpected mishaps can foil even the most perfectly planned adventure. Here are a few items that will help you with rainy days and other unplanned for circumstances.

• Waterproof matches. To make matches waterproof, dip the head in melted paraffin wax and store in old pill bottles.
• Compass.
• A whistle in case you get lost while hiking.
• Sturdy knife to cut rope or even carve a new creation.
• Lightweight saw to cut branches for kindling.
• Card or dice games for rainy afternoons.
• Bug repellant.
• Sunscreen.
• Candles.
• Flashlight.
• Lantern.

With a little planning, a checklist, and basic supplies, you can pack up and head for the land of campfires and starry skies with nothing to worry about—except who's doing the dishes!