Picture this… You are hanging out with your friends and someone says, “Hey, we should all go camping this weekend”. Everyone is quick to agree… except you. You’ve only been camping once or twice when you were a kid because your grandpa decided to take you. You have no clue what you are doing. More importantly, you have no idea what you should bring. Well fear no more! This packing list includes everything a beginner needs, and more, to go on a weekend camping trip.
Campsite
*Note: The type of tent and sleeping bag you bring should be based on the type of weather you will be camping in.
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad/mat
- Camping pillow (If you want to save money just wad up a sweatshirt.)
- Flashlight, headlamp, or lantern
- Camp chair
- Camp table (This is not needed but you may want it.)
Kitchen
*Note: The kitchen gear you bring should depend on what you are planning to cook. I usually just put hot dogs on a stick and roast them over the fire.
- Pots and pans
- Stove and propane
- Eating/cooking utensils (I recommend bringing a mess kit.)
- Cutting board
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- A lot of water
- Skewers
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate
- Graham Crackers
- Tupperware
- Cooler
- Bags of ice
- Paper towels
- Lighter
- Trash bags
*Remember to try and limit the amount of trash you produce. If there is not a proper area to dispose of your trash at your campsite, please pack it out.
Clothing
*Note: The amount of clothing and type of clothing you bring should depend on the weather.
- Short sleeve shirt (Preferably synthetic.)
- Long sleeve shirt (Preferably synthetic.)
- Sweatshirt
- Jacket (Preferably a rain coat.)
- Pants (Preferably synthetic.)
- Pajamas
- Extra socks (I personally LOVE Merino Wool socks.)
- Extra underwear
- Hiking boots
- Tennis shoes
- Mittens
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Chapstick
- Ladies, bring feminine hygiene products just in case!
Other
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Floss
- Extra blankets
- Swim suit (Maybe there is a lake?)
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Hammock with straps