List of necessary supplies. Camping checklist.

If you don’t go camping often (or this is your first time), this basic camping checklist is a good start. Over time, you may wish to add some other personal items.

What to bring camping:

Camping gear check list:

1. Garbage bags.

Just because you are out in the wilderness doesn’t mean you can toss your garbage anywhere you want and leave it. This can attract bears and other wildlife because it smells like food. So please always follow the rule “pack out what you pack in”.

2. Tent.

Unless you are planning on primitive camping, you will need a shelter to sleep in or hide from the sun and rain.

3. Sleeping bag(s) or blanket(s).

Do we really need to explain Sleeping Bags or blankets, because you already use blankets at home?

4. Lighters, matches, or a flint striker kit.

Lighters, matches, or a flint striker kit. These are handy because at some point you will want to light a campfire or the BBQ. Example you might have swimwear therefore you need to dry it with the campfire or want to stay warm on a chilly night.

5. Food.

Without food you will starve. If you do not plan on hunting or fishing, you will need to bring food so you can eat.

6. Cooler and ice.

The cooler with ice will keep your perishable foods cool. Instead of buying a bag of ice, you can also freeze 2L or 4L milk jugs with water and use that.

7. Pot.

No not that pot… we are talking about a pot to hold water therefore you can heat up water for cooking or drinking water.

8. Tarps.

Tarps are great because you can create shade if you are camping in direct sunlight with little shade. They’re also awesome if you are camping in regions that are known for rain. Throw a tarp over your tent or sitting area so everything will stay dry.

9. Ropes.

Ropes and cords can be used for many things, including (but not limited to): hanging tarps and creating clotheslines.

10. Knife.

You will always need to cut something for some reason such as to open packages you brought, cutting rope, whittling a stick to roast marshmallows / hotdogs or even scraping bark off a fallen tree for some natural fire starter.

11. Flashlight or lantern.

This is a must anytime you go camping because it is dark without city and street lights. Walking around in the middle of the night while camping is like walking around blind. Let’s lower our chances of falls and be safe by bringing flash lights and batteries.

12. First-aid kit.

When you’re outdoors, you are more prone to cuts or scrapes from contaminated branches or anything else you might run into or fall on when you are camping. It is always nice to know you have some supplies to disinfect or treat your injury to minimize risk of infection.

13. Map and compass.

If you plan on driving out in the backcountry, these are a must because it is easy to get lost. It is common in the backcountry to not have cell phone reception for long periods of time because nothing is near by.

14. Change of clothes.

You will get dirty or wet while camping. Let’s face it! You will be out in the wilderness where there is dirt – and a lot of it. Therefore, you will need clean clothes.

15. Axe / hatchet and hammer.

This tool is most handy for chopping up firewood. If you forget a hammer, the back end of the axe or hatchet can also be used as your hammer (good to nail tent pegs in to the ground).

16. Groundsheet.

Something to put under your tent to help prevent things from piercing the tent as well as protect its floor.

Feel free to change the list up for your own needs. Every region has its own unique environment. Don’t forget to add in accessories, such as a camera to take photos of some great moments and views. Pack some hiking gear with you if you plan on hiking trails.