Camp Like a Pro: Your Must-Have Packing List
Packing List Paralysis
Packing for a camping or backpacking trip can feel like a mental mountain. I listen to survival stories and I often catch myself saying that the adventurers in the stories could have avoided disaster by bringing a critical item. Unfortunately, this thought is pretty removed from reality, because when I pack everything I think I could need, I end up try to carry my whole house into the wild. So the goal of this must-have packing list is to be a mental relief from the calculus of what to bring. Hopefully, you can use this list and be safe, and thus focus on what matters most—soaking in the beauty of the great outdoors. As always, this list is not a complete safety net against all the elements or variables that the great outdoors can summon. Apply some common sense, do some personal research, and consult the experts of that region if you are getting into something that sounds more remote. Make sure to scroll to the bottom where you’ll find a Pinterest style check list that you can save for your next trip!
For starters, camping is more than just sleeping outside on the ground… It’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature, to unwind under the stars, and create unforgettable memories with friends and family. My favorite memories from childhood are camping as a family! The best part is that you can vacation and do it on a budget!
If you’re looking for an in-depth blog about camping for your first time, head over to my Camping for beginners and solo campers blog!
7 must-have Large Basic Items
1. Tent:
Here are three tents I would recommend for Tent camping! They aren’t light but when you’re not backpacking you can have more of the luxury items!
2. Table:
3. Cook Stove:
Two grills I recommend and have used – Dont forget propane fuel!
4. Something to sit on:
I love my double-person chair from Kelty! I also have a small compact chair that I always have as a backup.
5. Sleeping Pad:
No one enjoys camping if they don’t get a good night of sleep! these 4″ sleeping pads from LUNO will make you question if you’re actually in your own bed! They have tons of great comfortable sleeping pad options. You can use them both inside the tent or inside your car!
6. Sleeping bag:
I don’t think sleeping bags are a necessity until it gets below 50 at night! So bring your comforters if you only summer camp! Otherwise here are 3 great cozy options for sleeping bags:
7. Cooler:
I love RTIC brands for all my coolers. If you are always cooking at your campsite. you want your ice to last. I usually use this 52 Quart and then do a small soft cooler separate for drinks if I’m going on a 3+ day trip.
14. Kitchen supplies and other small must-have necessities
1. Water Container
We use so much water while camping between cooking, dishes and drinking. It’s important to bring a lot or at least somewhere to keep it if your campground has water available.
2-6. Mugs + Bowls + Utensils + Pans
Another thing that is not necessary when you are starting out. but if you dont have tin or plastic items to bring camping you might want to buy a separate set specifically for camping so that it can always stay with your camping gear
Dish set Utentsils Pans Griddle Mugs
7-11. Dish Sink + Soap + Rag +Trash
12-14. Camp Lights and headlamps
7 Large Items to consider for packing
16 Small Items to Consider
Bug Spray Sunscreen Bathroom Organizer kit
Speaker Camp Shoes Sound Machine Portable Fan
Clothes Line Camp towel Camp blanket Dirty laundry bag
Camp pillow Hand sanitizer Wet wipes Paper Towels Extra Garbage bags
7 Safety Items
Med Kit Hand Warmers Bear Horn Multi Tool Tick Remover
Extra batteries for lights Rain Ponchos
Hope this helps!
If you’re just getting started, check out my Camping for Beginners blog post.
Also feel free to Pin this packing list and save this for later!
