Pack Less! Tips for Convenient Camping

Hannah Reuter

Hannah graduated from WMU in 2015 with a degree in Economics and currently resides in Portage. In her free time she enjoys strumming the guitar and painting. She is the author of two YA books under the pseudonym, H.B. Catherine. You can find information on her books and writing at hbcatherinewriting.com.

Without much to do these days, taking to the great outdoors is the perfect way to enjoy the weekend. Maybe you are not a regular camper but just want to unwind in nature for a night. Here is an easy 20-item packing list for those wanting to take a quick getaway with only the necessities, and (bonus!) a few ideas for easy foods for you to cook over the fire.

Essential Packing List 1 Large backpack

2Tent or covered 12 Matches hammock if you trust the weather and want to walk lighter 3 Waterproofing spray (I’m telling you this works wonders!) 4 Sleeping bag 5 Garbage bag

6Towel 17 Water, WATER, WATER (cannot 7 Extra pair of clothes 8 Bug spray (ALWAYS)

9Sunscreen 19 Portable fan (you will not 10 Foldable iron grill top and spatula (to easily put over the fire and scrape off food remnants) 11 Aluminum foil 13 Lighter Fluid (trust me on this one) 14 Medicine Kit 15 Flashlight 16 Extra batteries or portable charger stress this enough) 18 Granola Bars regret it) 20Cooler (if packing cold food items)

Easy Campfire Foods

• Hot dogs/brats • Hamburgers • Potatoes • Canned beans • Corn on the cob • Peppers & onions • Popcorn • Apple slices • Softshell tortillas (fill it with anything!)

Camping doesn’t have to be hard if you don’t mind leaving behind your household accessories. You’d be surprised what you can go a night without. Get out there and appreciate the beauty of Michigan.