Packing for a camping trip can be daunting—but not so much when you have this handy checklist!
This checklist is meant for your average car to tent camping trip, but of course, some gear will have to be substituted or added based on where you’re camping (desert, forest, beach?), how long you’re going, how you’re getting there (car camping? backpacking in?), the weather, etc. Essentials are bolded.
Next time you’re camping, print this list out and never forget your sleeping pad, toothbrush or lighter again! (We’ve all been there.)
Tent
Sleeping bag (appropriately ranked for the temperature)
Sleeping pad (with air pump if needed)
Camp pillows (stuffing clothes in a stuff sack works well too)
Headlamp, flashlight, or lantern (with fully charged batteries!)
Matches or a lighter
Camp chairs (fold ups or more portable ones, like Crazy Creeks—logs and stumps work great too)
Mallet
Duct tape
Daytime clothes
Dry clothes for sleeping
Layers!!!
Rainwear (you never know!)
Swimsuit (and towels)
Sturdy shoes for exploring
Comfy camp shoes, like Chacos, flip-flops, crocs, etc.
Warm hat for nighttime
Backpack for day hikes
Socks and underwear (a pair or two extra than you think you need)
Clothesline and pegs
Stove
Stove fuel
Lighter or matches
Firewood (if fires are allowed)
Pots, pans
Portable coffee maker
Trash bags (you can often make do with a make-shift bag)
Plates, bowls, forks, spoons, knives, etc.
Cups and mugs
Cooler with ice packs (if you’re car camping)
Biodegradable soap, washcloths
Easy Breakfast Ideas:
Oatmeal
Fruit
Yogurt and granola (if you have a cooler)
Granola and/or meal replacement bars (like Clif, Kind, Luna, etc.)
See all camp recipes from the Hipcamp Journal.
Easy Lunch Ideas:
Sandwiches
Hummus and veggies
Peanut butter and trail mix tortilla wrap
Easy Dinner Ideas:
Canned soup
Quesadillas
Burritos
Instant rice or couscous with veggies
Mac and Cheese
Any of these sweet potato recipes
Farro, Sweet Potato, Kale and Sausage Cast Iron
See these 7 Vegan Recipes from Simply, Sweet Vegan.
Snacks
Jiffy Popcorn
S’mores (or, Banana Split S’mores!)
Hot chocolate
Jerky
Check out these camp cooking tips from Luke’s Local.
Toothbrush and paste
Soap
Shampoo or dry shampoo
Towel
Wet wipes
Tampons or pads as needed
Deoderant
Toilet paper
Any prescriptions
Sunscreen
Bug repellent
Pocket tissues
Hair brush or comb
Chapstick
Waterbottle(s), filled
Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
Blister treatment
Wallet with cash, credit cards, etc
Phone with charger or car adapter
Bandages
Gauze pads
Splinter tweezers
Antihistamine for allergic reactions
Ibuprofen
Swiss Army knife
Camera and charger or spare battery
Cards or books
Sketchpad and art supplies
Battery-operated LED lights (for vibes and extra light)
Animal Spirit Cards (we’re obsessed)
Frisbee
Coozies
Bikes and helmets
Portable speakers
Binoculars
Walkie talkies (great if you’re with the kids!)
Spare batteries
Hammock
A note on gear and spending money: Camping gear can be an expensive investment, but luckily, there are lots of rental gear companies out there, places to buy used gear (Patagonia Worn Wear, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Gear Trade), and camping hacks to make gear right from household supplies.
Even still, if you plan on camping more than once a year, it’s worth investing in some good, dependable gear that can last years. Plus, chances are that if you buy it, you’ll be more incentivized to spend more sweet, sweet time in nature. (And time in nature = priceless).
You can also bypass all that gear stuff and camp in a cabin, glamping tent, yurt, or outfitted treehouse instead! We’ve got lots listed on Hipcamp.
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