Whether you're car camping with a toddler or backpacking with teens, make sure you have what you need.
Babies and Toddlers
____ Ready-made or powdered formula in small containers
____ Small jars of baby food
____ Crackers, dry cereal
____ Diapers and wipes
____ Disposal bags (zippered storage or doubled plastic grocery)
____ No-refrigeration-needed boxes of milk or nonfat dry milk
____ Baby sling or pack
____ Portable playpen
____ Extra clothes
____ Zippered storage bags
Activities
____ Starchart
____ Compass
____ Map
____ Journal or sketchbook and pencils, sharpener or penknife.
____ Disposable or other camera
____ Binoculars
____ Playing cards or other small portable games
____ Flashlights for everyone and extra batteries
____ Lanterns or candle lanterns
____ Up to 2 toys per child, subject to weight and bulk limits (feel free to ban
electronics)
Tent or Car Camping
____ Charcoal and starter
____ Cooler
____ Stove
Food and Cooking
Dedicate a covered plastic bin as a kitchen or mess box. Stock it with utensils, pans, cups and bowls, stove, waterproof matches, food, seasonings, napkins. It can do double duty on trips to a hotel, condo, or friend's house.
____ Instant soup-in-a-cup or ramen
____ Bread, rolls, crackers
____ Trail mix, nuts, dry cereal, cereal or trail bars
____ Frozen foods can keep things cold and will be ready to cook by evening
____ Peanut butter
____ Marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate for s'mores
____ Sturdy fruit like apples, oranges, and bananas
____ Pan or dutch oven and necessary utensils
____ Skewers or sticks for marshmallows
____ Cups and plates
____ Napkins and paper towels
____ Liquid soap (such as Dr. Bronner's)
____ Bag with takeout packets of seasonings and condiments, jellies, salt, pepper, sugar,
ketchup and pizza cheese
____ Coffee (grounds or instant gourmet type coffee
____ Tea
____ Cocoa
____ Coffee pot and filters
First Aid and Safety
____ Band-aids
____ Gauze and tape
____ Antibiotic
____ Pain relievers
____ Tweezers
____ Scissors
Hiking
____ Backpacks
____ Water bottles
____ Snacks
____ Rain gear
____ Layered clothing
____ Rain layer
____ Binoculars
____ Compass
____ Map of the area
____ Whistle for safety
____ Journal and/or sketchbook and pencils or crayons
____ Sunscreen
____ Insect repellent
Clothing
____ Hiking boots or shoes
____ Nylon sock liners
____ Thick cotton rag or wool socks
Sleeping
____ Tent, stakes
____ Rain fly
____ Ground cloth or square poncho
____ Sleeping bags
____ Foam or inflatable pads
____ Lantern
____ Flashlights
____ Extra batteries (test them)
____ Wipes
____ Paper towels
____ Toilet paper
____ String or twine
____ Fishing line
____ Rope
____ Utility knife
____ Mallet for tent stakes
____ Whisk broom and dustpan for tent
When You Return
It's good to be home, but do these things before you collapse on the couch. It makes next time easier and helps your gear last longer.
____ Lay out and clean the equipment, take inventory and make repairs.
____ Put dirty laundry in the washer to soak.
____ Wash all dishes and utensils; throw out any suspect food.
____ Air out and sweep your tent; store sleeping bags and pads loose, not rolled or stuffed.
____ Update this checklist - remove any nonessentials you didn't use, and add anything you really wished you had.
