National Military Appreciation Month: 7 Ways to Celebrate

Memorial Day Weekend is only a few days away, and for many of you this includes taking time to get outdoors and enjoy the final days of spring. Memorial Day Weekend also marks the beginning of the camping season for many State and National Parks.

A successful camping trip involves brining along the essentials, such as a trusty LED flashlight, sturdy tent, and plenty of snacks. So for those who plan to pitch a tent, roast s’mores, and be jovial around the crackling campfire this coming weekend, we here at Pelican Products Inc. have provided a short list of the most commonly forgotten camping items.

1. First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen anytime and without warning. If you’re camping with children, the risk of an emergency is higher and a fully stocked first aid kit becomes even more important. To make sure your bandages, aspirin, tape, gauze, etc. is safe from the elements; it’s wise to keep everything in a rugged protective case, such as a Pelican 1040 or 1060 Micro Case.

2. Trash bags

You’re going to have trash when camping. There’s no question about it. From the hotdog packaging to empty water bottles and soda cans, plenty of trash is accumulated during your weekend adventure. Having a hefty supply (sorry for the pun) of trash bags is important for any camping family. Remember; DO NOT leave the trash bag around at night as many of the woodland savages love rummaging through your garbage.

3. Bungee Cords

Any seasoned camper knows the importance of bungee cords. From rigging an elaborate-tarp canopy during a pop-up rainstorm to strapping down your cooler lid during the night, bungee cords are a camper’s best friend. Grab a pack from your local retailer and make sure you don’t leave home without them.

4. Heavy-Duty Plastic Tarps

As mentioned previously, rainstorms can pop-up out of nowhere. Trust us, even if the forecast calls for sunny skies, there’s always the chance of rain. Call it Murphy’s Law. Rain is the last thing you want to ruin a perfectly good weekend of camping. To prevent an onslaught of a water-soaked campsite and flooded tent, we suggest bringing along a few heavy-duty tarps to string up and protect you from the rain.

5. Weather Radio

Another often-overlooked camping item is a solid emergency weather radio. You’ll want to bring one that is solar-powered and has the ability to charge via a hand crank. Batteries only go so far, so when you’re miles from electricity, you’ll be glad you have it.

Camping during Memorial Day Weekend can be fun for the whole family, but if you don’t have everything on your camping checklist, it can quickly turn into a weekend nightmare.

Have you ever left home without a camping essential? Share your story with us in the comments below!