1. Tent

The tent has been around for thousands of years. It is a place of refuge. It can keep you warm and dry. It provides comfort and privacy with the feeling of your home away from home. Make sure you have enough room for everyone in your group. Remember the 4-person tent might not fit 4 people. If you’re not sure, bring an extra tent just in case.

2. Cooler

Now I know, you might be thinking “I could survive without a cooler” and you might be right. But you are going to need a cooler if you want camp-cooked meals. Remember, you are going camping, not attending survival school. A good cooler with ice blocks, not ice cubes, can keep your food fresh for about 2-3 days.  

3. Camping Chair

Logs, stumps and rocks will work if you are in a pinch, but after your long day of camping activities, your body will thank you for bringing that relaxing camping chair.  True, some are not as comfy as your furniture at home but a supportive seat around a crackling campfire feels just as welcoming. So, if you have the choice, take the chair.  

4. Matches

Imagine a camping trip without a campfire.  Just think about it, no roasting marshmallows, no gathering around telling stories, singing songs or cooking hotdogs on a stick. I know, in some places you can’t light fires, but either way, there are a lot more reasons to have matches than to not bring them, so bring them. I usually bring a box of matches, a couple of lighters, and some waterproof matches as a backup. Don’t forget a fire-starter if you need it.

5. Woodcutting tools

I used to only pack an axe and only an axe as my cutting tool. As I got older, I found bringing a variety of woodcutting tools saves time and energy. Whether you bring or gather your firewood, you will still need to cut and split it to make a good fire. So here is what you need; to split wood into kindling you can use an axe, spitting maul or hatchet. To make shavings use your camping knife.  For longer branches or logs use a handsaw.  To cut away smaller branches use pruning sheers or loppers.

6. Knife

According to the American Knife and Tool Institute website, the most important tool to take camping is a knife. A knife can be used for food prep, cut kindling, create fire starters, rope cutting, package opening, can opening, camp craft, first aid, fish cleaning, and tool making.   Whether you are using a knife to whittle a bird, make wood shavings, or cut up food, the camping knife can be an essential part of your comfort and safety. Be sure to follow knife safety rules.

7. Water

Clean water is another highly essential item to have. It does not matter if you are going somewhere with potable water or not. Please bring water. About 1-2 gallons a day per person is the bare minimum. If you don’t want to bring all that water, then please do your research and figure out alternatives to collect and filter water when needed. At least bring some water to get your camping trip started on the right foot.  

8. Food 

 Unless you plan on really roughing it, you are going to want to plan a menu and go shopping. Plan meals that are simple to make and easy to clean up. Then you will have more time for other fun camping activities. Plan a mixture of snacks and proven nutritious camp meals. I say proven because if your meal does not turn out, it is still the only food you have. So, if you are not sure, practice test cooking the meal at home or learn what works from others.  

9. Stove

The stove is not extremely necessary if you plan on cooking every meal over the fire or not cooking at all. I like cooking a few meals over the fire, some on the camp stove and others not cooked at all.  You will find that a well-orchestrated camp kitchen will provide a feeling of simplicity and nourishment. Again, practice makes perfect, so honing your cooking skills at home using the camp stove will help you avoid bad cooking, time-sucking messes and extra cleanup.

10. Cookware

Don’t bring your kitchen cookware camping. I have done this and have ended up regretting it.  Purchase new or used ones that are set aside for camping.  If you don’t want to buy new, consider thrift stores, or saving your old cooking items. Find ways to keep it simple. Thinking through the prep of each meal will help you select the tools you will need and ones you can eliminate.

11. Eating ware

As with the cooking utensils above, don’t take your kitchen silverware and flatware camping because they might not make it. You want to bring either disposable or hardy camping eating ware. Think of your menu to decide if disposable will work for every meal or do you need something more robust for a few of your meals. I like to bring both because it is hard to eat certain foods using disposable plates and utensils.  

12. Flashlight

Probably one of the items you would not forget but put it on your packing just in case.  If you don’t have a light once you’re at the campsite, you will need to purchase one. Seeing at night is a big plus. I know you are probably thinking, “I could just sleep until it gets light again, I will be ok.” Remember, we are talking comfort here not survival so add it to your list. There are many types of lights. I usually bring a backup one and a lantern or two.  

13. GPS

You might not think you don’t need this. I felt the same way until I went on a camping trip and got lost gathering firewood. I could not afford a GPS, so I downloaded a free app that was almost as good. At first, I felt scared but then remembered I had the ap. I simply walked to the previously marked campsite on the map on my phone. I think the app also showed my direction of walking compared to the direction of the camp.

14. Remote Power

Look at how far we’ve come. Now you can watch movies in your tent! Okay, that’s my brother’s family but you really can do that now. When it comes to Remote Power there are many options. I believe I even found a backpack that acts as a solar charger while you hike. It’s a good idea to have a way to charge your necessary items like your cell phone and GPS devices but there is something to be said about being unplugged and enjoying the sounds of nature.

15. Camping Fuel

I know this is self-explanatory, but you don’t want to forget fuel. I usually stick with propane, but I have also used kerosine stoves and lanterns. Please bring extra. I remember a weeklong camping trip where I did not bring enough. Luckily there was a camp store nearby that sold canisters of fuel. The bad part is I paid twice the going price.  Even if you think you have enough fuel double check it just in case.   

16. First aid kit

 A good kit will have a mixture of items for small boo boos and large ones. You can have a larger camp first aid kit and a smaller one to take on your excursions from camp. There are many pre-made kits on the market. You can also make your own.   Make sure you keep it simple but at least have the basic first aid items. Brush up on your first aid skills prior to your trip. Even if you think you will be ok without one you never know when you are going to need it-so bring it.

17. Survival gear/kit

This is necessary but hopefully a never-used item. I say keep it simple. If you are car camping, chances are you can store the items in your vehicle. If you are on a hike or overnight backpacking trip you will need to make enough room in your pack. That is why I say, keep it simple.  You will need enough necessary items until you are rescued. Make sure the kit can keep you safely hydrated, feed, warm and dry. In addition, it would be good to have a way to signal your rescuers.

18. Defense items  

I don’t care if you feel like you will never use it. The time you need it is the time you need it. So please, carry something, especially if you are going out on a hike or camping at an isolated site. It does not have to be a firearm. It can be a knife, bear spray, a walking stick, all the above or something unconventional. Learn about where you are camping. Be aware of your surroundings. Learn how to safely and effectively use your defensive devices.

19. Rope

Yes. I said Rope. Rope can be used for hanging a hammock, gathering up and dragging firewood, hanging your food from hungry animals, hanging a tarp, lashings, camp craft, clotheslines, securing watercraft, fish stringers, securing various items, and many other uses. Make sure you bring enough rope for all your needs. There are different types of rope so make sure you know what each type is used for.  Learn about knot tying and lashing. You can even practice them at home.  

20. Clothes

Ok maybe not something you will forget, but depending on where and when you are camping, you might not wear the same clothes that you wear at home.  Look up the forecast of where you are going so you will be prepared. Just because it is warm and sunny at home does not mean it will be the same at your campsite. Another good rule of thumb is to bring an extra change of clothing. So, if you are going for 3 days bring 4 changes of clothing.

21. Sleeping Gear

Your bed is up to your style. My parents set up a foam mattress made like a bed at home. I have used cots, air mattresses, self-filling mattresses, hard ground, soft ground, and foam.  You can use sleeping bags, blankets, quilts, wool blankets and other items. Remember this is camping not back packing so stay warm and bring what you like. I usually use an air mattress. If you are backpacking, learn about what options are out there and what has worked well for others.