what to bring camping

Camping is great but packing for one might not. 

As there are a lot of things that need to be packed for the perfect camping trip and somehow even after careful packing, we always forget something.

So we come to search camping checklists mark with “definitive” online but it turns out they are always missing something or not friendly printable.

However, this master camping essentials checklist will help.

It has all-inclusive and must-bring camping necessities for your camping trip. And I will provide both pdf and excel versions for easily printable.

It ensures all the areas of camping are covered as the expert suggested for an unforgettable camping trip.

Here you will find the comprehensive packing solutions, no matter you hike as a beginner or camp with families under different conditions in hot summer or cold weather, or you are just looking for camping checklist for dogs.

What You Will Learn

What to Bring Camping? The Ultimate Camping Checklist for You (All in One)

Planning a camping trip and packing for one doesn’t have to be such a headache if you have a definitive master camping checklist to help you out.

In this camping list, I assert all essentials to different catalogs based on their functions, various location and situation with informative details, to help you always be well prepared for almost every camping trip you decide to take.

Keep reading to figure out why you should bring these essentials and what not pack for camping.

Personal Essentials:

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First and foremost, don’t forget your essential necessities as these are a must bring for every camping trip you plan to go to:

One/Two cellphone (in case of one lost or emergencies)

Charger

Power (electric or polar)

Identity Card

Cash/Debit card/Credit card

Tickets (if you travel far)

Passport (if you travel abroad)

House key (for when you get back from the camping trip)

Health Card (for emergency if required)

Pen/Pencil

Notebook/Notepad

Watch (to keep track of time if your electronics don’t work)

Driver’s license (check if it’s open to the abroad you will travel)

Camping Permit (depends on your location)

Fishing permit (optional)

Boaters license (optional)

Bags:

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Even travelling in a car, you still need to have the right bags for carrying all the camping essentials. The size of your bag should be enough to carry all your necessities. And trust me, it won’t be too big nor will it have empty space. Because you will be prompted to fill it with everything that you deem necessary. No matter what, check if you prepare such bags:

Backpack with rainfly (preferably waterproof for convenience)

Utility bags (better less 40L, and only for personal necessities)

Trash compactor bags (to keep your gear dry and clear the waste)

Laundry bags (for dirty clothes)

Storage bags

Shelter:

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Shelter essentials can keep you secure and ensure you a good and warm sleeping from bugs or snakes. You will spend the day and night in the wild and you can’t just sleep on the grass, right? Therefore, you need the following things to keep you dry and safe:

Waterproof tent

Tent bag (for carrying the tent)

Tent poles (to set up the tent)

Tent ground cloth (for placing under the tent so it doesn’t get wet)

Tent rain-fly/tarp (to protect your tent from rain)

Tent stakes/footprint/pegs (to fix your tent to the ground)

Stake remove mallet (to fix and remove tent stakes/pegs)

Guy-line markers (to make guy line and cords visible so you don’t trip)

Entrance door carpet (to keep dirt out of your tent if necessary)

Bedding:

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Bedding items are necessary if you want to have a good night’s sleep and wake up fresh. It’s the basis to enjoy your camping trip to the fullest. But keep in mind, different areas you gonna travel with hot or cold weather needs different bedding gears, which I will list very detailed in a printable version below that you can download.

Air mattress/sleeping pad/cot

Sleeping bag

Sleeping bag liners (keeps sleeping bag free of dirt)

Camping pillow

Tent rain-fly/tarp (to protect your tent from rain)

Eyeshade

Earplugs (to reduce the noise for better sleeping)

Hammock (to relax during the day)

Extra tarp

Air pumps (to inflate the air mattress or dry the clothes)

Extra sheets/blanket

Wear and Dress for Camping:

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Pack clothes made of breathable athletic fabrics instead of cotton to wick away the sweat. If you camping in hot summer, wear short sleeves and shorts, or choose ultralight long sleeves and pants for sun protection. When it gets rainy or stormy, make sure you bring wear waterproof and quick-dry. If you dress for cold weather, pack clothes that are warm, moisture-wicking, waterproof and windproof.

All Weather

Hiking Shoes/boots

Socks (moisture-wicking)

Underwear

Bandanas

Water Sandals/ Flip flop

Sleep clothes

Belt

Gloves

Extra shoes

Extra weather-ready clothes

Hot Summer

Short pants (Quick-dry)

Short-sleeved T-shirts

Long-sleeved shirts

Long pants

Headband

Lightweight Sweatshirt

Waterproof jacket

Cold Weather

Wool Cap/ Synthetic ski cap

Warm long-sleeved shirt

Warm sweater

Windproof wind jacket

Warm long pants

Warm Mittens

Wool Scarf

Long underwear

Snow pants or ski pants

Socks (wool or synthetic)

Hand warmers

Sturdy shoes (loose fitting)

Snow pants or ski pants

Tent heater

Extra blankets

Stay Clean Essentials:

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Hygiene is very important to keep you fresh and health. Especially when you camping with kids, to stay clean comes in the priority. Even though hygiene is not so easy as at home in the wilderness, but following must-have essentials will enough:

Tooth brush and Tooth paste

Soap/Shampoo (for washing hands, body, hair)

Quick-dry towel

Toilet paper

Deodorant (to keep smelling fresh)

Feminine Products

Comb/brush

Hair ties/bands

Camp mirror

Razor

Hand warmers

Nail Clippers

Hand sanitizer (for quick sanitizing of hands)

Alcohol/antiseptic wipes

Clothesline with clips

Portable Camp Shower (to take a quick shower at camp)

Camp privacy shelter (for creating privacy when showering)

Protection from Rain:

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It might rain while you’re out camping. So, you need the following gear to protect yourself from rain:

Rain gear

Poncho (to keep yourself warm when it is raining)

Quick-dry towel

Umbrella

Raincoat

Protection from Sun:

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For camping in sunny hot summer, you need protection from the sun, so you don’t get sunburned. Following essentials are required for camping in broad daylight:

Hat (better wide-brimmed)

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Lip balm with SPF

Sunburn lotion (for sun burn relief)

Mini portable fan

First Aid Kit:

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First Aid kit is must-have camping essential, that should include personal care for protection from wound or burn and common prescription medications, as well as emergency calling equipment for survival, including:

Must Have Items

First aid manual

Personal medical information

Contact person (emergency person to be contacted immediately)

Alcohol (used to disinfect the wound)

Thermometer (in case of fever like symptoms)

Whistle (to alert people when help needed)

Pocket knife

Fire sparker (to start a fire in case of lighter or matches can’t work)

Extra rope

Road flares (to signal emergency)

Coins (for emergency phone calls)

Emergency strobe

Satellite phone

Duct tape

Wound and Burn Care Essentials

Wound and burn care essentials are necessary to treat injuries while at the camp. Starting fires of the bonfire can accidentally cause burns which must be treated immediately. Following is a list of important wounds and burn care essentials.

Bandages

Gauze pads (to reduce excessive bleeding due to injury)

Cotton swabs/Q-tips

Moleskin (to treat blisters)

Safety pins (used for fixing bandages)

Splinting materials (to stabilize broken bones)

Heat/cold packs (used to ease the pain)

Nitrile gloves (worn when treating wounds to prevent infection)

Antiseptic wipes

Hydrogen Peroxide (prevent infection on minor cuts and injuries)

Hydrocortisone Cream (reduce swelling, itching, and redness from insect bites)

Burn ointment

Vicks Vapor rub (relieve cold symptoms and aches)

Insect repellent

Snake bite kit

Bee sting kit

Medical waste bag

Waterproof container (to carry first aid supplies dry and clean)

Medications

These medicines can help you feel better and make the most of your camping trip if you start feeling under the weather or worn out:

Prescription Medications

Cold Medication

Throat lozenges (to stop coughing and relieve throat pain)

Antacid (to relieve heartburn, indigestion or an upset stomach)

Antidiarrheal

Allergy Medication

Pain Reliever (for relieving pain due to injury or sore muscles)

Eyedrops

Oral rehydration salts

Glucose (used for energy)

Injectable epinephrine (to treat life threatening allergic reactions)

Navigational Tools:

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If you don’t want to get lost on your way to the campsite, or you go adventure more challenge, you will need the following essential navigational tools for travelling:

Portable GPS

Map/Guidebook

Compass

Two-way radios

Portable water-resistant speaker

Lighting Essentials:

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It’s going to get dark, really dark in the forest after sunset. So, don’t forget to pack the essential lights for illumination.

Solar lantern (don’t forget to charge it during daytime)

Headlamps (so can let your hands free)

Camp flashlight

Extra batteries (in case the batteries run out)

Solar and portable power (to charge batteries or electronics)

Glow sticks

Nylon or parachute cord

Repairs & Multi-Function Tools:

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A camping repair kit is for you when any camping gear needs immediate repair and maintenance. If you just camp for one day or overnight, it’s not recommended to take. But if you travel far for a long time or camp by car, you will need:

Pad/Mattress repair kit

Small sewing kit

Tent repair kit

Multi-tool

Nails

Shovel

Hammer

Saw/axe

Scissors

Tweezers

Trekking poles

Backpacking Fast Meals:

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Fast meals and snacks are necessary for convenience, as you are bound to get hungry while you are on the way or the cook not ready. Prepare these fast meals can be consumed at any time anywhere.

Drinking water

Beverages (any of your liking)

Bread

Peanut Butter/Jams/Spreads (for making sandwiches)

Cheese (for making sandwiches)

Chips

Biscuits

Cookies

Trail snacks

Fruits

Dry Fruits (for eating as a snack)

Chocolates/Candies

Silicone travel bottle

Mini Water Filtration System (for convenience when hiking)

Cooking Essentials:

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Tableware

After the food is prepared, your dishes and dishware to serve the food in. The following necessary items can help you set up a table and food. But if you want to make thing simple, just bring your forks, spoons and bowls.

Folding table

Tablecloth with clips (optional)

Folding chairs

Spoons/Forks

Plates

Bowls

Drinking Cups

Coffee Cups

Cookware

Stick with cookware that is lightweight and portable. If you hike for one person, stove and fuel are all you need. If you go camping with families, bring all set of cooking equipment to make a rich breakfast for kids.

Stove and Fuel

Frying pan with lids

BBQ grill

Utensils

Pie Irons

Coffee Maker

Dutch Oven

Lighter or Matches (to start a fire)

Firewood/Charcoal

Kitchen Supplies and Utensils

The following items are the equipment to help you prepare the food before you cook:

Cooler (to keep your food and beverages cold)

Aluminum foil (to wrap foods or use in cooking food)

Pronged fork

Roasting forks

Basting Brush

Spatula

Tongs

Potholders

Paring knife (to peel and chop fruits and vegetables)

Chef’s knife (used for mincing, slicing, chopping)

Cutting board

Mixing bowl

Can opener

Wine bottle opener (if you bring wines)

Measuring cup

Measuring spoon

Slotted Spoon

Water Bottles

Vegetable Peeler

Strainer

Pantry Food Items

Pantry food items are materials and ingredients for cooking recipes. Following are camping food list that almost includes all of the essential pantry items you can take:

Milk (for making coffee, tea, etc.)

Cereal

Coffee/Tea

Creamer

Oil (for cooking and frying)

Flour

Baking soda/Baking powder

Salt/Pepper/Sugar/Creamer

Garlic/Onion powder

Other Condiments (to add flavor in food)

Vegetables/Meat/Poultry

S’mores

Cleanup After Meals

Cleaning up after eating is necessary. Make sure you include the following things in your camping list.

Napkins

Dish Soap (for washing dishes)

Dishcloth

Paper towel

Ziplock bags

Trash bags

Entertainment and Fun:

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Kindle (if you don’t want to pack heavily with books)

iPad (for travel records, playing games, watching movies or reading books)

Books (especially the kids’ favorite)

Binoculars

Camera

Playing cards

Deck of cards

Dice

Checkers

Chess

Guitar

Bikes (Don’t forget locks!)

Car Camping Checklist

Car camping trips are loads of fun. But before you hit the road make sure your car is in proper shape and fill the fuel tank to its fullest. Do keep extra fuel with you and fill up whenever you see a gas station. As you never know when you’ll run out of it. Have your driving license with you and any permits if required for camping. Park out of the way when you’re setting up your campsite and invest in comfortable sleeping gear as you will need a good night’s sleep after driving the whole day. Then you are ready for a car trip by following the ultimate camping essentials checklist guide above.

Lightweight Camping Checklist: Pack for One Night One Person

Planning for a short camping trip on your own? Then you need to pack all the necessary items with careful planning and pack as light as possible. Taking essentials for shelter and sleeping might be enough. Of course, bring ready-made food and snacks for your trip and don’t try to pack all of your cookware, unless you are planning a party. You have to focus on packing light and not overburden yourself to keep active.

This gear list can be also apply for couples when camping.

Backpack

Clothes (as weather required)

Waterproof boost

Small ruck sack (For personal necessities)

Cash/ID/credit card/change

Phone/charger

Solar power

Lighting

Maps/Guidebook

Notepad and pen

Waterproof tent

Ground Cloth/Tarp

Inflatable mattress

Sleeping bag

Camping pillow (optional)

Matches/lighter

Food/Water

Energy bars

Mug/Bowl/Plate

Knife/fork/spoon

Medicines

First aid kit

Hygiene essentials

Toiletries

Trash bags

Navigation tools

Camping Checklist for Families with Kids

Camping with the family is a memorable bonding experience for the parents and their kids as they relax and have fun. But comes to camping one? May not so fun.

Prep some meals at home and store them in the cooler so you won’t rush off your feet to cook at the campsite. Besides, bring stuff the kids can play for fun. Therefore, besides above camping essentials, the following are the must bring essentials for a family camping trip:

Large camping tent

Kid-sized day backpack

Sun hat for shade

Warm hat for cold

Extra clothes for kids

Water wings (for swimming)

Swim shirt (if you go somewhere can swim)

Child-sized binoculars (for your kid to explore)

Field guides

Bug collection boxes

Butterfly net (to catch butterflies with the kids)

Camp art kit (to play arts and crafts with the kids)

Stuffed animal (for the kids to play or sleep with)

Toys

Camping Checklist with Baby/Toddler

Few people will go camping with the baby, because camping with a baby is not an easy task as they require a lot of stuff for care. But if you really want to plan one, you need the following baby care essentials to take care of your toddler while at camp besides your own essentials.

Baby food

Formula (bring enough if you don’t breastfeeding any more)

Bottles

Thermos

Stroller (for your baby to sit in, when you go for a walk)

Baby carrier

Clothes (bring replacement enough for your baby)

Sun hat (to shade your baby from the sun)

Warm hat

Socks

Shoes

Bibs

Baby wipes

Diapers

Diaper rash cream

Baby bath and lotion (for keeping your baby clean and moisturized)

Baby blanket

Cot sheets (if you bring a cot)

Swaddles

Baby monitor (to keep a check when you cook or not accompany with baby in tent)

Playpen

Portable high chair

Bouncy chair (so your baby can be entertained)

Toys

Camping Checklist with Dog

Dogs are amazing pets and they make a camping trip way better and fun. When you camp with a dog, you need to make sure you pack enough food for your dog and also don’t forget the toys to play. Also, you need to keep a careful eye on your dog and take necessary precautions so it doesn’t get lost in the woods. Check the following camping essentials:

Dog food

Treats

Long-lasting chews

Clean water

Collapsible bowls

Dog aid kit (to treat any injuries and wounds of your dog)

Pet’s vaccination (in case of illness)

Collar with ID tags (in case the dos gets lost)

Short and long leashes

Bike attachment

Harness

Bear bell (to keep the bears away)

Bark control

Tie-out stake (to keep your dog from going astray)

Crate

Bed and blanket

Extra towel for your dog

Comb/ Brush

Booties

Extra dog waste bags

Toys/Balls

Dog tent

All-weather tarp

Pet life jacket (to protect your dog from drowning in the lake)

Photos of your dog (in case get lost)

Dog collar LED lights (so you don’t trip over them at night

Camping Checklist with Horses

Planning to take a trip with a horse? Then you need to pack all the essentials required for taking care of the horse. Before the actual camping day, make sure your horse is accustomed to the outdoors and will adjust to the campsite. The following essentials apart from the necessary camping gear can make you a perfect camping trip with the horses:

Easy boots

Protective boots (used for horseback riding)

Bear spray (to keep bears away)

Horse aid kit (to treat wounds and injuries of your horse)

Gun with ammunition (for cowboy mounted shooting. Be sure to check policies)

Weed-free hay

Alfalfa pellets

Grain

Salt lick

Saddle with pad

Breast collar

Hobble

Highline rope

Bridle (headgear used to cool the horse down)

Halter

Horn bags (used for carrying necessities while riding the horse)

Backpacking electric fence (to keep your horse safe in the woods)

Hoof pick

Curry comb

Lead line

Fly mask

Collapsible bucket

Leather cleaner

Motorcycle Camping Checklist

If you are deciding to take a camping trip on a motorcycle, you cannot carry everything with you and therefore you need to pack light. You need to have a well-maintained motorcycle for safe and smooth travelling. There probably won’t be any mechanics available near the camp so you need to make sure it won’t break down.

Also, carry extra fuel for your motorcycle and have your tank filled before leaving. Furthermore, it is essential to know your routes when going on a motorcycle camping trip. Carry your portable GPS, compass, and maps with you so you don’t get off route and reach your destination.

Well Maintained Motorcycle

Extra Fuel for Motorcycle

Spare Key

GPS

Backpack for shot hiking

Tent

Sleeping Bag

Air Mattress

Flashlight

Power

Water Bottle

Food/Snacks/Beverages

Cookware

Lighter/Fire Starter

Hygiene Essentials

Boost

Socks

Clothes

Helmet

Sunglasses

Raincoat

Medicines/First aid kit

Repair kit

Beach or Lake Camping Checklist

Camping at the beach is one of the best camping trips you can have, as you can play at the beach, make sand castles, surf, swim, and, just lay in the sun and enjoy the weather. But don’t forget to wear sunscreen to avoid sunburns.

Apart from the necessary camping essentials, you would need the following essentials to make the most of your time while camping at the beach:

Must Bring Essentials:

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Sunglasses

Broad-brimmed hat

Sunscreen with high SPF

Life jacket

Ziploc bags (keep your stuff dry and sand-free)

Water shoes

Beach balls

Beach blanket

Frisbee

Toys

Swimming Gear:

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Swimsuits

Swim goggles

Swim earplug

Nose clip

Swim cap

Snorkel Gear:

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Wetsuit

Diving Mask with snorkel

Fins

Swim cap

Mask strap cover for long hair

Waterproof bag

Waterproof Camera (for taking photographs under water)

Weight belt (helps divers go deep under water)

Lights

Snorkeling watch (waterproof)

Surfing Gear:

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Surfboards

Surfboards bag

Leash

Traction Pad

Wetsuit

Earplugs (used to prevent water from going into ears while swimming)

Boardshorts

Boots (helps surf when worn by surfers, usually in winter)

Gloves

Hoods (covers head and neck while surfing)

Dry bag

Surf watch (used to predict waves in the sea)

Kayaking Gear:

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Kayak

Paddles

Flotation device

Helmet

Kayak seat

Kayak shoes

Dry top

Gloves

Dry bag

Kayak cart

Roof rack (used on cars for carrying kayak)

Bilge Pump

Repair kit for kayak

Fishing Gear:

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Boaters license

Fishing permit (check permission to fish before you proceed)

Rods

Reel

Line

Hooks

Baits/lures

Bobbers

Sinkers

Swivels

Line cutter

Needle nose pliers

Foldable fishing box (to store the caught fishes)

How to Pack Your Camping Essentials As An Expert?

There is not one specific way to pack for a camping trip as it totally depends on the campers. The location you want to go, the activities you want to do and even the time and month of the year matters when packing for a camping trip.

Following are some tips to help you pack your camping essentials to make the best of your backpack:

1. Need Identification.

First and foremost is deciding where you’re going and what type of activities you plan to do when you reach the campsite. For the things, you pack in your backpack, totally depend on your needs.

For example, if you plan on going fishing in the lake, you will need to pack your fishing gear besides camping essentials. If you plan to camp in the forest in winter, you need to have warm clothes and extra blankets to keep you warm.

Other than that, you also need to decide what you are going to eat at the camp. Will you cook your own food? Catch it? Or take already cooked meals with you? This will help you pack the necessary food items, cookware, and kitchenware accordingly.

You need to make a checklist of all the things that you plan to do, then make a checklist of all the items required. And this ultimate backpacking checklist will help you out in that.

2. Check Your Camping Equipment Before Packing

Always check you camping equipment beforehand to make sure it isn’t damaged or broken. Especially if you don’t use your camping equipment as often, you need to check if it still works properly or if it needs a replacement.

Test your inflatable sleeping mattress to see if it inflates properly. Check your portable stove to see if it is working properly. Test your lighters, sleeping bag, lights, and every other equipment and replace them if needed.

3. Practice Setting Up Your Camping Gear

If you have just bought new equipment for your camping trip, be sure to do a practice run to understand how to set it up.

Practice setting up a tent in your backyard once or twice so you understand how to use its poles and stakes before you arrive at the campsite. You wouldn’t want to spend hours at camp trying to figure out how to set up a tent.

Check your new gear to see how it works and practice setting everything up so you don’t get confused.

4. Keep Similar Category Items Together

When packing, keep similar category items together for easy access. You can place them in resealable plastic bags to keep everything organized. For example, keep all your bathroom necessities such as toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer, etc. in a single bag, so, that you can grab them quickly when nature calls.

5. Keep Things Dry

You have to keep your things dry in your backpack and prepare yourself well for rains and snows. For that, you can use a trash compactor bag or choose waterproof storage bags to keep the inside of your backpack dry if any of your liquid containers leak accidentally. Don’t forget to double check your containers for leakages and close them tightly.

6. Don’t Forget to Pack a First Aid Kit

Pack a first-aid kit which should include materials such as an anti-bacterial ointment, bandages, instant cold packs, gauze and a few common medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen. You never know what might happen at the camp so be prepared.

Conclusion

Camping is a fun-filled memorable outdoors activity for people who love nature and the outdoors.

I hope this master camping checklist will help you figure out the necessary things to pack for your next trip.

Have you decided on your must-have camping essentials? Or you might have more items needed to add into this camping checklist. Leave your comments to let us know.

And if you find this checklist help or your friends is about to camp, please share with your friends.