Camping for Dummies

I have a confession, I haven’t been in a tent since I was ten. And I hated it. But, I was young and in an uninspiring park in an uninspiring part of the country (Maryland.) But the great outdoors, it’s really one of the most beautiful parts of the United States and I haven’t seen nearly enough of it. I’ve spent my adult life as a city girl, immersed in art museums, cafes and architecture. I hadn’t given it much thought until I picked myself up and moved to the Pacific Northwest. And now, smack in my face, is really, beautiful stuff. Mt. Rainier, Olympic Peninsula, San Juan Islands to just name a few. So, this roadtrip is an educational trip of sorts, to beef up on my outdoorsy skills and hopefully not drive Pam and Peter crazy with my inane questions.

So, in attempt to not drive them crazy before we leave, I’m asking you, internets, what does one pack when they go camping? I’m not talking about basic gear like tents, sleeping bags, etc (REI has got us covered) but what about those personal items that keep you sane on a trip? And what the heck should I be leaving at home? (*Disclaimer* I’m a light packer, I just spent three weeks in Italy with only a backpack that I carried on the plane. So, no worries, I won’t be packing high heels, multiple changes of clothes or obscene amounts of makeup.)