Camping Checklist

A camping checklist is a great way to make sure you have what you need on your next adventure. If you are car camping or are going to establish a base camp, you have a lot of options and some of what you take will depend specifically on what you or your group/family are interested in.  And of course, the size of vehicle you are driving. For instance, if you’re a family that loves baseball or softball, bring your gloves or bases or wiffle ball and bat. Allowing your group or family to enjoy things they are familiar with will help insure a great outdoor experience.

On the other hand, bringing everything including the kitchen sink can be a big pain in the butt for a number of reasons. I recommend taking a few things of interest, but not trying to bring everything. You will generally have the best outdoor experience if you include time spent doing things you don’t otherwise get to do. So go for a hike, roast some marsh mellows, break out the fishing poles, enjoy time spent under the stars, kick back, and let the fresh air sooth your soul.

Here is camping checklist of the basics and a few others:

• Tent
• Items of interest to you,  your friend or family (like a ball and bat)
• Sleeping Pads
• Sleeping Bag
• Camp Cooking Kit
• Stove
• Cooler
• Camp Chairs
• Camp Food
• Snacks
• Beverages
• Lighting
• Large Water Container
• Personal Water Bottles
• Layered clothing dependent on temperature range
• Hat for sun protection and warmth if expecting cool night time temperatures
• Saw or hatchet (we highly recommend a small saw over a hatchet…campers hurt themselves too often with hatchets)
• Multi-tool
• Shovel
• Firewood (or a plan of how you will obtain it)
• Day backpack for hiking
• Hiking boots if possible
• Map of the area (navigational quality)
• Compass (it helps to have basic knowledge for using a compass. Learn to use a compass.)
• Basic First Aid Kit
• Personal Hygiene items

Other Items you might need or consider:

• Water filter (especially if you do not know if there will be potable water available)
• Bear Canister (please be sure to check if required, but you may not need while camping)
• GPS (really nice to have while hiking especially if electronic maps of area are loaded in)
• Two way radios
• Ten Mountain Essentials

Consider Renting?

Did you know you can rent camping gear? It’s pretty cool. You get top of the line camping gear that will keep you warm and dry and won’t have to invest thousands of dollars.