The Outdoor Overhaul: A Camping Gear Checklist

There is no better way than camping to get away from it all, to enjoy nature and spend some quality time with your friends and family. However, for your next camping endeavour, remember that preparation is the key to a successful trip. You won’t want to be stuck out there high and dry after forgetting your cooking stove, or soaked after forgetting your rain jacket! This article provides suggestions on camping gear essentials to ensure you make the most of your camping experience.

For the Campsite

At the very least you need to bring a tent and sleeping bags, but we strongly suggest sleeping pads and camping pillows to make your sleeping experience better. Bring a tarp to place under your tent, to prevent the water in the ground from soaking your tent and sleeping bags. Bring about one flashlight or headlam and camp chair per person, so no one is left out. If there will be no table at the campsite, you should bring a camping table. Consider a lantern with mantles and gas if you want to ensure there will be enough light at night. If you want to get fancy, try to string up a hammock, because there is nothing more relaxing in the world than reading in a hammock. Other optional pieces of equipment include tablecloths and clotheslines.

Don’t Forget the Kitchen

Cooking all that delicious camp food is half of why you go camping in the first place, so you will need a camping stove with enough fuel and plenty of matches or lighters. To do the actual cooking, you’ll need to cook pots, cooking utensils, bottle openers, can openers, knives, cutting boards, and frying pans. You will need eating utensils, plates, bowls, mugs, and cups for everyone to enjoy the fantastic fare. To protect the perishable food you’ll need to keep it in a high-quality cooler with ice or ice substitutes. To clean everything we suggest using biodegradable soap in addition int pot scrubber or sponge. Don’t forget to bring plenty of trash and recycle bags to keep the site clean. 

Clothing and Footwear

This will depend on the climate you are in and the season you will be camping in, so do plenty of research beforehand. You do not want to underpack, so err on the side of caution and bring clothes for a wide range of temperatures. Bring boots or shoes suited for the terrain and sunglasses and hats if it’s going to be very sunny. If it’s going to be rainy or cold bring a raincoat, long underwear, gloves, hats, and an insulated jacket. Don’t forget to bring a bathing suit and towel if your hitting the beach!

Assorted Campsite Items 

Camping is more than just good food and to get the most out of the outdoors, consider bringing binoculars to help spot wildlife and field guides to identify them. A compass and other navigational tools are always a good idea and a star chart can help you identify the constellations. To get the most out of your time with your friends and family, bring some games and toys as well. For yourself personally, books and reading material you might want.

Miscellaneous Tools

There are a handful of useful things that you bring to make emergency repairs to your camping equipment, including: a high-quality multi-tool, duct tape, a hammer or mallet, a saw, an axe, and assorted rope.

Although our list is an excellent place to start, you will need to adjust the list to your specific needs and level of camping expertise. You may need some extra protection for unique camping conditions.