Don't leave home without checking this list...twice!
There is nothing worse than getting out into the woods and discovering some important camping item you left behind. There is probably something we have left off our camping gear checklist, but we haven't figured out what it is.
Enjoying the great outdoors with your family means being prepared. Here is a good start!
CAMPING GEAR Checklist
While quantities may vary according to the size of your tent, the length of your trip and the number of people in your group, your basic camping kit will comprise the following items:
BASICS
Tent
Fly
Tarp
Tent pegs
Tent poles
Guy ropes
Hammer
Portable lights, Flashlights, or lantern
Fold-up table
Chairs
Tent repair kit
Large water container (for storage)
Small water container (for personal use)
Sleeping Gear
What you sleep on depends on what you feel comfortable with and how much space you have in your vehicle to transport it. As a minimum you will need to pack:
Sleeping bag
Sleeping Pad, Air Mattress, Etc.
Blankets
Pillows (inflatable or conventional)
Cooking Equipment
You don't need much cooking equipment. Most of your camp cooking and food preparation can be done using a simple kit:
Portable gas stove
Stand for gas stove
Pans
Waterproof matches
Cutlery
Utensils - long fork, large slotted spoon and tongs
Can opener
Plates and bowls
Grill
Skillet
If you prefer to cook with a fire, add these items to the list:
Firewood
Old newspaper (for lighting fire
Extra matches
Fire starters (never use liquid fuels such as kerosene)
Barbeque cleaning equipment
Axe
Campfire tripod
Note some areas don't permit fires, or have restrictions on the collection of firewood. At other times total fire bans may be in place, necessitating the use of a gas stove. To be safe, always take a gas stove even if you plan to cook using firewood.
For cleaning up afterwards, you'll need:
Bucket
Paper towels
towel
Portable sink
Scourers
Disposable wipes
Mild biodegradable detergent
Plastic bags or garbage bags for food scraps
Personal hygiene and toiletries
Camping Gear Checklist PDF for Easy Printing
Your basics need to include enough of the following to last your trip:
-
Soap
-
Shampoo
-
Toothpaste
-
Toothbrush
-
Towel
-
Toilet paper
If going to remote locations without facilities you may wish to consider:
-
Portable shower
-
Portable toilet
-
Additional Clothing
In addition to your normal clothes, it is important to allow for bad weather conditions. You should take:
-
Boots
-
Rain gear
-
Spare clothing (kept dry)
-
Hat
-
Light long-sleeved shirt for sun protection
-
Cold-weather clothing
Safety is paramount. On any camping trip, it is important to pack these essential safety items and have them at the ready:
-
Flashlight
-
Spare batteries
-
Mobile phone
-
Mobile-phone car charger
-
Maps
-
First aid kit
-
Compass
While you might think you do not need maps for navigation, it is important to have maps on hand. Road maps can help you explain where you have broken down. A fire extinguisher is a vital part of your safety equipment.