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Your Camping Checklist: Must Have and Nice to Have
Satmodo Store
Each year when the weather warms up, families start thinking about how they can spend more time outside. There’s nothing quite like spending time in the great outdoors exploring all the beauty the world has to offer. Camping is an excellent way to do this while also sharing precious time with family and friends. Disconnecting from the everyday hustle and bustle is one of the best parts about camping. Whether you are new to camping or an old pro, it’s important to remember to organize all of your gear ahead of time so you are prepared by using a camping checklist. Even if this isn’t your first time, it’s easy to forget a thing or two. You certainly don’t want a disaster on your hands at your campsite when you realize you’re missing a major necessity.
Once you’ve decided on the perfect campsite, decide how long you’ll stay. Having everything you need to comfortably get through the duration of your camping will make it enjoyable for everyone. We’ve created the following camping checklist to ensure you’re packed and on your way with everything you need.
Safety
Safety is number one when you head out on your camping trip. Make sure you have these essentials in order to keep yourself and your family safe and able to get help in the event of an emergency.
- Cell Phone
- Satellite Phone (Phones like Iridium, Globalstar, Inmarsat, and Thuraya these work in remote areas where there is no cell reception)
- Compass/GPS
- ID
- Credit Card/Cash
- Campsite Contact Information
Shelter and Bedding Must Have
Don’t forget these camping basics – you’ll need them!
- Tent (check ahead that all parts are accounted for)
- Air Mattress or Sleeping Pads
- Air Mattress Air Pump
- Pillows
- Blankets/sheets
- Foldable Chairs
- Headlamp or Flashlight
- Lantern
Shelter and Bedding Nice to Have
These are extras that come in handy, especially if you are staying for multiple nights.
- Sun shelter (this is important if you won’t be in a heavily shaded area)
- Tarp
- Brush/Dust Pan
- Hammock
Cooking Must Have
One of the things to look forward to the most while camping is the food. You can certainly cook up some tasty treats that maybe you don’t normally get to enjoy at home. In addition to packing all of these cooking items you’re sure to need, don’t forget to plan your menu! Make sure you have all the food you need to whip up some delicious camp food. And don’t forget the snacks!
- Ice
- Firewood
- Plates and bowls
- Mugs and Cups
- Silverware
- Aluminum foil
- Paper Towels
- Trash bags
- Pots and pans with lids
- Oven Mitts
- Cooking utensils
- Can opener/bottle opener
- Dish soap
- Cooking Oil
- Ziploc Bags
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Large Bowl
- Seasonings and Condiments
Cooking Nice to Have
- Camp Grill
- Skewers
- Folding Table
- Tablecloth with Clips
- Portable Coffee Maker
- Skewers/Grill Forks
Clothing Must Have
The clothing you choose to bring is largely dependent on where and when you are going. The best advice is that it’s much better to be overprepared than underprepared. When camping, days can often heat up in a hurry, with the temperature dropping quite a bit at night. Though it can be a pain to pack the extra gear, you’ll be very glad that you did.
-
T-shirts (moisture wicking is best)
-
Long-Sleeve Shirts
- Pants/Shorts
- Hoodie
- Jacket
- Sun Hat
- Long Underwear
- Synthetic or Wool Sock
- Pajamas
- Cold-Weather Gear (if needed)
Clothing Nice to Have
- Bandana or Gaiter
- Swimsuit
- Laundry Bag for dirty clothes
Tools
It’s always important to be prepared just in case something goes wrong. Having the proper tools will ensure your camping trip can carry on smoothly.
- Multi-tool
- Tent-pole repair sleeve
- Air Mattress Repair Kit
- Mallet or Hammer
- Saw
Hygiene and First Aid Must Have
- Sunblock
- Chapstick
- Toilet Paper
- Baby Wipes
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Hand Sanitizer
- Bug spray
- First Aid Kit
- First Aid Manual
- Tweezers
- Personal Medications
- Feminine Products
Hygiene and First Aid Nice to Have
- Citronella Candle
- Heat/Cold Packs
- Razor
- Baby Wipes
- Towel
Fun Extras
- Books
- Games and Toys
- Binoculars
- Music Player
- Field Guides (to identify different wildlife)
- Constellation Identifier
It’s quite the camping checklist, but we don’t want you to miss a thing. Being fully prepared means an amazing camping trip without any hiccups. And you’ll keep wanting to go back again and again.
