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The Ultimate Camping and Hiking Packing List + [Printable PDF Checklist]

Preparation is the key to having an enjoyable and successful outdoor adventure.

The minute you find that any of your camping essentials is missing, it can mean the difference between a relaxing and rejuvenating camping trip to a disaster getaway you want to end right away.

A camping packing list is an excellent tool to help you plan, prepare, and organize your camping trip. You’ll need different things depending on where and how you plan to camp, the type of activities you plan on doing, and how long you will be camping.

camping-essentials

By having a camping checklist, you can ensure nothing important is left behind before leaving the house. Remember, home is many miles away and shopping amenities are not always available, especially in times of emergencies.

When camping, make sure you take all the essentials with you. A basic camping essentials list can serve as a guide and you can add or remove items depending on your individual needs.

Bonus: Download a Free Printable PDF version of this guide. The PDF version contains all the checklists found here.

Camping Essentials Checklist

Camping Gear List

SHELTER

camping-tents

Basic camping checklists always include a sturdy shelter or high quality tent, proper sleeping gear, lighting, and cooking equipment.

SHELTER

Tent Ground sheet, Cloth, or Additional tarp
Additional stakes Shade tarp, Rope, Poles and Stakes
Hammer and Axe Dustpan and Brush
Tent entry mat  Windbreaker and rainfly

BEDDING ESSENTIALS

camping-bedding-essentials

BEDDING ESSENTIALS

Sleeping bag  Air mattress
Blankets and sheets Sitting or sleeping pads placed below sleeping bags
Air pump Utility bags for storage
Pillow Mosquito head net
Sleeping pad. Cot, Tarp Air mattress repair kit

LIGHTING

lamp-camping-essential

LIGHTING

Torches Lanterns or Candles
Flashlight Waterproof Lighter or Matches
Spare Bulbs and Batteries

COOKING AND COOKING TOOLS

camping-essentials cooking-tools

COOKING AND COOKING TOOLS

Cooler Water Bucket Or Water Jug
Thermos Water Filter And Water Purifier
Water Purification Tablets (Iodine Tablets) Collapsible Water Container
Folding Table And Camp Chairs Fuel And Propane Stove
Firewood Or Charcoal Fire Starters, Newspaper
Fuel, Buddy Burner, Extra Fuel For Boiling Water Tin Can Stove, Box Oven, Dutch Oven
Bbq Grill, Campfire Grill Grill Fork And Brush
Metal Skewers Utensils, Knife, Tongs
Potato Peeler Cutting Board
Aluminum Foil Bottle Opener, Can Opener
Mixing Bowl Paper Towel
Oven Mitts, Potholders Pots And Frying Pans
Plastic Ware, Silverware Plates And Bowls
Mugs, Cups Tablecloth, Clips, Thumbtacks
Food Storage Container Ziploc Bags
Dish Towel, Rags Biodegradable Dish Soap
Bear Resistant Food Canister Rope For Hanging Food On Trees
Trash Bags Dog Food If You’Re Camping With Your Dog
Dog Food, Water Dishes

Camping Supplies List

CLOTHING

Pack enough clothing and footwear according to the weather at your camping destination.

clothing for winter

CLOTHING

Wool or Fleece Clothing (Sweater, Gloves, Vest, Pants) Jeans
Bandana Short-Sleeved And Long-Sleeved Shirts
Sleep Clothes Regular Underwear And/Or Wicking Long Underwear
Towel Laundry Bag
Lightweight Gloves For Bug Protection Quick-Drying Shorts, Pants, Swimsuit
Rain Gear

SHOES AND FOOTWEAR

hiking-boots

SHOES AND FOOTWEAR

Hiking Boots Hiking Socks
Wicking Liner Socks Rubber Shoes
Flip Flops

PERSONAL HYGIENE

personal-hygiene kit

Keep yourself clean even when you are outdoors and take with you the following hygiene items:

PERSONAL HYGIENE

Biodegradable Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner Toothbrush And Toothpaste
Hairbrush And/Or Comb Facial Cleanser
Body Lotion Deodorant
Razor Blades Shaving Cream
Toilet Paper Feminine Napkins And/Or Panty Liners
Feminine Wipes And Hygiene Products Tweezers

Camping Accessories List

MISCELLANEOUS

The following miscellaneous items are important to have on your packing list. You may want to include them depending on your camping trip.

map and camera

CAMPING ACCESSORIES LIST

Money Personal ID
Backpack Or Fanny Pack Day Pack For Shorter Hikes
Backpack Cover Maps
Compass Binoculars
Sun Hat Or Wide-Brimmed Hat Sunglasses, Contact Lenses
Waterproof Glass Ziploc Bags
Mobile Phone, Extra Battery And Car Charging Adapter Camera And Spare Batteries
Notepad And Pen Books, Radio
Games, Board Games, Cards Toys
Travel Clock Safety Pins
Clothesline And Clothing Pins Collapsible Drying Rack
Duct Tape Pocket Knife, Multi-Tool
Basic Tool Kit (Pliers, Screwdriver, Etc.) Small Sewing Kit
Cardboard Boxes, Stuff Sack If Necessary Compression Sack (To Stuff Bulky Sleeping Bags)
Fishing Gear Hammock
Bike And Helmets Umbrella
Pepper Spray Or Other Non-Lethal Bear Deterrent Trowel (For Burying Human Waste)

FIRST AID KIT

A first aid kit is essential if you are planning to spend time outdoors. You will need to have a camping first aid kit to ensure your outdoor safety.

first-aid-kit

FIRST AID KIT

Personal Medications Sinus Or Cold Medications
Antacid, Gas Relief Tablets, Antihistamine, Anti-Diarrheal, Mild Laxative Aloe Gel
Candied Ginger For Motion Sickness Insect Repellant
Sunscreen Antiseptic Wipes
Tissues Sterile Gauze Pads
Band-Aids Gauze And Tape
Cotton Swabs Disinfectant
Hydrogen Peroxide Splinting Materials
Bee Sting Kit Sterile Compress
Scissors Thermometer
Adhesive Tape Whistle
Safety Pins  Pain Reliever

CAMPING FOOD LIST

Food is always a big part of any camping trip to maintain your energy. Plan your camp meals and check out some of our easy and delicious camping recipes.

camping-food

CAMPING FOOD LIST

Water Ice And Ice Packs
Cooking Oil Butter
Bread Beer/Wine
Baked Beans S’Mores (Graham Crackers, Marshmallows And Chocolate)
Snacks And Crisps Eggs
Bacon Cheese
Tomato Sauce Dry Pasta
Rice Tomatoes, Potatoes, Onions
Sugar, Salt, Pepper, Dry Herbs And Spices Flour
Dry Yeast Dry Fruit
Beef Jerky Hotdogs And Burger Patties
Canned Vegetables And Fruits Canned Tuna
Canned Meats Milk, Juice, And Soda
Coffee And Tea Peanut Butter
Oatmeal Dried Beans
Energy Bars And Chocolate Bars Trail Mix
Powdered Milk Apple Cider Vinegar
Baking Soda Honey

Camping Tips:

  • If you are new to camping and haven’t have never experienced the great outdoors, try camping in your backyard first to have an idea of what to expect.
  • Before leaving the house, tell someone close to you about your camping plans. Let them know where you intend to go, how long you’ll be there and when you’ll be back, directions to the camping ground as well as the roads that can be taken to get there.
  • Leave your phone number behind and your vehicle details including a description of the vehicle and the license plate number.
  • Moreover, check with the campground where you are staying whether they have functional restrooms on the site, or whether they provide firewood and picnic tables at your disposal.

For your safety, keep the camping essentials checklist with you. Do all of the necessary camping planning and preparations to ensure that your trip will be a memorable getaway for you and your family, a perfect camping getaway that you’ll continue to cherish in the years to come.

Bonus: Download a Free Printable PDF version of this guide. The PDF version contains all the checklists found here.

camping-packing-printable-copy

Sources

http://www.realsimple.com/
http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/
https://www.rei.com/
http://www.pc.gc.ca/
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/
http://fun.familyeducation.com/

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