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.
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.
Camping Essentials Checklist
Camping Gear List
SHELTER
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
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
LIGHTING |
|
Torches | Lanterns or Candles |
Flashlight | Waterproof Lighter or Matches |
Spare Bulbs and Batteries |
COOKING AND 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 |
|
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
SHOES AND FOOTWEAR |
|
Hiking Boots | Hiking Socks |
Wicking Liner Socks | Rubber Shoes |
Flip Flops |
PERSONAL HYGIENE
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.
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 |
|
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 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.
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/