Camping Checklist: Gear, Waterproof Apparel & More

Camping is a fun outdoor activity, but it is not a child’s play. You need to be prepared before setting out lest you find yourself in a lot of trouble while you’re likely unplugged and far from help. To help you get ready for your camping trip, here is a checklist of things you need:

Necessities

You can’t go camping without the following things:

• tent
• sleeping bag or air mattress
• camping pillow
• flashlights and lantern (either gas or battery-powered)
• batteries

These five things are necessities, so make sure you have them packed in the car before you leave.

Tools

To pitch your tent or make repairs while camping, here are the tools you need:

• duct tape
• rope or cord
• hammer or mallet (to pitch the tent)
• multi-tool (with pliers, screwdriver, and scissors)
• utility knife

You can also bring a saw or an axe if you need to chop firewood. If not, the items mentioned above are enough to get you through your camping trip.

Kitchen

Most campers cook their food during the trip. If you’re planning to prepare meals too, you need to bring these kitchen items:

• gas stove and fuel
• matches or lighter
• can and bottle opener
• knife and cutting board
• cooking pot and frying pan
• cooking utensils
• eating utensils
• plates or bowls
• cups and water bottles
• dishwashing soap and sponge
• wash bin
• dish towel
• cooler
• trash bags

Always bring reusable eating utensils, plates, bowls, cups, and water bottles to reduce your impact on the environment. Don’t litter and make sure to clean the campsite before you leave. If possible, use biodegradable or eco-friendly dishwashing soap. Don’t leave your trash bags on the campsite if there are no garbage bins around. Take them with you and then throw them at home or in the nearest garbage bin you’ll find.

Clothing & Footwear

Clothing and footwear will vary depending on the activities you plan to do while camping. But here are a few items that you should have no matter what you’re doing during the trip:

• sweat-proof underwear and shirts
• quick-drying pants or shorts
• waterproof jackets
• waterproof poncho
• outdoor or camouflage clothes
• camping boots or shoes
• socks
• sleepwear
• lightweight jacket
• hat
• sunglasses

You can also bring swimwear and special clothes for hiking, biking, rock climbing, etcetera. If you’re going to spend a long day under the sun, make sure to bring a lightweight long-sleeve shirt so you can be protected from its UV rays without trapping heat.

Health & Hygiene

Before you go camping, don’t forget to pack these health and hygiene-related items:

• toilet paper
• toiletry kit
• body soap
• shampoo and conditioner
• toothpaste and toothbrush
• mouthwash and floss
• face wash (other skincare products optional)
• deodorant
• hand sanitizer
• antibacterial wet wipes
• UV protection
• menstrual products
• prescription medications
• first-aid kit
• rubbing alcohol
• antiseptic wipes
• antibacterial ointment
• adhesive bandages
• butterfly bandages
• gauze and non-stick sterile pads
• medical adhesive tape
• pain-relief medication (e.g. Ibuprofen)
• allergy medications (e.g. antihistamine)
• fine-point tweezers
• insect repellent

Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need to go camping. If there are other things you think you need to be safe or to have a more enjoyable time, just add them to this list before you start packing.