Going on a camping trip to the rustic, often remote reaches of Americana is the perfect salve to the dramas and the traumas of city living. You would want to be as insulated from society as possible, yet you don’t want to miss out on the fun, which means going to a remote campsite would be preferable to a mainstream campsite that doesn’t feature much hiking except if you need to walk away from or move back towards your automobile. But there is one significant drawback to remote camping locations, and that is carrying an often heavy load around with you, which, for a lot of campers, is everything but the kitchen sink. So if you want to lessen your load and make your next camping trip more convenient, consider these fast and furious tips.

Does your campsite have showers and a steady flow of running water – this is the first piece of data you would need to gather whilst researching. This is atypical in remote parts of town. Even if there is water it may not be suitable for drinking and cleaning cuts and scrapes. Bring a hearty supply of bottled water on your trip, and if not possible, you may want to try purification tablets.

You do not want to be caught unawares by inclement weather, so before you even pack, turn on the telly and look for a reliable weather forecast. Because weather forecasts may or may not be accurate, you would be best advised to prepare for unexpected weather quirks by bringing lightweight rain gear, like a rain-proof jacket or poncho. Based on your earlier research (on the weather conditions/climate in your camping location), plan accordingly by bringing a sleeping bag that is appropriate. You can get a lightweight sleeping bag for warmer climates on the cheap, and these can be found at your nearest sporting goods or department store. If you’ll be camping in a cold climate then it’s wise to invest in a lightweight yet well insulated and water resistant sleeping bag.

Keep things frugal on your camping trip by opting for a lightweight tent that is still made from quality material. Large tents are, to be honest, overrated – stay within the boundaries of the “less is more” axiom when shopping for tents. The good thing about remote campsites is that they pretty much give you freedom to change or keep your valuables outside and still feel quite secure about doing both. To reduce the time for setting up and taking down the tent, a self-assembling tent minimizes the effort involve and provides you with more convenience.

A well-stocked first aid kit is also a must for camping. Different-sized bandages and a disinfecting spray or topical ointment are two must-haves in such a first aid kit. Also, you want to have some antihistamines with you, ditto pain relievers, because allergies, injuries and/or illness can strike when you least expect. The Swiss Army knife was MacGyver’s best friend, his Ultimate Problem Solver, and it can be yours, too – also, scissors and tweezers can make the occasionally dizzying plenitude of tasks (including the dressing of wounds) much easier to handle.

Your fully loaded backpack will weigh no less that 20 pounds and should weigh no more than 40 pounds. Especially for huskier campers, this might seem like as light as a pillow, but if you have a long, arduous sojourn awaiting, be warned as after a few hours, such “light” load may be feeling at least twice as heavy.

Going on a camping holiday in a remote part of town may give you the privacy and amusement you need amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, but you would need to hike with your equipment in tow. A spartan packing plan can inevitably help lighten that heavy load.

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