The main focus of camping is having fun in outdoors with a few close companions. This is your must-have camping checklist, so pack that cooler, get some firewood, and get ready to unwind.
1. What To Wear
Similar to any other outdoor activity, packing for a camping trip offers more room for creativity.
As opposed to a backpacking or hiking checklist's low weight/low volume strategy, a camping checklist should place a greater emphasis on comfort.
Hiking Boots or Trail Runners
You can get away with wearing tennis shoes in a hurry because it's unlikely that you'll be carrying a hefty load at any point throughout your journey.
Don't overthink it; just bring what will keep you cozy and supportive while you do the day's scheduled activities.
Hiking Socks
Pack hiking socks intended for outdoor activities, regardless of the footwear you choose.
Because they hold onto moisture, quit insulating when wet, and take an eternity to dry even when hung in direct sunlight, cotton socks have no place in the wilderness.
Your feet will appreciate you choosing wool or synthetic fabrics over other types.
Shirt
For any outdoor activity, it's preferable to avoid cotton, just like with your socks.
No, sitting around camp in a cotton shirt won't make you hypothermic, but why take up space and effort bringing garments that aren't versatile?
Thermal Underwear
When temperatures drop at night or when camping in colder climates, thermal baselayers are excellent to have.
Did you know that your sleeping bag's temperature rating is based on the assumption that you are wearing a thermal top and bottom layers as well as a warm cap like a beanie? Just something to think about when assembling that comfortable camping sleeping arrangement.
Hiking Pants Or Shorts
Since I'm picky about who gets to see the beauty of my bare knees, I've been a vocal supporter of convertible pants for years.
I still abide by that recommendation, but since there is space for both, why not bring both? Make sure they are not cotton, though.
Outer Layer or Jacket
In all honesty, I like fleece or flannel (actual flannel, not cotton) for adventures like this, but you may carry the same down jacket or synthetic jacket you'd bring along for a hiking or backpacking trip.
Both choices are less vulnerable to harm from fire or rain. You might want to leave the pricey items at home given how much time you'll be spending by the fire (and how much a nice down jacket costs).
Rain Jacket
Although it never rains while you're having the ideal camping trip, we all know how unpredictable mother nature can be.
Make sure to include a light rain jacket on your hiking checklist as you have plenty of place for one in your backpack.
2. What To Pack
Camping Tent
You are no longer constrained to a tent that will fit in your backpack. If you read our packing list for backpacking, just imagine the complete opposite. Our Camping Tents are really suitable choice.
The size of the camping tent on your shopping list should correspond to your preferences. My personal favorites feature a roomy vestibule or awning to shield any equipment you leave outside the tent from the weather and are tall enough to stand up inside it (making changing clothes a breeze).
Sleeping Bag
You can put more emphasis on comfort here than weight or size, just like with your other sleeping accessories. No more mummy bag for you that fits like a glove.
Get yourself a sizable, rectangular bag that you can easily roll around in. Perhaps even one with a comfortable, soft polyester inside as opposed to that worn-out, nylon-lined workhorse you bring with you when hiking.
Pillow
You may also bring a pillow, that's correct.
There are a number of inflatable, ultra-compact camp pillows on the market, but you're still sleeping on an airbag at the end of the day.
Although there are some foam options available, I recommend just bringing your regular cushion from home. Don't fix it if it isn't broken.
Camping Chair
If you're still seated on logs by the fire, is that what it means to be "glamping"?
Bring a chair for yourself. A good one. featuring cupholders.
The traditional foldable camp chair is hard to top with its back support and two armrests, but it's 2021, so you know you have options.
The heavy-duty collapsible scoop chairs that use the same tough aluminum poles as a hiking tent for incredibly quick construction and breakdown are my favorites. These camp chairs are virtually unbreakable and fold down to about one-fourth the size and weight of conventional folding chairs.
However, a few businesses now produce camping chairs if you truly want to enjoy a little bit of luxury in the outdoors.
Ask me how I know, but these zero-gravity-style chairs come with a footrest and are cozy enough to induce slumber. Although they are a little larger than the typical camp chair, if unwinding is your first priority, look no further.
Here are 10 essentials below:
(1) Water; (2) Food; (3) Your Camping Kitchen; (4) Cooler; (5) Camp Stove & Fuel; (6) Cookware; (7) Dishes & Utensils; (8) Coffee Maker; (9) Folding Table; (10) First Aid
3. Creature Comforts For Your Camping Checklist
The item on your camping checklist that will truly make your trip unforgettable is this one.
Although truly roughing it in the bush is a fun activity, it has its place and time. Never hesitate to bring anything that can make your group's camping trip more enjoyable.
Toilet/shower: While most campgrounds offer some sort of restroom and shower amenities, not all of them are created equal. Fortunately, portable versions of both exist to help you have a slightly more... civilized stay in the woods.
Lantern: Although the headlamp is undoubtedly king in the woods, having a tiny lantern or two at camp makes it much more enjoyable. After dark, we like to keep one on the communal dining table, and when it's time for bed, we take the small hanging lantern inside to the door of our tent.
Firewood: Be sure to carry wood into camp with you to start your fire if you don't want to waste time gathering fallen wood from the ground (or if it isn't permitted). If you buy firewood from outside the forest you're camping in, you run the danger of bringing in pests.
Axe or hatchet: These are useful for dismantling timber that you purchase or find. Never cut down any trees that are still standing near your camp, whether they are dead or alive.
The greatest fire ring maintenance item, whether you're sweeping around coals or smothering a fading fire, is a shovel.
For those relaxing mornings or afternoons at camp or on the trail, hammocks are ideal. Select a few strong trees, get a book to read, and make an effort not to nod off.
No need to explain the towel. A towel should be on your camping checklist whether you plan to use the restrooms or a swimming hole nearby.
Bring sunscreen, long sleeves, a hat with a broad brim, sunglasses, or all of the above to protect yourself from the sun.
I adore all living creatures, so... But you get the impression that I dislike mosquitoes the most.
Shoes for camp: It's helpful to have a pair of easy-to-put-on, water-resistant shoes. Crocs, river shoes, and sandals I won't pass judgment on whatever works for you.
I detest people who carry speakers on hiking routes, but a little music played at a reasonable volume in camp raises the energy level overall.
Tent heater: Bringing a heater into your tent keeps it cozy and warm if you're camping during the cooler months or are just a cold sleeper in general. Although small electric heaters are also available, little gas heaters are the most common. Before bringing a tent warmer on your next vacation, do your research. All tent heaters have the potential to be deadly if used improperly.
A convenient alternative to charging your electronics in your car is a power bank or solar panel. Continue playing music and lighting lanterns.
Repair kit: If your big, cushy air mattress leaks or your tent tears, a basic repair kit will come in handy.
4. The Bottom Line On Your Camping Checklist
Making a camping checklist ought to be a low-stress exercise.
Make sure you have all you need first, and only then should you begin to add creature comforts.
Camp is typically just your base of operations: It's where everyone gathers after a day of fun to share stories and unwind unless it's pouring down rain. Ensure that you have everything you need to make the evenings just as special as the days.
Do you have a favorite campsite that isn't on our list? Please leave it in the comments section below.
Or you can just Contact us and leave your questions there.