There are many different ways of camping. Some people prefer to rough it: catching their food, making their shelters. Others prefer to bring along an RV complete with indoor plumbing and a microwave. This list caters to those who fall somewhere in between. Not everything is required for every camping trip, so campers should use their judgment when packing.
**Things that should ALWAYS be taken:
Maps that show the area in which the campers will be hiking/camping
Compass
ID and emergency phone numbers – every camper should carry their own.
Flashlight – each camper should have one.
Folding knife – a pocket knife or similar blade that can be carried at all times.
Waterproof matches
A second method for starting fires, such as a lighter.
Fire starter – in case all pine needle and other small, natural fire starters are wet.
Whistle – each camper should carry one.
Signal mirror – each camper should carry one.
A large, bright-colored plastic trash bag - these work as emergency rain gear or insulation. Each camper should carry one of these.
Trash bag – for carrying out trash
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Lipbalm – each camper should have his own to protect against sun and wind burn.
Rain gear
Clothing – weather can change quickly, and clothing can become wet. It is important to have a change of warm clothes. Dress in layers.
Sturdy shoes or hiking boots
Hat – to protect against the sun
Food
Water
First aid kit:
-a roll of gauze
-a roll of gauze tape
-a pair of tweezers
-several adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
-antiseptic swabs
-aspirin
-chewable antacid
-calamine lotion (for bug bites)
-a miniature sewing kit (thread, needle, and pin)
-scissors
-ace bandage
-super glue
-any medicine necessary for the particular group of campers (allergy, prescriptions, etc.)
**Everything else is dependent on the campers involved, and the type of camping trip planned.
Backpack
Bandana
Bear bags
Bear bells
Binoculars
Biodegradable soap, shampoo, toothpaste
Book for reading
Camera – film and batteries, if needed
Campers’ insurance
Camping chair/sit-upon
Canteen (optional ONLY because some campers will be staying within a few feet of their car and may choose to have jugs of water and cups, rather than canteens)
Cooking stove
Cooking utensils
Deck of cards
GPS system
Hard candy
Hatchet
Identification books – flowers, birds, trees, etc.
Iodine tablets
Items for personal hygiene: toothbrush, comb, etc.
Marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers for making s’mores
Notebook and pencil
Rope and/or twine
Satellite phone (this probably won’t work because of the tree canopy)
Sketchbook and pencil
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Star chart
Sunglasses
Tarp
Tent
Toilet paper
Trowel
Water filter
**It is also imperative that a responsible person - who is not on the camping trip - knows the group’s plans. This person should have the names and emergency contact information of each person on the camping trip, and should know approximately when to expect them back.
**Never camp or hike alone. Every year people who are certain that they will not get into trouble, do. If there are at least two people on a camping trip, one of them can get help if it is needed.
** Forests are full of plants, many of which look nearly identical. If a person is not certain about whether a plant is poisonous, he should leave it alone. He should never eat any wild plants unless he is absolutely positive that what he is eating is safe. If someone does want to gather and/or eat wild plants while camping, it is a good idea to take an “edible plant identification” class if one is offered in his area. There are also numerous plant identification books available from the local bookseller.
Forest camping is full of rich visuals and scents. By taking the time to properly plan and prepare, campers will have an experience to remember and enjoy.
