A Man And His Gear

Reviews and news about a man's favorite gear

The Only Camping Essentials Checklist You Need

Reading Time: 3 minutes //  by 

We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Thanks for the support!

It can be very exciting, getting ready to go camping and preparing to stay the night in the wilderness under the stars. However, you must pack everything you need, otherwise, your camping trip could quickly descend into chaos. 

Here is a checklist that you can use to make sure you have everything you need to enjoy your camping adventure.

Sleeping and Shelter

You need to make sure you carry everything you need to have a restful sleep.

Especially if you are hiking, you will want to be as comfortable as possible to recoup from the days exercise. Below are some of the items that can help you out!

However do keep in mind, that if you are needing to stay lightweight, you might have to sacrifice a few of these items, or find a lighter solution.

Recommended Sleeping and Shelter Gear

  • Shelter (tent, bivy bag or tarpaulin)
  • Sleeping bag 
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Sleeping mat
  • Pillow 

Cooking and hydration

Cooking in the wilderness is liberating and satisfying.

However, if you have not packed the right equipment, it can quickly become problematic.

If you are stuck out there without a way to cook the food that you have brought, then it isn’t much good to bring food in the first place.

Here are the things you need to keep in mind when packing for your next camping trip, to make sure this doesn’t happen to you!

Recommended Cooking & Hydration Gear

  • Stove
  • Pot/tin
  • Mug 
  • Water bottle 
  • Utensils (a Spork is perfect)
  • Sharp Folding knife 

Other Reading

Personal care

Although you may not expect to meet people, looking after yourself and your hygiene is still essential while camping.

Recommended Personal Care Gear

  • Clothes to keep you warm and dry
  • Spare underwear and socks
  • Wet wipes and/or dry shower soap
  • Microfiber towel

Additional Equipment

Camping is so much fun. Whether you are looking to stay in one place or hike to a new spot the next day, you want your trip to be as comfortable as possible. 

That is why there are quite a few additional items not included in the above that you should also keep an eye on! This includes ways to sit, ways to see at night, and even keeping yourself safe.

Need to keep your phone charged? Yep, its on there.

Recommended Additional Gear

  • Foldable seat or stool
  • Foldable waterproof ground mat
  • Flashlight (including a headlamp)
  • Portable battery pack
  • Tent repair kit, paracord, gaffa tape, cable ties, sewing kit
  • First Aid Kit

Conclusion

It depends on how you plan to get to the campsite as to how luxurious you can be and class as “essential.” If you are driving, you may also want to take a table, more comfortable chairs and a portable fridge or cooler box.

However, this list is camping essentials, so anything else you think you can carry, then go ahead. Be mindful that if you are backpacking or bike-packing, any additional weight can quickly become a burden.