A great camping weekend starts at home with a good packing list. Forget the stove fuel or a warm layer and the trip quickly becomes an exercise in endurance. Use this checklist, adjust it for your destination and the weather, and keep it with your gear for next time.
Shelter and sleep
- Tent with footprint, stakes and guylines
- Sleeping bag rated at least 10°F below the expected low
- Sleeping pad (insulation matters more than thickness in cold weather)
- Pillow or a stuff sack filled with clothes
Camp kitchen
- Stove and the correct fuel, plus a lighter and a backup
- Pot, pan, utensils and a sharp knife or multitool
- Cooler with ice or ice packs
- Plates, mugs, biodegradable soap and a small sponge
- Trash bags — pack out everything you bring in
Water
- At least 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and cooking
- Reusable bottles and a water filter or purifier if you will use natural sources
Light, safety and navigation
- Headlamp for every camper plus spare batteries
- Lantern for camp
- First-aid kit, sunscreen and insect repellent
- Map, compass or downloaded offline maps
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid layer and a waterproof shell
- Warm hat, gloves and an extra pair of socks
- Camp shoes or sandals
Comfort extras
- Camp chairs and a small table
- Hammock for lazy afternoons
- Cards or a compact game
What to leave at home
Glass bottles, extra electronics and anything you would hate to lose or break. Check the campground rules before you bring firewood — many areas ask you to buy it locally to stop the spread of pests.
Explore tents, coolers, chairs, lights and stoves in our Camping & Hiking category.
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