Your camping trip’s success depends upon your ability to be prepared for the environment you are planning on visiting and the people you are going camping with. The exact gear you need to take will be different for everyone and dependent on location and season. Camping with children, backpacking solo, summer or winter, are all factors that must be taken into consideration when packing for your trip.
There are several things that you need to take on every trip. Whether you’re on a day hike, or a fifteen-day solo backpacking trip, this gear should always be with you. This “mini survival kit” can be packed compactly. Some items will be used regularly and should be carried appropriately so that they are accessible. Many items may never be used and may be packed more permanently in a daypack or backpack; however, they could be essential to surviving a night or more in the wilderness and should always be carried. Your permanent essential gear should include:
-First-aid Kit
-Wallet or waterproof bag with driver’s license, credit card, insurance information, emergency phone numbers, money, coins for payphone or cell phone.
-Flashlight
-Compass and map (and the ability to use them).
-Wristwatch
-Fire Starter and waterproof matches (Waterproof matches can be made by dipping wooden matches into candle wax or nail polish).
-Multi-tool or Knife
-Emergency/Space Blanket
-Emergency clothing (stored in a waterproof bag)
-Emergency food and water (bouillon cubes, energy bars, etc.)
-Whistle
-Tinfoil (2 sheets at least 12 inches square can be used to make cooking and drinking utensils.
-Cloth adhesive tape and nylon cord
For the typical camper there are basic necessities that you will need in addition to the above listed gear. As your camping experience increases, you will find other things you wish you had brought, and things that you never use and will eliminate from your checklist. Your camping checklist will continue to grow and evolve with your outdoor experiences. The basic gear that you will need for a successful camping trip is as follows:
-Backpack (if backpacking)
-Tent
-Sleeping bag
-Foam sleeping pad
-Ground cloth
-Stove
-Lantern
-Fuel for stove, lanterns, etc. if required.
-Food for the trip. Menu planning is essential to avoid over or under packing food.
-Food chest that includes salt, pepper, sugar and other desired spices or special ingredients.
-Coolers and plastic food containers (screw-down lids) required to store/carry food.
-Cooking utensils, pots, pans, cups, bowls, can-opener, spatula, tongs, oven mitt, etc.
-Dish soap and scouring pad for kitchen cleaning. Dish soap should be carried in a small plastic container with a screw-down lid
-Axe or hatchet and/or camp saw
-Shovel
-Sewing and repair kit that includes sewing supplies, wire, wire cutters, safety pins, rubber bands, super glue, patch kit, cloth tape, spare tent pegs, etc.
-Appropriate clothing for anticipated environment and length of stay. Consider wool over cotton garments. Long underwear, gaiters, heavy coat, raingear, gloves, swimming suit and camp shoes as needed for anticipated environment.
-Sunglasses, regardless of what the forecasted weather is.
-Baseball hat or hat with a brim.
-Handkerchief
-Hiking shoes or boots.
-Sunscreen and sun-protective lip balm.
-Water bottles/canteen and adequate water for length of stay.
-Water purification tablets or alternate method of purifying water.
-Toiletry bag to carry toilet paper, comb, toothbrush, biodegradable soap, tweezers, medicine, moist towelettes, metal mirror etc.
-Insect repellant
-Nylon (parachute) cord or rope.
-Safety or specialty gear as required such as larger first-aid kit, climbing rope, wrap-around/glacier glasses, ice axe, etc.
If you are camping with small children, additional gear needs to be considered. In cold weather environments, extra care must be taken to keep children safe. Babies are the most susceptible to the cold and must be appropriately dressed. Layered clothing is essential. A hooded coat, where the hood is attached to the coat, covering the neck, is better than a hat. Frequent checking of body temperature will ensure your child’s comfort.
In a warm or hot environment small children and babies are susceptible to sunburn and heat exposure. Use appropriate sun block and dress them in light colored polyester or cotton clothing to protect them from the sun. Protect their eyes as you would protect your own with child sized sunglasses and a brimmed hat.
Toddlers and young children are best protected with the overalls style of pants. This type of outfit provides an extra layer of protection around their mid-section for protection from the elements. When packing for warm or cold environments, remember that the children have the same or greater needs than you do. Gloves, hats, raingear and layered clothing are all important. One piece rain suits are available for small children.
Additionally, camping with infants and small children requires the same equipment that is required at home for their comfort and survival. Enough diapers, formula, baby food and bottles obviously need to be taken. Baby backpacks, portable cribs and toys are additional gear that may make the parent’s trip more enjoyable.
Additional equipment may be required or desired depending on the goals of the camper and type of camping. Some of this gear includes:
-Air mattress
-Extra blankets
-Pillows or inflatable pillows
-Dutch oven
-Griddle
-Water basin or stainless steel bowl
-Tablecloth
-“Bear-proof” food containers
-Tarps to build a rain fly
-Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver
-Books or other reading material
-Notebook/Journal and pencil or pen
-Camera
-Binoculars/monocular
-Head lamp
-Hiking stick
-Hammock
-Climbing gear
-Fishing gear
-Marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers
Camping is a wonderful way for families to grow together and individuals to gain solitude. When you are called to the wilderness to experience all that it has to offer, go prepared. Use this camping checklist as a guide to create your own, individualized list that will allow you to enjoy camping, hiking and all your outdoor activities safely and comfortably.
