7. Too Many Books
Ask yourself honestly, how many books can you really read in one camping trip? Books are heavy and add weight so just be mindful when selecting your entertainment. Leave a few books at home and look up the local hiking trails for another way to fill your time around the campground.
More:9 Survival Guides for the Outdoors
8. Too Much Food
To slim your packing list, plan all your meals—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks—ahead of time. The last thing you want is for your food to spoil and waste the money you spent on it. Make a realistic list of what you'll eat, and focus on buying items that you can use for more than one meal. Think sausages, for breakfast and dinner and peanut butter, for any meal or snack.
Need some help? How to Create a Family Camping Menu
9. Pillow
If you had to do a double take, it's okay. But, my rule of thumb is: don't bring anything you can make. Stuff your clothes in a pillowcase for a makeshift pillow. It provides the same comfort with less baggage.
10. A Grill
If you're Master of the Barbecue or just love grilling, try your hand at campfire cooking instead of bringing your own grill. Anything cooked over a campfire tastes amazing, and almost everything can be prepared on the fire pit grate. Can't have campfires? Invest in a portable camping stove. They're extremely lightweight and take up much less room than your backyard grill.
Whether you're camping for the weekend or going on a 10-day backpacking trip, there are ways to trim down your packing list for a better experience and less hassle. Consider what you can leave at home and what you need before packing for your next trip.
More: 4 East Chicken Rubs for Campfire Cooking
Find a Campground at ReserveAmerica.com.
