Organizing for Camping
written by Keith Sutton

"Plan for the worse and hope for the best." That old saying has merit when you're camping. 

If you've never camped before, you may be worried you'll be missing something important when you arrive at your camping destination. To be honest, it happens to all of us sooner or later. We unroll our tent and find we don't have any stakes. The skillet we thought we packed is at home on the stove. The weather turns cold and we remember we should have brought extra clothes.
     

What you need will depend largely on what type of camping trip you're planning. If you're driving to a campsite, for example, you can take whatever your vehicle will hold. If you're backpacking to your camp, however, you'll have to limit the weight and volume of your gear.

           

The key is to be as thorough as possible, and err on the side of caution when trying to decide whether or not something on your list should be packed. Some items -- matches, toilet paper, a flashlight and rain gear, for instance -- should be packed for every trip, regardless of whether you think you might need them or not. Others such as fishing tackle, playing cards and binoculars may or may not need to go depending on your plans once you reach your destination.

           

Essentials

Cash, credit cards, checks

Required licenses and permits (for camping, hunting, fishing, etc.)

Waterproof matches and butane lighter

Multi-tool and/or Swiss army knife

Toilet paper

Flashlight, spare batteries and bulb

Maps and compass or GPS

Rain gear

Extra clothing

Insect repellent

 

Personal Items

Clothing

Pants, shorts

Shirts

Underclothes
Shoes/Boots
Socks

Belt

Jacket, coat

Hat, cap, toboggan

Gloves
Swimwear

Nightwear

 

Toiletries

Toothbrush, paste

Soap, shampoo

Mirror

Comb, brush

Deodorant

Washcloth, towels

 

Miscellaneous

Extra prescription glasses/contacts

Prescription medicines

Watch, alarm clock

Sunglasses

Sunscreen, lip balm

 

Camping Gear

Tent, tent fly, poles, stakes and ropes (set up the tent before leaving to be sure everything is there and you know how to put it up)

Hammer or hatchet (for driving tent stakes; keep it in the tent bag)

Ground cloth (to go under the tent and keep it clean and dry)

Sleeping bags

Ground pads, mattresses and/or cots

Pillows

Tarp (has many uses)

Lantern(s) (including fuel, mantles, funnel, batteries as necessary)

Folding chairs, stools, tables

Extension cords (for camps with electric hookups)

Ice chest

Beverage/water jugs

Camping shower

Ax, hatchet and/or shovel

Broom

 

Food

Plan your meals before leaving home, and make a list of all food items you'll need using your menus as a guide.

Meats (hamburger, hot dogs, steaks, bacon, sausage, chicken, etc.)

Dairy products (milk, cheese, etc.)

Eggs

Bread, buns, biscuits, crackers

Vegetables (potatoes, beans, corn, tomatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc.)

Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish, salad dressings, syrup, BBQ sauce, etc.)

Drinks (coffee, tea, sodas, Kool-aid, juice, etc.)

Staples (flour, corn meal, sugar, salt, pepper, herbs, spices, butter, cooking oil, etc.)

Snack foods, dessert ingredients

 

Cooking, Food Service and Cleanup

Camp stove, fuel

Charcoal, lighter fluid

Firewood

Grill, cooking grate

Reflector oven

Skillet, pots and pans

Carving/cutting knives

Spatula, tongs, serving fork and spoon

Can opener

Measuring cups and spoons

Aluminum foil

Plates, cups, bowls

Flatware (forks, spoons, knives)

Scouring pads, detergent

Zip-loc bags

Garbage bags

Paper towels, dish towels

Oven mitt, pot holder

 

Emergency Gear

Band-Aids

Gauze pads

Adhesive tape

Aspirin

Tweezers

Needle

Moleskin

Single-edge razor blade

Antacid

Ace bandage

Diarrhea medication

Cold medication

Laxative

Bandages

Sunburn relief

Thermometer

Sting kill swabs

Eye drops

Scissors

Cortisone (anti-itch) cream

Antibiotic cream

Antihistamine such as Benadryl

 

Amenities

Finally, you should consider what items will keep you comfortable and amused on your camping trip. If you're car camping and have the space, you can make your campsite luxurious with such items as hanging camp lights and a hammock. Books, a radio, playing cards, your journal, art supplies, board games and musical instruments all add to a cozy domestic camping style.

           

What extracurricular activities will be part of your camping trip? List what you'll need: camera and film, field guides, binoculars, fishing tackle, hunting gear, bikes, kayaks. If you're leaving the campsite during the day, add a day pack or fanny pack to your list.

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