8 Items You Should Never Bring Camping

Save room while packing by leaving these items at home.

Whether you’re a novice or professional when it comes to camping, it is inevitable that at one point or another you will forget something. With this fear in mind, it is easy to overcompensate and pack too much. To escape from the everyday humdrum of life, it is important to consider what is essential and what to not bring camping. Follow this list of 8 items you should never bring camping.

1. Electronics

Though it may seem challenging at times, camping provides an opportunity to truly unplug. Avoid packing video games, expensive electronics, laptops, and music players. Not only will it ensure that nothing is damaged during your vacation, but it allows you to take the time to truly experience the nature around you. Whether it is exploring a new trail or taking in the sunrise, you should not be distracted by your usual electronic demands.

2. Glass Items

Packaging that includes glass canisters or bottles may easily break during transport, or use. Glass items, when accidentally broken, become a hazard to yourself and fellow campers when shards are left on the ground. Finding alternative sustainable packaging options ensures that nothing will harm the environment while eliminating extra things that need to be carried or disposed of later.

3. Single Use Plastic Bottles

To prevent unnecessary waste, it is important to pack a reusable water bottle instead of a disposable, one-time use bottle. Reusable water bottles and thermoses eliminate the need to use countless plastic bottles that you have to transport back and forth—or worse if you don’t recycle them and they end up in landfills or eventually the ocean. Campgrounds offer potable water resources to make refilling easy and safe for staying hydrated while camping.

4. Body Sprays and Fragrances

Camping provides the opportunity to give yourself a bit of a break when it comes to personal appearance. Enjoy the opportunity to get a little dirty, sweaty, or out of your comfort zone. Additionally, many fragrances often attract unwanted animals and bugs while contaminating the fresh outside air. Pack your trusty deodorant stick only and embrace the wild. If showering is a must, many campgrounds offer hot showers on-site!

5. Wet Wipes

Most campers are unaware of the long-term effects of wet wipes and flushable wipes. In just a single camping season, these products can do considerable damage to campground waste management, sewer, and septic systems. Campgrounds appreciate conscientious campers who care about the environment and their facilities. When it comes to wet wipes, even those that claim to be flushable, please leave them at home.

6. Everything and the Kitchen Sink

Use tin foil to create dishes that cook over a campfire or challenge yourself to make a three-course meal on a roasting stick instead of packing unnecessary cooking items. Minimalistic cooking saves you the time and hassle of excessive dishwashing, and provides a more relaxing camping experience. Your gourmet meals may look a little different at the campsite, but they will surely be more memorable to make.

7. Personal Jacuzzis

Some new campers may have trouble living more minimally than in everyday life. Learning to leave extra amenities and unnecessary luxuries at home can ensure authentic camping experiences. Avoid packing inflatable personal jacuzzis and bulky items that distract from the experience of other campers. Instead, take the opportunity to explore natural water resources that you otherwise would not be able to.

8. Electric Heaters

Electric heaters risk melting or igniting nearby objects, or forgotten flammable canisters such as bug spray. Camping also often takes place in spaces that does not allow for the adequate safety distance or electrical outlets a heater requires. Opt for other ways to stay warm instead, like cuddling up to your camping buddy, packing appropriate thermal clothing, using insulated sleeping bags, or building a safe and cozy fire of your own. As Smokey Bear reminds us, only you can prevent wildfires!

The best part of camping is to experience new things and relax with loved ones in the great outdoors. Conscientious and minimalist packing will allow you to create new memories, share more laughs rather than things, and give yourself a much-needed break.