The time will be here to hike and camp again before you know it. In order to be ready and organized, let’s create some checklists of our camping items so that we have everything we need to look for and organize in one place.

In order to alleviate the potential stress of stuffing everything into your vehicle, you may need to have a look at something similiar to the Yakima Skybox Pro 21 as a cargo solution. By the time we get this camping list together, you will see the great thing about having everything stored on top of the car or truck in this big compact rooftop carrier.

Now let’s start with the packing list. Of course this will change as your hobbies and likes may be different but we will assume that hiking, fishing and outdoor activities are high on your list of things that you enjoy doing while hiking in the woods.

1. Good hiking shoes or boots. This is a must if any real trekking is likely to occur. Note that you will not want to wear a brand new pair of boots without first breaking them in at least just a little. This is important because if you don’t follow this guideline you could end up with some very sore feet, putting a stop to the weekend camping excursion.

2. Gear right for the weather and trails you’ll be hiking. If you think there may be rain at all, be sure to include some decent rain attire as trekking in these conditions while wet can get miserable pretty quickly.

3. A backpack that is size appropriate depending on how long you will be climbing at a time and if the hikes will include sleeping somewhere overnight. Be sure that you can easily carry with you food, an extra layer of shirts, a small kit of medical items and water to name a few items.

4. Don’t forget to bring some medical supplies just in case of an emergency. This kit should include any prescriptions that you are currently taking, aspirin or tylenol, antibacterial wipes and cream, band aids and of course bug repellant and sunscreen.

5. A tent if you are tent camping. Also if you are tent camping, of course you will need a sleeping bag, pillow, and items to light your campfire. These bigger items will fit very nicely on top of the car in your Yakima Skybox cargo storage unit so you need not grow frustrated about the kids fighting for space in the backseat of the vehicle.

6. A totally charged cell phone and maybe a good portable gps device if you will be trekking in low populated areas.

7. Any maps regarding the area that you will be trekking in. You might also consider bringing a compass if you want to do it the old fashioned way without today’s technologically advanced gps systems.

8. Depending on what you like to do, bring all your fishing gear, hunting equipment, swimsuits, the canoe…you name it. Bring those items that will keep you, the kids and the dog happy. Hint…don’t forget the dog treats if you are bringing the family pet along.

Begin getting your hiking checklist together that includes all of the items that are critical to you and your family. Before you know it, it will be time to pack up the kids, the truck and the Yakima Skybox 21 on top of your car and off you go. We hope that this information will get you started and that you have many wondeful trekking adventures ahead of you.