Camping season will be upon us before we know it and it's a perfect time to start getting together your checklists and hiking gear so that when the time comes, you will be fully prepared to load that car up and go.

In order to alleviate the potential frustration of cramming all of your gear into your vehicle, you may need to have a look at something like the Yakima Skybox Pro 2 as a cargo carrier. By the time we get this gear 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 interests 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 great outdoors.

1. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots. This is a must if any real trail blazing is likely to occur. Note that you won't 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 an end to the lovely hiking trip.

2. Clothes right for the weather and terrain. If you think there may be rain at all, be sure to include some dependable rain attire as climbing in these conditions while wet can get miserable pretty quickly.

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

4. A small first aid kit that includes band aids, antibacterial cream, bug repellent, aspirin and any additional medications that you may need while away.

5. A tent if you are roughing it. Also if you are tent camping, of course you will need a sleeping bag, pillow, and items to create 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 stress about the kids fighting for space in the backseat of the vehicle.

6. A completely charged mobile phone and possibly a good handheld gps gadget if you will be trekking in low populated areas.

7. Any maps that cover the area that you will be hiking in. You might also think about bringing a compass if you want to do it the old fashioned way without today's technologically advanced gps systems.

8. Depending on your interests, 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 meals if you are bringing the family pet along.

begin getting your camping list together that includes all of the items that are vital to you and your family. Before you know it, it will be time to pack up the kids, the vehicle and the Yakima Skybox 21 on top of your vehicle and off you go. We hope that this article will get you started and that you have many wonderful camping adventures ahead of you.