When you go camping it is highly possible to take a few too many items. It is also possible to forget a lot of the essential tools that you will NEED while camping. Because of this problem it is incredibly beneficial to have a basic camping equipment list for your next trip, especially if you’re new to the camping game.
Basic Camping List (Must-Haves)
First Aid Kit – Scratches, bumps, burns or cuts – One, if not more of these are going to happen while out camping, which makes a First-Aid Kit number 1 on the must-have list. Do NOT go camping with out it, and be sure to take it with you on your adventures.
Matches – Unless you’re a master at the camping game, you will need a flame to start your fire. With no fire, you are limiting your options for food while also making your nights a whole lot colder. There’s no need to risk this, and make it easier on yourself by buying matches in bulk. The best part is, you can leave them in your bag of must-haves for years to come.
A Rope – Ropes have a LOT of uses while camping, and it will also be handy if you know how tie a variety of knots. A few of these helpful uses are – making a clothesline for when your clothes get wet, hanging coolers from a branch overnight, creating a shelter or even toe people from sticky situations while out adventuring. At the end of the day, DON’T go camping without a rope.
Tarp – Whether you’re wanting to protect the bottom of your tent, or add more shelter for your base, these tarps are a must-have. While they’re simple to fold up, they also take a really small amount of space in your bags.
Spice rack – There’s no way you’re going to dig into a no-seasoned dinner at your home, so why make yourself suffer while camping? All you need is a portable spice rack (plastic). This is perfect to place in your bag of must-haves. As they are small, easy to pack and usually hard to break.
Flashlight, Lantern or Headlamp – If you decide to stumble to the bathroom at midnight or try to sneak yourself a midnight snack, you NEED to have a flashlight/headlamp or a lantern. However, make sure it is easily reachable in the car, especially if you arrive at your campsite too late and it’s after dark.
Compass and Map – Yes you have a GPS in your car, and you may quite possibly have one on your phone. But that doesn’t mean you will always get signal in remote areas, or when you go on your hikes and adventures. Your navigation is essential, so place a compass and a map in your bag of must-haves just in case your GPS becomes unreliable.
Wet Weather Gear And Extra Clothes– You’ve been checking the weather for months now – no rain, just sun, unfortunately rain can come quicker than you think. This will leave you huddling around the campfire, or sitting in the tent all day. However, with backup wet weather gear you will NOT have to worry about the weather suddenly changing. Also if you remembered to bring extra clothing you can swap out the cold and wet ones with dry ones.
Pocket Knife – Usually known as a Swiss Army Knife, this is definitely a must-have that virtually takes up no space in your camping bags. This also provides you with a sharp knife, corkscrew, small scissors, a saw and more. You will have yourself numerous camping essentials in a compact, easy-to-pack size.
Basic Camping List (Things To Remember)
These things are essential to have, you don’t want to take too many unnecessary items. This will ultimately make your camp a whole lot more difficult and stressful, which is NOT what camping is about. Camping is about relaxing and enjoying yourself while adventuring and taking in the beautiful scenery.
For in the campsite
- Tent > What’s the best camping tent?
- Tarp, screen house or sunshade
- Outdoor rug
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pads
- Air mattress pump
- Mattress repair kit
- Knife or Multi-tool if possible
- Trekking pole
- Folding table
- Folding chairs
- Hammer for tent stakes
- Child carrier – if you have a child with you
- Cots
- Kayaking/canoeing gear
- Bikes
- Bike trailers
- Fishing gear
- Inflatable boat and paddles
- Water filters
Clothes and Footwear
Cold nights are very possible, so be prepared for this. However, be sure to have your basic camping supply list up-to-date at all times.
- Fast-drying pants/shorts
- Moisture-wicking T-shirts and underwear
- Boots AND shoes
- Swimsuit
- Sun-shielding hats
- Long-sleeve shirts for the sun and bugs
- Synthetic or wool socks
- Sleepwear
- Jacket or Vest (Insulated)
- Pants (Insulated)
- Mittens or Gloves
- Wet weather jacket and pants)
- Clothesline with pegs
- Waterproof sandals
Kitchen
- Stove
- Fuel
- Fuel bottles
- Grill rack
- Firewood
- Cast Iron Pot
- Pot grabber
- Portable espresso maker
- Recipes
- Marshmallow roasting sticks
- Trash bags
- Resealable storage bags
- Food storage containers
- Water bottles
- Ice
- Coolers
- Plates and bowls
- Cups
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paring knife
- Utensils
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Egg holder
- Foil
- Funnel
- Biodegradable soap
- Pot scrubber
- Water container
- Portable camp sink
- Quick-dry towels
- Drying rack
Food
- Pizza
- Cooking oil or spray
- Prepared meals
- Soup mixes
- Meat
- Syrup
- Jelly/jam
- Cereal
- Coffee
- Breakfast bars
- Eggs
- Batter mix
- Butter or margarine
- Bread
- Salt and pepper
- Fruit
- Cheese
- Vegetables
- Energy bars
- Bottled/canned beverages
- Drink mixes
- Cocoa
- Milk
- Herbs
- Marshmallows
- Crackers/chips
- Spice kit
- Chocolates and sweets
Personal Items
- Cosmetics
- Shower water bag
- Eye shades and earplugs
- Brush/comb
- Prescription medicines
- Toiletry kit
- Mirror
- Spare glasses/contact lenses
- Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Insect Repellent
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
Miscellaneous Items
- Camcorder/Camera
- Campsite reservation confirmation
- Binoculars
- Memory cards/films
- Maps
- Guide books
- Books or e-Books
- Notebook and pen or pencil
- Art supplies
- Ipod/Mp3 Player
- Two-way radios
- Umbrella
- Travel alarm clock
- Cellphone
- GPS receiver
Fun Items
- Playing cards
- Kites
- Foot bag
- Ice cream maker
- Flying discs
- Paddle ball set
- Water toys
- Boomerang
- Electronic toys
- Board games
- Puzzles
- Glow sticks
I hope you liked this article. Please let us know down in the comment section what you can’t go camping without.
Hi Brandon,
Great and detailed list. I want to go camping with You!
I like how you made it easy for me to search out what I needed to know by separating the items. I love to camp too and I know what a bummer it can be to forget an important item.
Hi Staci. We can go camping if you want haha jk. It is very important to have your items organized, and having a camping list is vital if you want to make your trip a great one. Thanks for reaching out 🙂
Brandon, this is the most detailed camping list I have ever seen! Thank you for taking the time to make the list available in Cyberworld. I can see that you are an organized gentleman and that is a good trait to have when camping. I don’t enjoy camping, but I forwarded your site to a friend who camps all the time. He was impressed, to say the least. Nice job Brandon.
Hello Josephine, I’m glad that you liked it and thanks for sending it to your friend, much appreciated. A camping list is a great idea especially if you’re a newbie camper. Hence why I made this list, to help people like you. Good luck 🙂
Brandon, that would have to be the most comprehensive list on camping I’ve seen. If anybody took your advice here, they would be prepared for just about anything that could happen to them. You have thought of just about everything that you would need to take to go camping; and you must have a waiting list of people wanting to go camping with you. You have set this post out in a very neat and organised fashion, so well done.
Thanks for the kind words Adrian. Although it is nice to bring people along I usually just bring the family and maybe 1-2 friends. That’s enough to have a good time and stay safe as well. I’m glad you found this post helpful, and you can use it next time you go on a trip!
Good luck,
Brandon
What an extremely useful post. I am always thinking to myself that I should create a list when I go camping. I never remember so I am always going back into the house again to get something that I have forgotten. I will have to refer to this post the next time I go camping.
Thanks very much.
Hey Owain, it’s very handy to have a list to follow before you go camping. Otherwise, chances are you’re bound to forget a few things – every time lol. But I do hope I help some people with this post, so thanks for the comment 🙂
Wow, this is really a very comprehensive list. I have to admit that I’m not an outdoor guy. Never been to an outdoor camp. I’m just curious is there a minimal survival list as I notice the list you provided is quite lengthy? And did you do an article of how to start a fire? It’s good knowledge for people like me. You never know when you’ll need them.
Yes, this list isn’t created for backpacking – more for car camping. If you’re wanting something more 1-2 person survival camping you can check out my beginners camping guide, and then I suggest you take a look at my article – camping in the wilderness, then you should be well on your way to knowing what you need and what you don’t need.
A rule of thumb: Take what you need and THAT’S IT. If it’s your first time you’ll want to stay as light as possible.
And I almost forgot, I have written a post about starting a fire, but that’s not getting released for a week or 2 so be sure to look out for that 😀