The Essential Camping Gear Checklist

So, you've decided to go camping and may be asking yourself "What camping gear do I need?" We've got the answers!

Gathering the right materials for a comfortable and cozy campsite makes all the difference. Whether you're camping for the first time or the 10th time, having a list and checking it twice is key to making sure you don't forget essential gear. To help, we've created an all encompassing camping gear checklist, so you'll be prepared for your next adventure.

Your camping gear list might vary depending on the destination and trip-duration you have planned, but we’ve created a comprehensive list to use when prepping for your next trip. Add and remove items to suit your camping agenda. We recommend bookmarking this page so you can double check your list before each trip!

What to Bring Camping:

Campsite

• Tent
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping pad or cot
• Camping pillow
• Headlamp
• Flashlight and lantern 
• Camping Chairs
• Camp table
• Trowel/shovel (if outhouses are unavailable)
• Clear plastic bins for storage
• Firewood

Optional

• Tarp/shelter

• Extra blanket(s)
• Hammock 
• Outdoor rug
• Clothesline with clips (can be used to hang wet clothes and suspend food off the ground)

Camp Kitchen

• Stove and fuel

• Bear canisters
• Cookware (pots and pans)
• Eating utensils
• Cooking utensils
• Sharp knife 
• Bowls/plates and cups
• Cutting board
• Water bottles 
• Biodegradable soap
• Sponge
• Garbage and recycling bags
• Quick-dry wash towel
• Matches/lighter/fire starter
• Water filter/purification

Consumable Items

• Water
• Beverages (juice, milk, coffee, tea, spirits)
• Condiments and spices
• Cooking oil
• Food (meal plan in advance for less stress!)

Optional

• Marshmallow/hot dog roasting forks
• Large, clear plastic bins to store kitchen supplies
• Bottle opener

Tools and Repair

• Multitool

• Duct tape

Clothing and Footwear

• Quick-dry pants/shorts
• Wicking shirts
• Wicking underwear
• Light fleece or jacket
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Camp shoes (easy to slip on and off - ex. durable sandals)
• Wicking socks
• Hats (one warm, one for sun)
• Sunglasses
• Long-sleeve shirt (for layering, sun, and bug protection)
• Rain jacket (and rain pants)
• Warm down jacket
• Warm pants (fleece or wool)
• Sleepwear 

Optional

• Gloves

• Swimsuit
• Bandana 

Personal Gear

• Daypack
• Water bottles (or hydration pack)
• Whistle 
• Phone and portable charger
• Credit card/cash and ID
• Campsite reservation confirmation/Park pass (if needed)

Optional

• Trekking poles
• Binoculars

First Aid Kit

• Bandages 
• Moleskin (for blisters)
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibacterial ointment
• Prescription medication
• Ibuprofen, antacids (stomachache), and antihistamine (allergies)

Health and Hygiene

• Toilet paper 
• Hand sanitizer
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Quick-dry towel
• Menstrual products
• Sunscreen (water-safe sunscreen is ideal!)
• Insect repellent (try to buy non-toxic products)
• Portable shower

• Baby wipes
• Alcohol wipes
• Extra toiletries (soap, shampoo, skin care, dry shampoo, etc)
• Comb/brush
• Mirror

Activities

• Games and activities (cards, coloring book and pens, bedtime stories, etc)
• Portable speaker
• Instruments 
• Glow sticks (a DIY night light, and can be attached to the outside of the tent so kids know where home-base is)
• Floaties (for campsites near water spots)