The Ultimate Camping Gear And Supplies List

A camping supplies list is absolutely essential to ensure your trip goes smoothly. It’s a pretty big buzzkill to realize you forgot to pack something you meant to enjoy on your trip. It can be downright dangerous to realize you forgot to pack something essential. When what you need while camping is everything for basic human survival plus whatever makes you comfortable, it’s quite easy to forget something you didn’t think was essential until your access is cut off.

This is why we’ve created this comprehensive, ultimate camping essentials supplies list. Don’t let it overwhelm you because you’ll adjust it based on your location, season, intended activities, campsite facilities, and the length of your camping trip. You’re not going to need everything on this list for one trip, but be sure to bookmark this page for future reference.

Using this camping supplies checklist to make sure you pack all the essentials and the items for activities you have planned will be hard work, but once you’re out on the trail you’ll be glad you did it. The preparatory planning will be worth it when you can solve every hiccup along the way. Share this camping gear list with your trip mates so you can coordinate your plans, making the preparation easier for each individual.

In addition to packing, it’s very important to inform someone who isn’t going of your itinerary. It will end up being a sort of information packet to guarantee the safety of all involved. This includes the members of your party, details of where you’re going, and when you plan to return. Supply directions and possible alternate routes, cell phone numbers, vehicle description, license plate number, and the numbers of local authorities.

Shelter

• Tent
  • poles
  • stakes
• Tent footprint – this is a ground cover that goes underneath your tent
• Extra poles and stakes
• Shade or weather tarp
• Repair kit for tents and tarps
• Mat for tent entrance – This is something no one thinks of, but tracking the outdoors into the tent is inevitable without an entrance mat. Trust us, you want this.
• Hammer or mallet – To help drive stakes into hard soil.
• Any item that will give you leverage pulling stakes out of the ground.
• Tent light
• Dust pan and brush
• Guy lines and markers – To help reinforce your tent in case of inclement weather or uneven terrain.
• Extra tarp – For who knows what. It’s always a good idea.

Bedding

• Sleeping bag – Don’t expect to sleep comfortably in a sleeping bag at its lowest temperature rating without extra blankets or liners.
• Sleeping pad – The most comfortable are air pads (inflate with your breath) and self-inflating pads. Sleeping pads will make a world of difference for your quality of sleep. Even if you have to purchase an inexpensive, bulky foam pad, do it.
• Repair kit for sleeping pads – This will likely double as a tent/ tarp repair kit.
• Pillow
• Extra sheets and blankets
• Air mattress and pump
• Cot
• Compression sack for sleeping bags
• Waterproof stuff sack for sleeping bag
• Sleeping bag liners – To keep sleeping bags clean and add a little extra warmth.
• Space blanket
• Storage bags

Lighting

• Lanterns
• Lantern mantles
• Lantern fuel or batteries
• Flashlight – Water resistant
• Headlamp
• Extra batteries
• Waterproof matches
• Candles
• Citronella candle – Repels insects.

Clothing and Footwear

• Waterproof hiking boots – Make sure they’re actually waterproof, not just water resistant. There’s a huge difference.
• Walking shoes
• Flip-flops
• Water shoes
• Moisture-wicking shirts, pants, jackets, and underwear
• Quick-drying pants and shorts
• Short-sleeved shirts and tank tops
• Light-weight shorts and pants
• Bandana
• Swimsuit
• Sun hat
• Long-sleeved shirt- Not just for warmth, but to protect you from the sun and bugs.
• Socks-all kinds of socks. You have to take care of your feet. Heavy socks for hiking and cold weather, and lighter-weight socks for milder walks and around camp. Always purchase socks that are moisture-wicking that you intend to use while camping. Synthetic and wool are good choices.
• Light-weight jacket or sweater
• Long underwear
• Sleepwear
• Insulated vest or jacket
• Insulated pants
• Gloves or mittens
• Rain gear
• Clothesline and clips
• Beanie or knit cap
• Fleece, wool, or flannel items for extra warmth
• Beach towel or blanket
• Sunglasses
• Work gloves
• Belt
• Laundry bag

Kitchen

• Water bottle or canteen
• Water filter, purifier, or water-purification tablets
• Camping stove – Camping stoves vary widely. Choose your stove based on your camping intentions and needs.
• Fuel for stove
• Food – Include a variety of nutritious meals and snacks.
• Strike anywhere matches and lighter
• Firewood
• Ax or saw for cutting firewood
• Kindling for fire
• Fire grate
• Campfire tripod
• Pot or Dutch oven
• Frying pan
• Roasting sticks for hot dogs, marshmallows, etc.
• Corkscrew and bottle opener
• Measuring cups
• Basting brush
• Tablecloth
• Portable coffee maker
• Storage containers and bags
• Trash bags
• Cooler
• Ice-A great tip is to freeze drinking water in bottles to keep food cold, and drink them as they melt. A similar method is to freeze meat and store in the cooler so that it aids in keeping other food cold.
• Scissors
• Large water bucket
• Thermos
• Dishes – Whether the items are disposable or not, you’ll want to make sure to have cold and hot cups, plates, bowls, and eating utensils.
• Paring and chef’s knives
• Cooking utensils – Spatula, tongs, spoon, skewers, grill forks, potato peeler, ladle, strainer, etc.

• Aluminum foil
• Cutting board
• Grill rack
• Biodegradable soap – It’s important to make sure the soap is biodegradable since the waste will be disposed of unfiltered.
• Sponge and dishtowel
• Bin for dish washing
• Paper towels
• Scrub pad
• Drying rack
• Camp sink
• Cooking oil or pan spray
• Potholder
• Folding table
• Mixing bowl
• Funnels

Personal Items

• Sunscreen
• SPF lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Prescription medication – Bring more than you need.
• Biodegradable body soap and shampoo
• Face wash
• Shower shoes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Comb or brush
• Razor and shaving cream
• Deodorant
• Biodegradable toilet paper
• Camping shower/ water bucket
• Feminine products
• Hand sanitizer
• Antiseptic wipes
• Eyeglasses or contacts
• Contact solution and eye drops
• Mirror
• Cosmetics
• Earplugs
• Wash cloth and bath towel
• Nail clippers
• Tweezers
• Tissues
• Q-Tips

First Aid Kit

• All In One First Aid Kit (326 pieces)
• First-aid manual – At least skim through this before you head out.
• Emergency contact numbers
• Band-Aids
• Antacid
• Gas relief tablets
• Antidiarrheal
• Mild laxative
• Thermometer in a hard case
• Dramamine
• Cotton swabs
• Aspirin or Ibuprofen
• Allergy medication
• Hot/ cold packs
• Bandages-Triangular, butterfly
• Mole skin to prevent blisters
• Blister treatment
• Medical adhesive tape
• Sterile, non-adhesive gauze pads of various sizes
• Antiseptic wipes
• Sterile compresses
• Tissues
• Scissors
• Small flashlight
• Sinus medication
• Poison ivy medication
• Insect-sting treatment
• Ipecac
• Snake-bite kit
• Antibiotic cream/ soap
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Eye drops
• Sunburn lotion
• Aloe vera
• Surgical gloves – Avoid latex in case of a latex allergy.
• Tweezers
• Twine
• Safety pins
• Small mirror
• Splinting materials
• Elastic wrap
• Roll of stretch-to-conform bandages
• Hemostatic gauze – Stops bleeding.
• Liquid bandage
• Oval eye pads
• Throat lozenges
• Sugary item to treat hypoglycemia
• Rehydration salts
• Antifungal foot powder
• Sterile knife
• Safety scalpel
• Magnifying glass
• CPR mask
• Sterile steel sewing needle and medical-grade thread
• Medical waste bag and box for sharp objects
• Space blanket
• Needle-nose pliers
• Wire cutter
• Irrigation syringe with an 18 or 19-gauge catheter
• Road flares
• Satellite messenger
• Distress beacon

Other Important Camping Supplies List Items

• Backpack and pack cover
• Day pack – Smaller bag for day activities.
• Campsite reservation and confirmation number
• Binoculars
  Carabiner clips – These are such handy little tools. Their use is extremely versatile, and are great for basic camping purposes like clipping water bottles and flashlights to backpacks, tethering hammocks, and hanging lamps in tents.
• Whistle
• Compass or GPS system
• Field map
• Wilderness survival guide – At least skim through this before you head out.
• Camera with extra memory card or film and batteries
• Miscellaneous tools including a pocket knife
• Fanny pack
• Radio
• Walkie talkie or two-way radio
• Camp chairs
• Hammock
• Cash, credit card, identification, quarters for emergencies
• Duct tape or electrical tape
• Cell phone and charger
• Alarm clock
• Watch
• Fire extinguisher
• Notepad and pens/ pencils
• Umbrella

Activities

• Books/ magazines
• Travel journal
• Puzzles
• Board games
• Fishing equipment
• Trekking poles
• Kayak/ canoe gear
• Glow sticks
• Hacky Sack
• Playing cards
• Kites
• Boomerang
• Water toys
• Electronic gadgets
• Bike and helmet
• Musical instruments