Weekend camping can offer adventure and escape from daily work stress, but only if you plan carefully and make sure to pack adequate supplies. Creating a checklist is an effective method of making sure you'll have the items you need before you hit the road. Needs may vary depending on your camping environment, location and time of year, but there are a few basics that should always be included in your weekend camping gear.
Shelter
Bring adequate shelter for your camping trip, such as a tent or even a tarp you can string between trees in case of sudden inclement weather. Your shelter should be large enough to accommodate everyone in your camping party and cover your supplies, if necessary, in the event of rain, suggests Gorp, an online resource for outdoor travel and planning.
Bedding
Bring along a sleeping bag for each member of your party, rated for a minimum of 35 degrees, though during fall and winter months, choose a sleeping bag that offers additional warmth or insulation, depending on your environment. A typical large garbage bag may be cut open along the sides to offer a ground tarp beneath your sleeping bag, or you can pack a section of thick plastic sheeting to place under your tent to prevent moisture from the ground seeping into your tent and bedding.
Maps and Compass
Never go off into the wilderness without some kind of a trail map or compass. Don't rely on a global positioning device or GPS system, especially if you're heading into mountain ranges with cliffs, dense trees or deep valleys and gullies, according to Wired.com. Learn how to properly use a compass, and purchase trail maps and guides from your local U.S. Forest Service office or the Bureau of Land Management.
Food and Supplies
Bring enough food along to sustain you for an extra day, just in case. Canned foods that can be easily heated over a campfire are convenient, but don't forget the can-opener. Bring along a cooking stove with adequate amount of propane or white gas, or at least a grate that you can balance on rocks over an open campfire to cook your food. Bring along some iodine tablets or water purification tablets or a backpack water filter, suggests Gorp. A mess kit is easy and offers a self-contained dish and eating utensils that don't take up a lot of room.
Safety Gear
Take along a first aid kit, sunscreen and bug repellent. Bring water-proof matches and extra clothing in case of bad weather. A small mirror for signaling for help may come in handy, as will a flashlight, knife or hatchet. A length of rope can help pull someone from a dangerous situation.
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