Minimalism is all the rage right now. People are taking back their lives from clutter and excess, and choosing to simplify what they can.
Simplifying life, sticking to the basics, and cutting out the garbage. Doesn't that sound like everything camping should be?
With minimalism, less is more. This applies to every facet of life –camping being no exception! It is so easy to get caught up in packing everything when you are headed off on a camping trip, for fear of leaving something essential behind.
Though it may seem impossible, we are here to tell you that there are ways to camp without packing your entire garage plus the inventory of the nearest WalMart.
Intrigued?
Our Top 10 Minimalist Camping Hacks
These hacks are beneficial to any camping trip –but particularly to those of you headed off on your next teardrop camping adventure. Our goal is to help make sure you have a clutter and stress-free adventure.
Ready?
1. Avoid "Just-in-Case" Packing
If you are looking at an item and saying, "well, this would be nice to have in case..." STOP. Put it down and walk away slowly (or run, either is fine).
This is the first step to packing far too much.
We get it – it's so easy to fall into “just-in-case mode”. To avoid this dreaded situation, try to sit down and create a list of everything you need for your trip. Working off a list has been shown to help maintain and encourage focus. Then, hold yourself accountable: if it's not on the list, you don't need it!
Packing only the necessities will help ensure you have the proper storage space and will decrease the amount of time you spend packing and unpacking. With time being your most valuable resource, who wants to waste it?!
2. Make an Inventory and Supply List
When planning your trip, one of the easiest ways to become overloaded with extras is buying things you already have.
Instead, make a list of everything you need for your trip. Then, take that list and go through all of the supplies you already have. Don't do this mentally –you need to physically see each item! As you find things on your list, cross them off so you know not to rebuy them.
Now, you have a list of items that you have and a list of items you need to buy –you're welcome!
3. Pack Items With Multiple Uses
We do not have time for single-purpose items that are not an absolute necessity. It's just a fact.
One of the main culprits of single-purpose items is kitchenware.
Say it with us: You do not need four pans, three pots, and seven different cooking utensils. In fact, you really can just use one: the trusty cast-iron.
4. Choose Nutritious and Filling Foods
Minimalist camping meals should be just that – minimalist! While that does not mean they are not delicious, it does mean that they are simple.
With Pinterest and other social media platforms, it can be easy to fall into the trap of needing to make exquisite campfire meals. We are here to tell you that's just extra!
When planning your meals for a camping trip, plan simple and filling meals that utilize ingredients across multiple recipes. Do your best to avoid packing a huge variety of snacks. This will help cut down on food costs, food waste, and food storage. It's really a win-win-win.
Consider eating only avocados on your next camping trip! ;)
5. Bring Only Essential Camping Equipment
With all of the fancy gadgets and toys available, it is incredibly tempting to purchase and bring along too much camping gear.
Before packing for your trip, sit down with your accomplices (or yourself if it's a solo vacay) and create a list of the essential camping gear you will need. This could include:
Cooking supplies
Food
Water
Personal Hygiene items
Shelter + sleeping supplies
Clothing + 1 extra change
If you are going to be camping in a teardrop camper, you will definitely want to consider the items on our teardrop camper must haves list!
6. Rent What You Can
We want to be financially savvy, of course, but rentals can be a wonderful way to pack minimally.
Instead of heading out to your favorite store and buying a paddle board or other water toy that you will have to lug around and eventually store, check to see if your campground offers rentals.
This will keep you from having to pack large items while still allowing you to have fun doing your favorite activities.
This hack also works for tents, umbrellas, and chairs. Many campsites offer rentals of equipment –you just have to ask!
7. Don't Pack Your Entire Closet
Packing camping clothes can be overwhelming, especially if you live in an area with fast-changing or unpredictable weather. It can feel necessary to pack an outfit for every possible scenario.
While that may seem like you are being prepared, those extra clothes are taking up valuable space. Even if you don't "need" the extra space, the mental and physical weight of carrying those items around can follow you your entire trip.
Instead, pack a capsule camping wardrobe including:
2 weather-appropriate shirts
1 all-weather jacket
2 pairs of pants
2 pair of shoes
4 pairs of socks and underwear
1 hat
Of course, this isn't a fully inclusive list. You will need to make changes based on the duration of your trip and the weather at the time of your trip. The goal of the capsule wardrobe is to encourage you to mix up your outfits and plan "what if's" that are not going to bog down your physical or mental space.
For the Ultimate Minimal Camping Experience, Check Out Vistabule
A teardrop camper just screams minimalistic camping. We are all about having everything you need in one efficient package.
Your camper can be designed to tailor-fit your needs and desires. You can even splurge and choose some extras –we won't tell! We've outlined all of your options on our interactive build form. Check it out below!
