Top Must-Bring Camping Essentials Jan 18, 2020 7:32:55 PM

Don’t get caught in the great outdoors unprepared. When you're knee-deep in camping gear, it's easy to forget some of the most important items like flashlights or band-aids.

Checklists are a great tool to help with your organization. Your camping list will vary according to the type of camping and activities you have planned, the places you are going, the time of year and the length of your trip.

Add or remove items to suit your individual needs using our guide and checklist. A great piece of advice is to create a must-bring bag with your top ten camping essentials off of this list so you're never without that one thing you forgot to bring.

Here are the supplies, food, and gear you need to bring for a successful first camping trip.

Clothes

If you’ll be backpacking during your trip, every ounce counts. When it comes to clothes, choose lightweight fabrics that are moisture-wicking so you can reuse the same top and bottoms a few times. Other pieces you’ll want to bring:

Lightweight Hat

Packable waterproof and Breathable Jacket

Wool Socks

Hiking Boots or Trail Runners

Sunglasses (Polarized shades are ideal for blocking sun rays)

Long Pants & Long-sleeved shirts (Even if the forecast looks warm, chances are the nights will be cool

Water Shoes or Sandals With Good Grip

Swimsuit

Zip Cubes Packing Organizer

Eating and Drinking Essentials

Chances are you’ll have to prepare your own meals, so save some real estate in your bag for a portable kitchen. I can't tell you how fulfilling it is to be able to prepare your own meals at the campsite next to a roaring fire. These items include:

Camping Stove with Fuel or Fire Starters/Newspaper & Matches/lighter (Make sure you pick one appropriate for backpacking or car camping)

Cookware

Utensils (For both cooking and eating)

Lightweight, reusable water bottle

Water Filtration (You may need to gather water from nearby lakes or ponds - you'll need to filter it before drinking)

Lightweight Towel and Soap

Food (pre-packaged snacks - power bars/trail mix/peanut butter - as well as freeze-dried camping meals you can cook on the trail if backpacking)

Personal Items

Just as with all other essentials, plan to be selective with your personal care items and bring only the basic necessities. Minimizing your weight and item load will make your camping experience that much more enjoyable!

Toilet Paper

Sunscreen

Lip Balm with SPF

Bug Spray and Itch Relief

Hand Sanitizer

First Aid Kit

Toiletry Kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, etc.)

Prescription Medications you may need to take/Painkillers (like aspirin or ibuprofen)

Navigational Tools

If you'll be moving around, traveling around to multiple spots or plan to hike a few trails, it's important to have tools that'll help guide you and most importantly, ensure a safe trip.

Portable GPS

Compass and Map (It's a good back-up for the GPS)

Portable Chargers (PRO TIP: Even if you'll be near any charging stations on your trip - make sure all of your devices are fully charged before you leave)

Maps or a Guidebook

Pen or Pencil

Two-way Radios (If you'll be in larger groups)

Flashlight or Headlamps (Plus extra batteries)

Travel Lantern(s)

The Camp Necessities

I know what you're thinking; SHELTER, DUH! But unless your shelter is your vehicle, you're going to want to be comfortable while roughing it. Here's what you'll need to sleep as safely and comfortably as possible:

Tent (Double..No..Triple check you have all of the necessary poles and stakes)

Mallet/Hammer (For securing the stakes in the ground)

Sunshade or Tarp (Especially if you're car-camping)

Sleeping Bags

Sleeping Pads or a light air mattress

Travel Pillows

Folding Chairs and Table (Even if car camping)

Pocket Knife for any quick cutting needs

Entertainment

One of the best things about camping is spending uninterrupted quality time with friends and family, without the common high-tech distractions. Maximize the fun with these things:

Binoculars (Great for sightseeing)

Camera

Travel-sized Board Games

Playing Cards

Fishing Gear (Poles, reels, line, lures and tackle.)

Kayaking Gear (Life jackets, paddles, and repair kit)

Bikes

S'Mores Ingredients (Thought we forgot? We'd never let you go camping without the most important outdoor necessity!)

This is a comprehensive list, and you may not need it all — it just depends on what type of trip you’re going on.

If you plan of hiking most of the days and pitching a tent in different locations each night, for example, leave the board games at home and stock up on hiking essentials instead.

If you’re sticking to one spot, throw the bikes on the bike rack and pile on the games for a fun weekend in the woods. Camping can be an amazing experience, but only if you’ve properly prepared for such a trip.

Final Thoughts...

You see, the key to having a good camping trip vs. a nightmare one is all in the preparation. Making sure you have all the essential items to keep it fun and relaxing – instead of frustrating.

Experienced campers know this and have created a system to ensure they don’t forget those camping essentials. Now you have this list to double-check before you rush out to the wilderness.

But remember, every campsite and every camp trip is unique. Research the campground before you go. You need to know what it offers regarding amenities such as washrooms, electricity, and more.

Be sure to check out Falco Outdoors for all of your camping needs! Use coupon code 5OFFCAMPING for an additional discount at check out!

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