Camping. It’s great, isn’t it? The outdoors, fresh air, and campfires. The scent of the mandatory charcoal, spare batteries and sleeping bags. And the best part? The amazing stories and experience shared with old friends, and sometimes even making new friends. For novice campers, however, there could be an entire list of must-have items that are too easy to forget. But we know this: If you’re prepared and organized, you’re definitely going to have a good time!

There are so many things you can take with you before you head out. We’ve caught up with athlete and camping lover Mohammed Jaffar and listed some essentials you should pack before you leave, or pick up on your way over to base camp. Jaffar also suggests that you inform someone who isn’t traveling with you where you’ll be and for how long. Safety  first.

The sleep essentials

This counts everything you’ll need to sleep comfortably, from sleeping bags, to ultimate warmth and extra blankets because it will be freezing cold. Make sure what you’re packing is functioning well, otherwise you’ll need a plan B and won’t have any good rest.

• The tent. First on the list forever.
• Sleeping bag or mattress or pillows. Put it inside the tent, but only after the tent is set up.
• Flashlight. This will help you see better when you use your eyes in the dark.
• Pillows. But only if you like pillows.

The food and food preparation essentials

Don’t worry, you don’t have to forage for your next meal when camping. And while foraging for food is also a super fun activity, you can rest assured that you can make your campfire dining experience a supremely delicious one. But know that you will need snacks to keep your energy up, and you should stay hydrated.

• Water. And lots of it. Take at least a liter per person per day. Then add several liters on top of that to the total just to be safe.
• Cans of food. A camp favorite for a reason. No need for refrigeration means it is ready to eat when you need it. From pasta to beans, from tuna to some veggies, even baby hot dogs – most camp-friendly things can be found in a can!
• Can opener. Or just get canned goods with a peel- top.
• Food that can be consumed on the day. Bring what you plan to grill in the cooler and on ice, and cook it within 12 hours. What’s a campfire without a grill up? We leave it up to you to decide condiments and spices.
• Grill and Firestarter. Bring a campfire grill, a small hibachi grill or just be prepared to make your own fire at camp (in the designated area safely) but be sure to pack some firestarters. Alternatively, bring newspapers.
• Cooking pots or pans. Part of the charm of camping in Kuwait is enjoying a hot meal as the temperatures drop.
• Charcoal or wood. Bring more than you think you’ll need.
• Utensils, plates and airtight containers. Yes, you need this.
• A cooler. Keep everything safe and sound in this useful  lidded  box for things  you will consume later.

The extracurricular and other essentials

Everything else goes here. You’ll want some fun activities to do, maybe an awesome camera to capture your new adventures, and of course great campfire  stories!

• Playing cards. Traditional playing cards are the standard. You can shake things up by taking a card- based game that’s been invented in the last twenty years. Plenty of new ones to choose from.
• Books. Go old school. Bring a book and see what happens.
• Board games. A little research will go a long way. Thousands of board games exist,  and  many  more are invented each year. We may have grown up with Monopoly and Candyland, but other award-winners abound for you to fall in love with.
• A power bank. When you don’t have access to an outlet, bring your own. These can vary in power, bring one that’s big enough to cycle through several charges before it gives out. For example, 20,000mAh will get you between seven to eight phone charges before it’s spent. And don’t forget to bring the correct cables in order to actually charge what you need to charge. And the phone of course.
• First aid kit. You never know when you’ll need one, so always keep one with you.
• Insect repellent. Depending on the time of year, and where you are, this is a must-have or a must- miss.
• Trash bags. Leave it like you found it, and everyone will thank you for it.

Once you check the above off your list, adjust for the specifics of your camping extravaganza – like a change of clothes or a hat. The essentials are done, you’re packed, you’re ready to have fun. The  rest, well, that’s  all up to you. Happy camping!

For more information on camping, visit redbull.com and follow them on Instagram @redbullkuwait.