Without the right gear, even a short camping trip can become a miserable, or even dangerous, experience. The amount of gear you bring largely depends on the type of camping you are doing. If you are car camping—driving right up to your campsite—you can bring considerably more gear. If you are hiking or kayaking to a more remote location, pack light and bring only essentials. If you are camping with a group, coordinate with other group members so you aren’t bringing duplicate items.
Tent
Bring a tent that is suitable for the time of year. Summer tents are typically constructed of more mesh to allow for greater ventilation. Three-season tents, which are intended for use in the spring, summer or fall, may not provide as much ventilation but offer better protection from wind and rain.
Sleeping Bag and Bedding
Bring a sleeping bag that offers enough warmth for the season and extra blankets if necessary. You may also wish to bring a foam sleeping pad or an air mattress, as well as a camp pillow. If you don’t have a camp pillow, you can roll up a sweatshirt or other clothing to use as a pillow.
Proper Clothing
Pack layered clothes for changing weather conditions, and bring a waterproof outer layer in case of rain. Buy your outer layer a size larger than you normally wear so that you can wear layers underneath. Pack an extra pair of shoes and socks in case your feet get wet, and bring at least one item of bright or visible clothing to help rescuers find you in case of an emergency.
Water or Water Purifier
If your camping trip is lasting only one or two nights, you may be able to bring enough water for drinking and cooking. Never drink untreated water from the wild. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends boiling fresh water to kill any microorganisms. You can also bring water purification tablets or a water filter.
Food
Make sure to bring plenty of nonperishable food. If you bring meat, keep it in a cooler with a block of ice. Bring food that is easy to prepare simply by heating or adding water. Canned food works well but is heavy. Dehydrated camp meals are easy to prepare and weigh less. Other lightweight foods that are good for camping include peanut butter, canned tuna, dried noodles and beef jerky. Bring snacks such as trail mix, dried fruit and protein bars.
Cooking Utensils
Pack whatever pots and cooking instruments you need for the food you are bringing, as well as plates, cups, forks and spoons. You may want to use a portable camp stove for heating water and canned foods. To reduce bulk, bring lightweight cooking gear that folds or nests together. You may also be able to cook some foods in aluminum foil wrap or pans.
Medical and Emergency Supplies
Always prepare for an emergency, especially if you are camping in a remote location. Bring a first aid kit packed with emergency wound care supplies, tweezers, scissors, elastic wrap for sprains, antibacterial creams, insect repellent, sunscreen and oral rehydration solution. Bring any prescription medications you require, as well as other medicines you may need such as aspirin, antihistamines and decongestants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends bringing a record of vaccinations, a list of allergies, and names and numbers of emergency contacts.
Miscellaneous Supplies
Be sure to bring a lighter or matches for starting fires, as well as flashlights and extra batteries. You may also want to bring a knife or utility tool for cutting branches as well as a small camp shovel. Pack any gear you need for special activities such as rock climbing, hunting or fishing. Remember that some campsites do not provide waste disposal, so bring extra plastic bags in case you need to pack out your trash. If you have room in your car, you may also want to bring some folding camp chairs for sitting around the fire.
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