Are you feeling excited about your upcoming camping trip but unsure about the essential items to bring? Keep reading!
When planning for camping, make sure to include your shelter and sleeping gear in your camping equipment. Additionally, depending on your location, it is advisable to pack various clothing layers and any necessary seasonal items.
Camp Sleeping Gear
Weight is not as important in car camping as it is in backpacking. Thus, various camping essentials such as sleeping pads and sleeping bags tend to be more affordable compared to their ultralight counterparts designed specifically for backpacking.
When it comes to sleeping pads, you can opt for thick and cushy options. Even cots are acceptable in this place.
If you also engage in backpacking, it is feasible to utilize your backpacking gear for car camping as well. In fact, our editors have extensively utilized high-quality sleeping pads and bags meant for backpacking during their stays in campgrounds simply because that is what they possess.
If you are camped near your vehicle or using mechanized or horseback transportation, you have the option to use a bigger and heavier tent compared to when you are backpacking.
For the purpose of this article, assume that “tent” refers to your shelter option, despite the existence of other choices such as rooftop tents, RVs, rugged trailers, and pop-ups.
Backpacking tents can be used for car camping without a doubt, and several individuals rely on lightweight tents for all their shelter requirements. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that these tents are typically less durable than heavier family tents. Therefore, it is advisable to consider including a footprint to safeguard it against sharp objects on the ground, and to pitch it with caution.
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Tent
- Pillow (optional but highly recommended)
Essential Camp Cooking Kit
After spending a day outside, everything becomes more delicious. And if you happen to be camping with your car, this fact can be even more valid! Thanks to modern gear, you can now bring all the comforts of your home kitchen to the great outdoors.
Many people enjoy the thrill of preparing gourmet meals at the campsite, and our team is no exception as we love indulging in this activity.
Even though you can bring everything including the kitchen sink, camping with minimal gear is still easy. All you really need is a container for water, a pot, a pan, a stove, fuel, and cooking utensils. Using a cooler can provide the option for more perishable foods, but it is not always necessary.
We have discovered and tested the top backpacking stoves, ranging from lightweight canisters to four-season and multifuel choices, that greatly enhance life on the trail.
- Water storage (a 5-gallon cube is ideal for car camping)
- Stove
- Fuel (make sure it’s the right fuel for your stove!)
- Pot (for boiling water or heating liquids)
- Frying pan (such as cast iron or nonstick)
- Camp coffee maker
- Spatula
- Plates, bowls (one per camper)
- Eating utensils (fork, spork, or spoon; one per camper depending on meals)
- Cooking oil
- Salt, pepper, seasonings
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Bottle opener, can opener, corkscrew
- Dishwashing basin (or plastic bin)
- Biodegradable soap
- Sponge
- Dish towel
- Multiple trash bags (for trash, recycling, compost, etc.)
- Personal water bottle (one for each camper) or water bladder
- Cooler and ice
Electronics
Modern campers have greater access to electronic devices than ever before. Our suggestion is to leave the majority of these devices at home.
To ensure you have the essentials, it is important to have at least a light source and phone charger. Additionally, before disconnecting from the grid, make sure to install useful apps on your phone.
- Headlamp (plus charging cord or rechargeable/extra batteries)
- Flashlight (plus charging cord or rechargeable/extra batteries)
- Camp lighting (lantern, string lights, etc.)
- Cellphone
- Phone charging cord (and plugin)
- Portable battery pack
- Speaker
Camp Comfort
If your plan is to go camping for a few days or weeks, having these items will greatly enhance your outdoor experience.
In locations that lack tables, camp chairs can greatly enhance your experience. During summer camping trips, it is highly recommended to bring a tarp or sunshade. Additionally, a hammock, blanket, and games will provide both comfort and entertainment.
- Camping chairs
- Tarp or sunshade
- Hammock
- Camp blanket
- Camp games
Fire Tools
Campfires bring great joy during nighttime outdoor activities. Despite not always being necessary (and being prohibited in drought or sensitive areas), the occasions when campfires are allowed are particularly memorable.
Starting a campfire is typically a straightforward task using dry wood, and there is an abundance of online resources available that provide instructions on how to accomplish it.
To summarize, begin by gathering small kindling and constructing a stack of wood shaped like a teepee. Position the firestarter underneath the stack and ignite it, slowly incorporating larger pieces of wood (starting with pieces the size of a pencil, then progressing to finger- and wrist-size) with caution.
In order to complete this task, you will require a lighter or matches, firestarter, wood-cutting tools, as well as water for extinguishing fires.
If you happen to create a fire, kindly ensure that you exercise caution and consider the principles of Leave No Trace ethics.
- Lighter or matches
- Firestarter (old newspaper, commercial firestarters, lighter fluid)
- Axe
- Saw
- Shovel
- Extra water for dousing fires
- Fire extinguisher (for RVs or campers with indoor kitchens)
Remote Camping Gear for Backcountry Camps
To embark on backpacking trips in the wilderness, it is necessary to have specialized equipment that goes beyond the normal requirements. For a comprehensive list of backpacking gear, please refer to our backpacking gear checklist here.
Personal Hygiene and Safety
Each individual’s personal hygiene kit may differ slightly. Some individuals may only carry essentials such as a toothbrush and toilet paper, while others may possess a more elaborate kit containing various luxurious items. Our intention is not to pass any judgment on this matter.
Included in our checklist are essential items that are commonly desired, such as toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and one of our personal favorites, a dental floss and needle kit.
- Toilet paper
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Prescription drugs
- Hand sanitizer
- Menstrual products
- Dental floss and needle kit
- Bug protection
- First-aid kit
- Trowel for digging catholes (if no restrooms available)
Camping Essentials Recommendations
Tent
If you go on a camping trip without a tent, it is clear that the situation has turned out badly. Make sure not to neglect the crucial aspect of your journey! The Big Agnes Fly Creek is a tent that I particularly love due to its lightweight design.
Big Agnes also offers tents for larger groups, such as the Tiger Wall UL 3, that are lightweight. If you have a heavy load to carry, you will appreciate the fact that Big Agnes tents weigh very little.
Sleeping Bag
The ideal bag for camping during three seasons is available. It ensures you stay protected in any unforeseen circumstance due to its water-resistant feature.
No matter if you are camping during the winter or the summer, it is always essential to have a good sleeping bag as part of your camping gear. Even though summer nights can feel chilly and windy, the REI Magma sleeping bag will keep you warm.
This bag is perfect for use during three seasons and provides maximum comfort and full warmth coverage with its included hood.
Sleeping Pad
Make sure to include a sleeping pad, also known as an air mattress, in your camping checklist. After experiencing various challenges with different sleeping pad brands, I have found Therm-a-Rest to be my preferred choice.
The NeoAir XLite sleeping pad, manufactured by Therm-a-Rest, is a highly comfortable sleeping pad available in the market. By using this pad, you can ensure that you wake up in the morning without experiencing any stiffness or muscle pain from the previous night.
Backpack
If you are hiking or camping, you can choose between our top backpacking backpacks or a travel backpack. In any case, a backpack is the essential basis of your camping gear and should be durable enough to handle weight. Osprey is a popular backpack brand in the U.S. and a favorite of Travel Lemming. We even have a comprehensive review of the Osprey Porter for you to explore!
If you plan to hike to your campsite for the night, it is important to have a backpack like the Porter 46 model that comes with lockable zippers and comfortable straps.
Headlamp
With this headlamp, you can easily navigate around your campsite after dark. The long lifespan in the backcountry is guaranteed by the rechargeable battery.
Once the sun sets, you will quickly realize that you forgot to bring your headlamp. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you have packed your headlamp before you begin your epic camping expedition, as it is the most essential piece of equipment.
The rechargeable battery feature of the Petzl Actik Core headlamp makes it a personal favorite. Additionally, this head torch offers the option to use regular batteries, providing extra choices in the event of an emergency.
First Aid Kit
In every camping group, it is necessary for at least one person to have a first aid kit in case of emergencies, and this particular kit occupies zero space in your backpack.
When you go camping, make sure to remember to bring a first aid kit. Although this compact first aid kit may not include all the items found in larger, more comprehensive kits, it is adequate for a brief excursion.
Being prepared for any situation in the event of an emergency is a wise principle to follow. By possessing a first aid kit, you guarantee your own well-being and that of those in your vicinity until you are able to reach a hospital if necessary.
Pillow
When tent camping, having a lightweight pillow can truly make a noticeable impact. This particular pillow for camping fits well within the allocated budget and provides the highest level of comfort.
To ensure the best possible sleep at night, consider bringing a camp pillow. The Nemo pillow, which I personally favor, occupies minimal space in my backpack due to its exceptional ability to compress into a compact size.
The two most desirable features of this camp pillow are its air nozzle and compress capability, allowing the pillow to be inflated according to one’s preferred level of softness.
Thermos
Stay prepared for any weather by using the ideal thermos to keep your coffee warm during winter or ensure your ice water remains cool and refreshing in summer.
One of the most satisfying things is to have a cup of coffee in the morning right after leaving your tent. To ensure that you can continue enjoying a hot cup of coffee throughout the morning, it is ideal to keep it warm in a thermos.
Hydro Flask thermoses are an excellent choice for camping due to their ability to maintain the desired temperature of your beverage, whether hot or cool. Moreover, they can be used during summer to ensure your ice water remains refreshing throughout the entirety of the day.
Bug Spray
Regardless of where you are going, having bug spray on hand will provide peace of mind when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. This spray, which does not contain Deet, effectively protects you without any negative health effects.
When creating your camping checklist, be sure to include bug spray. Pests can easily spoil the enjoyment of a camp outing.
While you’re hiking, setting up camp, or cooking, this bug spray without deet effectively repels bugs and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals that can harm your body. Additionally, mosquito head nets are highly effective in keeping bugs at bay.
Sleeping Bag Liner
Sleeping bag liners are a necessity for winter camping excursions as they enhance the warmth of any sleeping bag. This particular liner is of top-notch quality.
In order to stay warm during winter, late fall, or early spring camping trips, it is advisable to use a bag liner. The Sea to Summit liner has been personally tested and is suitable for both men and women.
Sleeping bag liners are typically rated between 15 and 25 degrees Fahrenheit, and they serve to increase the warmth of your sleeping bag. They are recommended for cold environments or people who are prone to feeling cold.
Daypack
As you venture out to explore your surroundings, keep all of your heavy camping gear inside the tent. The Osprey Daylite, ranked above all other daypacks, is highly favored among travel enthusiasts.
By connecting this pack with the Osprey 46, you can create a perfect combination. Make the most of your money by purchasing this Osprey duo, which offers the best deal.
