Camping List-The Things You Need for Camping

Remembering to bring all the things you need for camping can be a challenge some days. Having a camping checklist is nearly a necessity. Unless you are a seasoned camper and your list is ingrained in your head. However, the most experienced campers forget things every now and then.

Forgetting something isn’t the end of the world if it’s a pillow, but when it’s breakfast.  That can ruin a campout.  When camping you want to make sure you have your gear, clothes, stove, and food, along with all the other things you need for camping.

Camping Gear You Need

-Tent

A tent or some form of shelter is one of the most important things for camping.  Without shelter, you are going to have a hard time sleeping.  Although you can sleep under the stars with just a sleeping bag it’s not easy if the weather isn’t perfect for it. So make sure you don’t forget that perfect tent you bought for camping.

-Sleeping Bag/Sleeping Pad/Cot

Sleeping bag, bag liner or some sort of bed role is important when going camping.  You will need to make sure your bag is rated for the temperatures you’re camping in. 

Make sure you don’t forget a pillow, it’s just more comfortable.  You can use clothes or a bag as a pillow, but trust me there really is no substitute for having a pillow.

For those who are getting a little older, have bad backs, or just like to be comfortable, a sleeping pad or cot is a must.  The ground is hard and most of the time no matter how smooth it looks it’s bumpy and lumpy.  No one likes having something poke them in the back all night long. 

If you don’t haven’t bought a pad or cot yet, skip buying a pad and go straight to a cot unless you are backpacking.  The older you get the more you will appreciate having a cot.  So just start with a good one and save money in the long run.

-Lights/Lanterns/Fire Starters

It’s no secret that it gets dark when you get away from the city lights.  Having some sort of light is definitely one of the things you need camping.  What kind of light you want is a personal choice although some lights are better for certain uses.  You’ll have to decide what the best camping lights are for your needs.  If nothing else make sure you bring something to start a fire for when you want some light and warmth.

-Stove/Grill/Camping Kitchen/Cooler

 Skipping eating when out camping isn’t really an option.  Which means having a way to make food.  Unless you like MRE’s.  So plan to have a camp stove or grill for cooking.  Some sort of place to set up a kitchen, and of course a cooler to keep your food fresh and out of animals reach.  If you’re in bear country you’ll want a cooler that is airtight so your food doesn’t attract bears.  Make sure you have utensils to cook your food in, depending on your menu.

Optional

• Hammock and Straps
• Chair(s)
• Clothesline
• Tent rug
• Dutch Oven, Cast Iron Pan, Griddle

Clothing

• Shoes/Boots
• Jeans/Pants/Shorts
• T-shirts/Long sleeve shirts
• Socks/extra socks
• Hat/ headcover
• Sweatshirt/jacket
• Underwear
• PJ’s
• Swimsuit/ towels
• Laundry Bag
• Extra layers for cold weather camping

Toiletries

Personal hygiene is important when camping.  Making sure you have most of if not all the things on this list will keep you clean and healthy while camping.  Even if it’s just an overnight trip.

You’ll notice toilet paper is on the list twice.  That’s because you really don’t want to be caught out in nature without it.  Don’t expect just because there’s an outhouse that it will be stocked.  Always bring your own toilet paper.

• Toilet Paper
• Prescription Medication
• deodorant
• comb/brush
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Towel
• Baby Wipes/ Wet wipes
• razor
• Kleenex
• Toilet Paper

First Aid Kit

When camping you always want to have at least a basic camping first aid kit.  Of course, you may also choose to bring a trauma care kit also.   If nothing else grab a few band-aids and some alcohol wipes for simple cuts.

Tools and Misc Stuff

This is a list of tools and miscellaneous stuff that can come in really handy when out camping.  Depending on where you are camping some of it might not be optional.  However, all of it is going to help make your trip more enjoyable, and easier.

• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen/ chapstick
• Hammer/ Mallet
• Multi-tool/ pocket knife
• Notepad/ pen
• Compass/ GPS
• Battery pack for charging phone
• Books/ magazines
• Radio
• Spare Flashlight batteries
• Duct Tape
• Bungee cords

Conclusion

There are many things you need for camping. Having a camping list is a tool to make sure you don’t any of the camping essentials. It’s best if you print out a camping list when packing.  This way you can check off what you’ve packed and what you missed.  Having the right gear, and not forgetting the important stuff like toilet paper or a pillow will make sure you have a better trip.