The Ultimate Camping Checklist
Is one of your New Year's resolutions to get outside more?
If not, it should be!
Camping is an exciting activity that offers a slew of mental, physical, and emotional benefits. That's one significant reason that 40 million people partake in camping every year in the United States.
Although camping is extremely enjoyable and rewarding, it does require some planning. To ensure you don't forget a thing, check out our camping checklist. It should cover all the basics for, at the least, a weekend trip.
Adjust accordingly based on weather, time, and personal needs or wants. And remember to have fun!
For Your Campsite
To be comfortable at your site, you'll need the following:
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad (for under your sleeping bag—provides comfort and an extra layer between any rocks, branches, etc.)
- A tent and 'footprint,' for under your tent
- A headlight or lantern, or both
- Folding table and chairs
- A firestarter, like matches, a lighter, firewood, natural gas, etc.
- A trashcan or trash bags for easy clean-up. Remember to leave it better than you found it!
- Optional: an extra pillow and/or blanket
For You
Depending on your planned activities, you'll likely need the following items:
- Moisture-wicking clothing, both outer- and underwear—for sweat, rain, or snow
- A backpack
- Extra long-sleeve shirts, as well as hiking pants
- Underwear and socks
- Hiking boots
- Rain jacket
For Your Belly
If you're staying at the campsite for even one day, you'll want to eat there, too. Here are some things to bring to make sure your meals are covered:
- Water and water bottles
- Snacks, like protein bars, dehydrated fruit, jerky, just-add-water meal packets
- Kitchen utensils, like silverware, plates, and cups
- A camping stove
- Pots and/or pans
- Charcoal, if necessary
Bonus: something like a frisbee can act as a cutting board, plate, and game to play when you have downtime!
For Your Health
Yes, you still need to think about your health when you're camping! Consider packing some of the following:
- First-aid kit
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer and/or soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Any medications you need
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellant
- Female products
- Miscellaneous Extras
Here are some other items you may want to consider bringing, based on your trip goals, campsite, and trip time:
- Cellphone and charger
- Cash and ID
- Games, like cards, or entertainment like books or a guitar
- Hiking and/or trail guides
- Swimming suit
- Climbing gear
- A portable shower
- A hat
- Fishing gear
Print This Camping Checklist and Go Into the Woods
Don't wait until you're setting up camp before you realize you forgot water, your stove, or your favorite moisture-wicking socks.
Instead, download this camping checklist (and share it with your fellow campers) to ensure your focus is on having a great time—not lamenting on what you forgot to bring.
Shop our collection of amazing faith-based products to keep you in style as you camp your way through the weekend.
Stay warm under one of our 'Wanderer' hats or decorate your reusable water bottle with one of our inspirational stickers. Or, simply be reminded of your good fortune every day with one of our many companion bracelets.