What Basic Equipment Do You Need to Go Camping?

So– you’ve heard of this whole camping thing, but never quite tried it. And after two years of being cooped up inside under quarantine conditions, sleeping out under the stars sounds pretty nice.

With that said, what should you even pack? We have a few ideas.

Get outside this summer with the right basic camping equipment. Read on for the essential camping equipment checklist!

Tent and Sleeping Comforts

The #1 complaint of new campers is how uncomfortable it’s been to sleep anywhere but their own bed. While the thread count may not be as high, there are some easy comforts to pack to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.

• Tent
• Sleeping bag and pad
• Pillows and blankets

Camping for beginners can take a little to get used to. If you need a little bit more comfort, don’t hesitate to bring an inflatable air mattress that fits inside of your tent. There’s no reason to wake up sore, even in the Great Outdoors!

Cooking Tools

If you’d like to make yourself some hearty meals while enjoying your time in the woods, we recommend bringing a camp stove and fuel for easy meal prep. Other recommended items include:

• Charcoal
• Grill/grill rack
• Pots and pans
• Cooler
• Cleaning products

Most importantly, don’t forget to pack the food you’ll be cooking!

Small Items

Put together a little box with small kitchen tools. Our favorites include:

• Knife and cutting board
• Coffee supplies
• Hot dog and marshmallow forks
• Corkscrew
• Table cloth
• Tablecloth

If you feel like you can get by without all of these small creature comforts, leave them at home. It’s completely up to personal preference.

Toiletry Essentials

Keep your toiletries simple. We recommend sticking to the basics like:

• Necessary shower supplies
• Deodorant
• Lip balm
• Face care
• Easy-to-dispose or clean feminine products
• Shower shoes or sandals
• Towels
• Biodegradable toilet paper

Even if your face lotion contains SPF, be sure to pack extra! Nobody wants to come back from a camping trip with a terrible sunburn.

Clothing

Don’t overpack on clothing. Think about what will keep you dry and warm.

• Socks and underwear
• Pants and/or shorts
• Short and/or long sleeve shirts
• Sleepwear
• Fleece pullover or hoodie
• Warm jacket, such as a down puffy
• Rain jacket
• Baselayers
• Swimsuits
• Boots or hiking shoes

If you plan on hiking, be sure to bring layers that are easy to put on and take off.

Safety and Tools

You never know when you’ll have to fix something in a pinch. For peace of mind, we recommend packing:

• Headlamps
• First Aid Kit & Supplies
• Mallet or Hammer
• Knife and/or Multitool
• Matches or Lighter
• Extra Batteries and Fuel
• Bear spray (if staying in bear country)

We promise that it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Beyond Basic Camping

Once you have the right basic camping equipment for your outdoor adventure, it’s time to get outside. Looking for more things to do? Check out the rest of our blog for more camping ideas and outdoor activities.