What to Take Camping – Must Have Things And Things To Leave At Home For A Great Camping Trip

What to Take Camping

Are you daydreaming of tent camping in the great outdoors? Maybe the idea of sleeping beneath the stars or getting back to Mother Nature intrigues you. Well, camping is surely a great way to recharge the spirit and become one with nature at least for a little while.

What Should You Bring Camping

If you’ve found yourself yearning for a little open-air adventure because you’ve been spending too much time cooped up inside, then it’s time to consider going on a camping adventure. There are so many places where you can enjoy getting back to nature and enjoying some time outdoors. Starting with County, State and National parks as well as private campgrounds and even BLM backcountry areas. With camping, these are all just a few of the places that will be open to you.

You don’t need to be concerned with to much in the way of tools or camping equipment because most campsite provide a lot of amenities. This could include picnic tables, campfire pits, and even bathrooms, some with showers and running water. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to plan on bringing some personal items, but don’t worry, we’ll fill you in on those items here.

While you’re getting ready for your upcoming camping trip, you’ll be able to use our handy tent camping checklist to better understand what you’ll want to bring along and what you’ll want to leave behind. We’re going to help you avoid bringing items you really shouldn’t need, and we’ll help you insure having the items that will be worth having along, especially if you’re backpacking in with limited carry space.

Important Items You Should Bring When Camping

Our camping checklist covers items you must include to experience an enjoyable camping adventure. A few of these essential pieces like the poncho and camping chair might not seem necessary for every trip, but these are things you’ll find useful that will add relaxation to any trip.

A Tent With a Rainfly

A top priority on our camping checklist is a tent with a good rainfly. Assuming you are not going camping in a cabin or site with tents already set up for you, you’re going to need to bring your own tent or other outdoor shelter. Keep in mind that your tent will protect you from the natural elements like bugs and rain. It also ensures that you have a safe place to sleep once the darkness of night arrives.

It’s possible you might decide to try sleeping under the stars, but it’s important to have the option of a safe shelter set up just in case you encounter a change in the weather, wildlife, or any other natural elements that might make your adventure uncomfortable.

You’re going to learn that there are many types of tents designed for different weather conditions as well as different sizes depending on the number of occupants. Give some thought to things like the time of year and locations that you plan to do most of your camping, as well as how many people will typically be in your group before shopping for a tent. This way you will be able to get the most out of your tent for years to come. It’s a good idea to get familiar with how to pitch your tent before your first trip, to make sure you have all the accessories like stakes, poles, rainfly, and any ropes required for where you’re camping.

High Quality Sleeping Bags

Your sleeping bag is an essential must-have item for any camping trip. This is especially true if you’ll be camping somewhere that gets cold at night. You might feel that when camping in milder weather you prefer not to use a sleeping bag, but if you’re looking for comfort, then make sure you have it with you on every trip.

Keep in mind that a sleeping bag that’s been rated for cold weather will keep you cozy and warm at night. This will ensure that you’re getting a comfortable sleep at night while also protecting you from creatures that crawl around after dark.

If you’re planning a family camping trip, then it’s important to have sleeping bags for everyone as part of your camping gear. Especially if this is the first time camping for the kids, you want them to remember this experience as fun and not scary or uncomfortable when sleeping.

A Sturdy Sleeping Pad

I learned years ago how important a good sleeping pad was. Keeping in mind that your sleeping bag will provide comfort and some warmth, a sleeping pad adds a valuable layer of cushion and extra warmth. When you’re sleeping on the ground, your sleeping pad is laid directly on the tent floor before your sleeping bag. This combination will give you the best possible night’s sleep.

A sleeping pad is especially helpful in regions where nighttime temps can drop quickly because as the ground cools it will draw heat from your body. The sleeping pad slows this heat loss process.

 Headlight, Torches, and Flashlights

Everyone loves a good campfire at night. It can be especially fun to eat, share stories, and even sing around a campfire with friends and family. But they’re not great for a light source when it comes to things like preparing food or finding something in your tent after dark, or that late night trip to the campground bathroom.

While you’re setting up camp, light your campfire and continue with other activities, at some point you’re going to find you need other lighting options. This is where you’ll find flashlights, headlamps, and camping lanterns will be extremely valuable additions to your camp gear.

Many experienced campers prefer headlamps or a strap on headlight as these provide hands-free work lighting. Flashlights are great in the tent or on that walk to the bathroom, and camping lanterns give off a brighter light if you want to light up a large area of your campsite.

A Well-Stocked First Aid Kit

Spending time in the wild will require you to prepare for unforeseen incidents. This is where a well-stocked first aid kit can be the difference between in a fun trip by providing aid for insect bites, scratches, and other minor emergencies. If you or someone in your group suffers from allergies or other health issues, then make sure your first aid kit includes supplies to handle this.

Sustaining life-threatening injuries while camping is very rare, but you could still get scratches, blisters, cuts, or itchy bug bites while on a hike. If you were to leave these unattended, these small injuries could quickly become infected causing much more discomfort later.

Here are the contents of a good general first aid kit:

Different sizes of adhesive bandages

Gauze roll

Antiseptic ointment/cream

Medical tape

Scissors

Cotton balls

Antibiotic ointment

Sterile wipes

Duct tape

Allergy medicines, if necessary

Epi-pen

Diarrhea medicine

Make sure to carry sunscreen and some type of ORS (oral rehydration solutions) to keep yourself safe from dehydration and the sun’s harsh rays.

Socks and Underwear

While making your list of what to bring camping in the clothes section, never forget extra socks and underwear. Can’t stress enough how much you’ll appreciate these if you run into some rainy weather or cross a creek a little deeper that you expected. The underwear, just trust me on this one!

Even if it’s only a one-night camping trip, bring at least two extra pairs of socks with you, or three if you have the space.

Regarding the underwear, for camping, buy pairs made from quick-drying and moisture-wicking materials like synthetic fabric. Polyester and merino wool are ideal materials to consider.

Mosquito Repellant

It doesn’t matter where you plan to go camping, having mosquito repellant doesn’t take much space and can be the difference between a fantastic trip and one endured with itching and scratching. Make sure you pack it on every trip.

Aside from the obvious effect of constant itching, remember that some mosquitos can carry diseases, this is why you always want to have mosquito repellent with you as an essential part of every camping trip.

Clothes for Layering

Even with the best planning, you’ll need to prepare for possible changes in temperature. Even though you checked the weather forecast, it’s impossible to guarantee how the actual weather conditions might play out. The technique of layering makes sure you’re prepared for unexpected changes in temperature as well as weather conditions. Layering also minimizes the amount of space required if you’re backpacking.

Plan on three layers when deciding what to wear: a base layer, mid layer, and an outer layer.

Your choice of base layer is the primary layer to come in contact with your skin. You want it to provide both a comfortable and snug fit. Your base layer needs to be designed to keep you both dry and warm. It should be made of material that will wick away sweat and help keep you warm.

The mid layer provides ample insulation so you can retain body heat. Fleece sweaters and puffy jackets are common mid-layer clothing.

Your mid layer is all about insulation that will help retain your body heat. Many people look for puffy jackets or fleece apparel to use as common mid-layer options.

Your outer layer has the job of protecting you and your other layers from the natural elements. These are usually breathable moisture repelling windbreakers or for more extreme environments, mountaineering jackets.

Once you get started, you’ll quickly find you’re able to add or subtract an extra layer in order to adjust to the temperature. When it’s a hot sunny day for instance, you’ll probably strip down to your base layer during the day. Then you’ll be able to add back on the mid-layer for additional warmth if needed at night. By keeping all three layers in mind, you’ll have the flexibility to deal with any environmental experience with just a few key pieces of clothing.

Waterproof Jacket, Ponchos, and Pants

When planning your trip. You need to be prepared for the worst possible weather situations. We all try and plan or camping adventures when it won’t be raining, but we still need to be ready for rain with the appropriate clothes. So, when planning your next trip, plan to bring protective rain gear.

When planning the camping clothes to bring, always include a waterproof rain jacket, rain cover pants, and a poncho is a great piece if you're backpacking. You need to remember that this added weight even if you’re backpacking will give you piece of mind in the event that rain tries to dampen your adventure.

Hiking Boots or Hiking Shoes

Some form of hiking boots or hiking shoes are one more really important item in your camping equipment list. Many, many hikers have regretted starting a camping trip without proper footwear. It’s safe to say that having the wrong pair of hiking boots can mean painful blisters or injury, this is especially true if you’ll be traversing uneven or challenging terrain.

The important things to look for when shopping for hiking boots are durability, fit, comfort, traction, and the weight of the boots. Proper hiking boots are generally heavier and stiffer than running shoes because they provide a different type of support and more protection of your feet. If you plan to do hiking in a wet region or an area with creek crossings, you’ll need to look for boots that are also waterproof.

A Comfy Camping Chair

You’ve just spent an adventurous day outside, and now you’ll be thankful you’re able to sit back and rest on a comfortable camping chair. You will definitely want to put camp chairs on your must have camping gear list. It just makes sense since they will make sitting at your campsite so much more relaxing and convenient.

Don’t think big or bulky chairs for your camping trip, camping chairs are generally lightweight, compact, and folding. It’s common to find lightweight and durable camping chairs constructed of corrosion-resistant aluminum and lightweight materials like nylon and foam fabrics.

What You Shouldn’t Bring When Camping

It’s important to understand that while there are important things to bring on every camping trip, there is also a list of things you should not bring. Call it baggage that will only weigh you down without adding much value. This can be especially important if you must hike into your camp site. These items will take up space better used for more important items.

Excessive Gear/Materials

It’s important to make a camping list that’s detailed with the gear and material you’re going to need to prevent carrying extra unnecessary items. Simply put, if it’s not on the camping checklist and it’s not something extra you’re willing to carry back and forth, leave it at home.

Keep in mind that a few random things might not weigh that much each, when they are combined, you’ll quickly find the weight they have is not worth carrying and you probably won’t have the time or an opportunity to make use of them while on your camping trip. By creating a realistic checklist that plans for the activities you’ll have time for, you’ll end up bringing just the absolute necessities.

A Pull-behind Camping Trailer

While at first thought, a camping trailer might seem like a helpful way to move your equipment around while camping, it’s an expensive product that you won’t really need. Imagine lugging that trailer around and trying to find a way to take care of securing it.

If you’re tent camping, there’s a chance that your hiking in through a trail to set up camp in an area note designated to accommodate a trailer. Your goal is camping to enjoy your outdoor experience, a camping trailer requires you to plan the trip around the trailer including where you can camp with the trailer. This can limit your campsite locations significantly.

A New Tent

While having a tent is necessary as part of your camping equipment, if you’ve done your research and chosen the best tent for your needs, you won’t need to buy a different tent for each trip you take.

If your just starting out with a new tent or if you’ve had to buy a new replacement tent, take a trial run by setting it up in your backyard before your trip. By doing this, you’ll have an understanding of how the setup process works and you’ll have checked the new tent for defects before your trip. It’s also worth mentioning that you’ll know the right equipment to bring to pitch the tent and secure it to the ground. You’ll start your trip more familiar with your new equipment and ready to set up before the darkness of nightfall arrives.

A Ton of Food

This one comes back to planning. If you plan your meals before the trip, you have less risk of overpacking perishable food unless you’re bringing proper storage for it. If you’ll be camping in wilderness, it’s also possible to attract wild animals into your campsite if you have an excess of perishable food, especially if you’re camping in bear country. Planning non-perishable camping food is often the best option for most camping trips.

An Electric Heater

There are ways to keep warm in your tent without creating a fire risk with an electric heater. Electric heaters have a reputation for accidentally igniting combustible materials near them. You will also probably find it difficult to find electricity to plug into that remains a safe distance from your tent location.

Your Entire Kitchen’s Worth of Utensils

Cooking at the camp is a great idea, but you won’t need to carry all the utensils you keep in your kitchen for a couple campsite meals! There are some very creative ways to cook at a campsite that you should learn beforehand, so you don’t need to carry a lot of unnecessary utensils.

Pots and Pans

With good planning, your meals can require the bare minimum in pots and pans and you’ll still enjoy some very tasty meals cooked on-site. Keep in mind that pots, pans, and utensils are bulky and heavy, taking up valuable space better spared for more essential gear.

In place of pots and pans, you’ll be able to heat up or cook full meals in heavy-duty aluminum foil or even cook meat on a preheated rock slab or cooking grate at the campground. A camp stove and fuel are also not required if you plan to cook over a campfire.

Internet Access

It’s common to have your phone with you just in case of an emergency. However, remember that you’re on this camping trip to unwind and unplug, probably getting away with a busy life in the city. So, bringing internet access with you defeats some of the purpose of the trip. Enjoy connecting with nature, not social media.

A Camera

Everyone wants to capture their camping memories and a picture is worth a thousand words. However, unless you’re a nature photographer, we suggest using your phone camera to capture high-quality photos you’ll be able to share directly to social media once you return home.

A Down Blanket

You may have a down blanket that you’ve considered bringing from home for extra warmth, this is a bad idea, because if it gets wet or even damp they’re useless, not to mention if you return home and it smells like campfire smoke. Our suggestion is to find camping gear made of synthetic insulation for sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and remember to bring mid-layer clothing for warmth.

In Conclusion

The decisions you make on what to bring camping will have a significant impact on your experience while camping. If you include the right essential gear, you’ll enjoy your camping experience and your more likely to pull off your plans without a hitch. If you however decide to bring the wrong equipment or just ack too much stuff, it could significantly hamper the experience of your overnight outdoor adventure. You might even find yourself doing without necessities you should have brought along.