Essentials of a camping trip

Be it your first camping trip or may be you are a regular camper, you always want to be sure that you have packed everything that you will need during your stay. So I came up with this list that has most of the items listed. You might find some items unnecessary as per your needs or you may want to add some items to your list. It solely depends on your needs. But as I said the list just helps you to be better prepared for your trip so that you enjoy better.

So you can go ahead and use it for your reference. You can also find a printer friendly version here.

The Camping Checklist

For setting up the shelter

• Tent
• Hammer
• Extra stakes
• Sleeping bags OR Air mattress
• Air Pump
• Car Voltage inverter
• Sheets and pillows
• Warm Blankets
• Foot Mat

For your campsite

• Extra shade for food and sitting area
• Clothesline and clothespins
• Folding chairs

For Cooking

• Water Container / Jug
• Ice Cooler
• Propane Fuel and burner
• Match Sticks and lighter
• Tablecovers (One from Dollar Store works perfectly)
• Disposable Plates & bowls and glasses
• Paper towels
• Trash bags
• Dish soap and Scrub pad
• Containers for food storage
• Frying pan and pot, preferably with lids
• Spatula and cooking spoon
• Knives and peelers
• Cutting board
• Cooking oil
• Seasonings, salt, pepper and spices
• Tea Bags /Coffee
• Bottle opener
• Ziplock bags

• Charcoal and firewood if you plan for a campfire
• Spare newspaper or fire starters

If you grill then :

• Tongs
• Skewers/grill forks
• Campfire grill/BBQ grill

Additional Items

• Head lights
• LED Lantern
• First Aid Kit
• Mosquito Repellant
• Creams, Sunscreen lotion and Moisturisers
• Small backpack (Useful for carrying stuff while hiking)
• Towels
• Hand Wash, shampoo and Shower soap
• Extra clothes (Whatever you can manage to carry without getting bulky)
• Warm and weather appropriate jackets.
• Rain Gear
• Hats
• Sun glasses

So here we are. The list may not be complete but forms a good reference point for planning and preparation. You may let me know any items that I may have missed out and are important and I will be glad to add them to the list.

And ... Don'tforget to pack the food :)