Ultimate Camping Checklist

While there’s nothing better than the spontaneous, comfortable camping trip, unless you know ahead of time exactly what to bring, you can find yourself in countless dangerous scenarios – no way to make food, no way to stay dry in the rain, or no way to protect yourself from wildlife. A fun outdoor adventure can quickly transform into a complete nightmare. Crate Club is here to help you make sure you have all of the camping and tactical gear you need for your next last-minute camping excursion. This ultimate checklist will give you camping tips and will ensure you are able to enjoy your trip safely and tackle any unforeseen circumstances with ease.

Clothing

The beauty of nature is that it is unpredictable. Obviously, the clothing you need is variable based on the environment in which you are camping. However, there are essentials that you should have with you in any climate:

• Hiking boots
• Several pairs of socks and sock liners (wool if in the cold)
• Flip flops (for showers if at a campground, or walking around after wearing boots all day)
• Underwear and base layers
• Quick dry towel
• Rain jacket (& waterproof pants if in an extremely wet environment)
• Bandana or hat
• Fleece jacket
• Hiking pants and shorts
• Heat dry shirts
• Balaclava, gloves, handwarmers, and winter jacket (if in the cold)
• Sunglasses

Toiletries

These are the main things people overlook on last-minute camping trips that can lead to a very miserable few days in the wilderness. There are few things worse than carrying a backpack on severely sunburned shoulders or hiking with a friend who forgot to bring deodorant. Essentials include:

• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Medications and first aid kit
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Tweezers
• Soap
• Deodorant
• Hairbrush and hair ties
• Feminine hygiene products
• Personal hygiene items

Shelter

Even if you are only bringing a small personal tent, there are things you need to consider for when you will be setting up camp:

• Sleeping pad or sleeping bag and pillow
• Tent, poles, guidelines, and tent stakes
• Groundsheet or tarp
• Windbreaker/rain fly
• Mallet
• Rope
• Headlamp or flashlight

Cooking

Cooking, like shelter, is an area of the list that can vary greatly based on the level of comfort you are expecting. You may not have a picnic table or a grill out the in wilderness. At the most minimalist, you can get away with energy bars, dehydrated food or trail mix, water purification tablets, and a container for boiling water. But, if you are planning to do more serious camp cooking, more cooking gear will be necessary for your camp kitchen:

• Food
• Water purification system or tablets
• Pot or pan
• Cooking and eating utensils
• Plates
• Soap to clean dishes
• Refillable water bottle
• Napkins/paper towels
• Trash bags
• Can opener
• Matches/lighter/fire starter sticks
• Wood or charcoal
• Knife

Navigation

Yes, you need more than a car in terms of navigation. Once you get to the campsite you will likely still need some navigation assistance:

• Hiking/camping map
• Portable phone charger for a cell phone
• Emergency whistle
• Compass

Other

Not everything you need for a successful camp out is included in the above categories. These other camping items and miscellaneous items are often forgotten for that very reason:

• Scissors
• Waterproof backpack cover and water shoes
• Backpack
• Money
• Duct tape
• Safety pins
• Bear spray if you are in bear country
• Medical Kit

The amount of camping gear you bring with you depends on a few factors – length of trip, prior camping experience, and level of comfort. If you are going on a minimalist hiking/camping survival trip, you only need the absolute essentials. Whereas a week-long family camping adventure will require many more comfort items. Everything on these camping checklist is what we would consider the essentials, but you can use this guide to create your own ultimate list for your specific camping needs. Make sure you are prepared for your next camping trip!