Determining what camping equipment you'll need to bring on your next outing will depend upon the focus of your trip. If you plan to backpack into some remote region, you'll have to carry all of your supplies on your back. In that case, you'll need the lightest and most minimal amount of equipment. If you're car camping and won't have to walk far to your campsite, you'll be able to have the luxury of more supplies. In either case, there are a few things, such as food and shelter, that all campers need.
Basic Gear
Regardless of the type of camping you're doing, some basic gear is required. You'll need some form of shelter, usually a tent. Make sure you don't forget the tent stakes and ropes needed to assemble your shelter. You'll need a sleeping bag and camping pillow (if space is an issue, balled-up clothing will also work as a pillow). You'll also need one flashlight for each camper and plenty of extra batteries. Bring along a sharp knife, a multi-tool, lighters (matches can get wet and be ruined), backpacks if you plan on hiking and a first aid kit.
Cooking and Food
A portable camp stove makes cooking out easy. Just remember to bring along the appropriate fuel source for your stove. If you plan to cook over an open fire, be sure you have access to plenty of dry firewood, and obey the fire rules at your camping facility. Pots and pans, paper towels, reusable utensils, extra trash bags and a can opener are cooking necessities. For drinking water, make sure you have at least 1 gallon of water per person per each day of your trip. Also bring along canteens or refillable water bottles. Unless you will have access to coolers, be sure to pack food that will not spoil. Some ideas are fruit, vegetables and canned foods like beans
and soup. If you're car camping, chances are you will be able to bring along a cooler. In this case, bring foods that cook well over an open fire or a camping stove. Foods like bacon, hot dogs, eggs and pancakes are good choices. Other foods you may want to bring include bread or bagels, chips, granola bars and dried fruit.
Clothing and Personal Equipment
You should pack personal hygiene equipment like a toothbrush, biodegradable soap, towel, deodorant and toilet paper. Don't forget the sunscreen and plenty of insect repellent. As for your clothing choices, aside from the necessary hat and sunglasses, pack whatever you think you'll need. Again, you'll need to pack as light as the type of camping you'll be doing demands. Also, if you take prescription medications, be sure to pack them as well.
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