Camping Check List 

The items listed on the camping check list span the seasons; obviously you will not need a snowsuit in summer
or a swimsuit in winter!

Survival Gear

• compass
• map of area (often campgrounds provide this info); topographical map is another good idea
• fire starter: candles, lighter, some waterproof matches (put these items in a waterproof container)
• pocket knife
• 1st aid kit: gauze, adhesive bandages, ointment for cuts, bites, blisters, tweezers, etc.
• each camper needs to carry a whistle at all times
• flashlight(s) with new batteries, extra batteries and an extra bulb or two
• a length of nylon rope (for clothes line or "bear bag,* etc.)
• money, especially change
• tent, poles, stakes: choose a 4-season tent if going winter camping
• a plastic ground cloth - under the tent, for comfort & to protect the tent floor from sharp rocks and sticks 
• camping cots, if your tent is big enough. This can be colder sleeping conditions in winter because of air circulation.
• sleeping bags (and maybe a sleeping pad - especially in winter) maybe  a closed cell foam   (to stay dry) or an air mattress (with an air pump) for winter

*Bear Bag: For areas with bears in the vicinity, it is important to store food so the bears cannot get it. One option is to place it in the car trunk. Another is to make a bear bag. Put items in the center of a large square of fabric or tarp, wrap cord around it and hang it in a tree at least 12 feet above the ground and 50 feet  from your tent.

Clothing  - prepare for all types of weather with layers of clothing

Surprising Factoid: Do not wear cotton next to skin - it does not dry quickly enough in the winter!

• If you are planning on a 2 - 3 night stay: 1 pr shorts, 1 pr pants, 2 short-sleeved shirts, 1 long-sleeved shirt or sweater (plan to wear clothes at least twice before washing); underwear
  wool socks (or synthetic blends)- at least 2 prs; light pair of leather or cotton/synthetic gloves for hiking or mittens/gloves in winter
  
• shoes - take ones appropriate for the activities planned: sneakers, hiking boots, etc.
• backpack and plastic bag to cover backpack in case of rain
  
• hat - depending on season, for shade or to protect from the elements
• clothes for particular activities: swimsuit, snow suit, etc.
• windproof/water resistant jacket
• poncho -- just in case of foul weather

Camping Meals and Cooking Equipment  - plan meals before leaving home

• Equipment to purify water from natural sources (water filter and/or tablets, crystals or drops)
• Bring at least one quart water (per person) from home; water carrier (figure on using 3 gallons water/day/person - drinking, bathing, dish washing, etc.
• cereal and powdered milk, fruit, breakfast bars, cheese, condiments (margarine, spices, flavor packets)
  
• perhaps freeze-dried foods, marshmallows, trail mix, crackers
• bacon, hamburger, hot dogs, buns, bread,  are popular choices
• chocolate bars, dried fruit, dried meats, canned soups, popcorn, rice, instant meals
• cooler  with ice - for meat, refrigerated items, eggs, milk, etc.
• can opener, pot holders, aluminum foil, spatula/ cooking spoon, knife, cutting surface
• cooking pot, lid with handles,pot grabber, pot scrubber
• cups, plastic ware, dishes
• bowl/tub for washing dishes, dishcloth, dish towels, biodegradable dish washing liquid
• perhaps a small cooking stove, gasoline or propane for cooking; small funnel to refill stove
• other possibilities: hard-boiled eggs, meals in cans (Chinese dinners, stew, chili, tamales, tuna), instant eggs, bread or pita bread, peanut butter, jelly, hard salami, nuts, dried soups, instant coffee, tea, bouillon, cocoa packages, powdered drink mixes

Personal Items

• bath towel, biodegradable body soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush
• shaving supplies, medications, nail clippers, wash cloth, handiwipes, moistened wipes
  
• toilet paper/small trowel
  
• plastic trash bags of various sizes - to store gear, food, for trash)
• sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm
• insect and tick repellent
• GPS (this may be a survival gear item), watch, binoculars; playing cards
  
• extra clothing - just in case - coat, hat and mittens, etc
• tent repair kit: needle & polyester or nylon thread (can sometimes use waxed dental floss), rubber bands, duct tape, safety pins, glue, patch kit for self-inflating mattress
  
• rain gear, lantern
• journal, pen, notebooks
• if there are no trash cans at campsite, take trash home with you
• snake bite kit - if you are in area with venomous snakes
• camera, film or digital camera
• bandannas, scissors (if not in the 1st aid kit)
• items for planned activities: bicycle, extra bike tube, patch kit, walking stick, guidebook, magnifying glass
• cell phone -- but be aware that it might not work in isolated or remote areas

Camping Essentials for Babies

• formula and other foods - including refrigeration/ heating equipment, if needed
• diapers, wipes or other toilet options; washcloths; hand sanitizer; baby soap
• clothing for the weather; hat(s) or other protection from wind, weather
• bibs; extra shirts for droolers, infants, etc.
• medications child is taking
• gloves, extra socks, footwear - as needed for the weather
• stroller or other baby seat that can be used for feeding
• extra netting to protect children from insect bites, mosquitoes
• rash ointments, Vaseline, baby powder; sunscreen, band-aids
• spoon and dish; pacifier; small toys/rattle
• blankets; method for containing children during naps, sleep (playpen, etc.) 
• water, juice, snacks (cheerios)

Camping List for Pet Essentials

• food; be sure to take the normal foods, this is not a time to experiment
• a copy of vaccination records, especially rabies
• a carrier for each animal
• leash and/or restraints
• your pet's favorite toys
• a simple first-aid kit for pets (tweezers, small scissors, salve for cuts, etc.)
• any medications your pet takes
• all necessary cleaning supplies
• usual bedding
• recent photos, in case your pet gets lost

I hope this has been meaningful and helpful for your next outdoor experience. 

 Remember: The goal of camping these days is to leave no trace -
so no one knows you have been there!

 Note: Looking for hard-to-find camping check list items? We have a variety of goods in our Camping and Tents pages.

Copyright © 2007  EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Marylouise is the business name of Jerry Jares, Licensed Professional Counselor. She owns the website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com. A variety of items are available online: personal safety  and home security devices, as well as (hard-to-find) camping and hunting products

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