Most of us have been there before…
You arrive at your campsite – ready for a great weekend away – only to find you’ve forgotten the sleeping bags or even worse, your tent!
What do you do now? Turn around and drive home? Or try to stick it out for the weekend?
Whatever you choose to do, you could have avoided the whole thing if you had just taken the time to check your essential camping gear before you’d left home.
This article is designed to help you to do just that – and to not make that same mistake again.
So whether you’re a first-time camper or an experienced survivalist, use this checklist to help check and recheck your gear before you drive out of your driveway.
In the rush to get on the road and get to the campsite after a long week at work, it’s so easy to get caught up in the moment and leave the house without everything you need.
So pay close attention to this list and don’t ruin your weekend away by forgetting something that you rely on using at the campsite.
Keep in mind that this is a fairly extensive list, designed for weekend camping, so if you are looking to travel light, check out this article about minimalist camping as well.
With the help of this list, your camping trip will turn out just the way you want it to.
So here it is, the 21 camping essentials that you don’t want to forget:
1 – Shelter (Tent)
Does anyway actually forget this? I mean, it’s gotta be the most important thing on this list. Well, believe it or not – it happens!
So double check you’ve packed your tent before you leave home.
There are a wealth of options available for different styles of camping and conditions. So if you are in the market for a new tent, consider whether a survival tent, canvas tent or a cold weather tent would better suit you.
If you are new to camping you might consider borrowing a tent if possible and then once you decide you’re going to make this a more serious pastime, invest in a high-quality tent.
If you don’t mind sleeping a bit more exposed, a hammock is a great way to spend a warm summer’s night under the night sky.
But if you do unfortunately forget your tent or hammock, what can you do?
In this situation, the best thing you could do is have something like an emergency survival blanket as an emergency backup shelter.
If you’re looking for a great little backup shelter, check out the Tact Bivvy. Its small size makes it perfect to keep in your glove box or stashed in your camping bag.
2 – Water
Have you planned ahead and thought about your water consumption on your next camping trip? Will you have access to potable or running water that is clean and safe to drink?
It’s important to think about these things before you leave for your trip. Otherwise, you may find yourself caught out with little or no water and that is really going to ruin your trip.
Besides drinking, you’ll need water for cooking, cleaning and other campsite duties. So make sure you’ve got a large water container filled and ready to use on site.
For campsite water storage, it’s hard to get better than a water brick system.
These things are the best for camping and I use them all the time.
Each container has a 3.5 gallon volume and is stackable and compact for easy storage and handling. And most importantly, they are built tough so they won’t break.
And they come with a free screw-on spigot if you purchase four or more of these containers.
3 – High-Quality Survival Knife
There are a thousand and one uses for a knife at a campsite, so do yourself a favor and pick up a high-quality camping knife for your next trip.
Whether you are cutting a rope, whittling a stick or filleting a fish, you want a knife that can do it all. Something that can slice, chop and pierce whatever job needs to be done.
Being a survivalist, I keep my favorite knife with me always and I suggest that you should do the same. So make sure you are carrying a high-quality survival knife whenever you are heading out into the wild.
4. Medical Supplies
Never get caught in an emergency situation without all the supplies you may need to treat an injury.
Being out in the wilderness means that it won’t be possible to just run down to the local drug store or medical center, so make sure you plan ahead.
The best way to do this is to either buy a good first aid kit or build your own DIY kit.
Whichever you choose, don’t leave home without it.
5 – Sleeping Bag or Blankets
Another item that seems like an obvious thing not to forget on a camping trip. But these get left behind more often than they should.
An essential item no matter the weather, it’s always best to over-prepare when it comes to sleeping bags. After all, even in summertime, the weather can turn without notice, leaving you spending a long, cold and unpleasant night inside your tent.
And you definitely don’t want to cheap out on a low-quality one if you plan to do any camping in the winter. This is both pointless and dangerous.
You need a warm bag that will keep you cozy on those cold winter nights. So invest in one that is going to keep you comfortable and warm.
6 – Warm Rainproof Clothes
The last thing you want on a wet camping trip is wet clothes. Especially if the weather isn’t exactly warm.
Don’t get caught out wearing heavy, damp clothes by investing in some rainproof, waterproof and breathable clothes to wear as a top layer and keep you dry. It’s a good idea to make sure these clothes are also lightweight, so you can wear them in warmer climates as well.
The important thing here is making sure you are wearing the correct layers for the weather conditions.
Clothing that incorporates armpit zips, cinched hoods and mesh pockets are great for camping.
Because simply put, if you are wet and cold, you’re going to be miserable.
7 – Insect Repellent
Just as annoying as being wet – is being bitten all over by insects.
And although there are other, more natural alternatives out there, DEET works the best by a mile.
And yes I know, DEET isn’t the best chemical you can use on your body but use it sensibly and the positives far outweigh any negatives.
If you want to enjoy your trip without being eaten alive by insects, this really is an absolute essential camping item.
8 – Camping Chairs
Why sit on the ground when you could be sitting on a comfortable, relaxing camping chair while watching that amazing sunset on your next camping trip.
Sitting on the grass can be nice for a while but if you’re planning on settling down for a good rest – grab a chair.
And considering that camping chairs these days are so light and compact, you’ll have no problem throwing one or two in the back of your vehicle.
You’ll be glad you did.
9 – Firewood
Depending on your location, camping style and budget, firewood may or may not be an essential part of your camping gear. But that being said, it’s always a good idea to think about whether or not you need to bring some along.
Remember to check with the local camping authority of the area you are headed to, as weather conditions might mean that there is a fire ban in place.
It’s also illegal to transport firewood across state lines in some parts, so find out the situation before you travel.
But, at the end of the day, if you forget to bring firewood with you to your campsite, it’s highly likely that you’ll be able to find some once you arrive.
But nonetheless, find out before you leave because camping without a campfire isn’t really camping, is it?
10 – Airtight Containers
Think of these things as anti-wildlife jars.
When you are camping for a few days or more, there will be enough food at your campsite to attract unwanted and sometimes dangerous visitors.
It’s never a good idea to leave food out in the open because the smell will tempt wild animals to come in search of your delicious cooking.
So make sure you are using airtight containers to trap the smell inside of the jar. Something like the Bear Vault BV500 Bear Resistant Food Canister.
They’ll also help to keep your food fresh.
11 – Sunscreen
A surefire way to ruin your camping trip is to get a bad sunburn.
What’s the point of going camping only to hide-out in your tent all day? You want to be out there living life to it’s fullest.
So whenever you are out fishing, biking, hiking, or doing whatever outdoor activity you enjoy, make sure you cover-up with SPF protection sunscreen. And if you can, try to make sure that it’s also waterproof.
Keep in mind that it’s still possible to get a sunburn on a cloudy day, so wear it whenever you are outdoors during the day.
12. High-Quality Cooler
Aside from its obvious important function – keeping your beers cold – a cooler will keep your food at the correct temperature, therefore, helping you to avoid nasty things like food poisoning while on your trip.
They also act as a good barrier to stop wild animals from smelling and accessing your food.
A good-quality cooler will allow you to keep your food cold and ready to eat for at least three days after cooking or opening so it’s worth splashing a few extra bucks on a good one.
Plus, a large, strong cooler can be used as a camping bench, making sure you don’t have to travel far for that next ice-cold beer or soda.
And speaking of ice-cold – just make sure you don’t forget the ice!
13 – Air Mattress or Sleeping Pad
Make sure you’re feeling fresh and ready to face the day when you wake up after a night in the tent by bringing along a sleeping pad or air mattress the next time you go camping.
Even the cheaper options are great and will save you limping around with a bad back the next day after a long night asleep on hard, rocky ground.
If you can, bring a pillow along as well for that extra bit of luxury for an even better night’s sleep.
14 – Survival Tools and Gear
It’s always better to be prepared for any situation that may occur in the wilderness.
You might only be headed out on a three-day trip but disaster can strike at any moment.
Increase your chances of survival by making sure you bring the following items with you on all your trips:
- – Map
- – Compass
- – Survival Whistle
- – Paracord
- – Survival Multi-tool
- – Radio
- – Survival Shovel
- – Signaling Mirror
Read our ultimate survival gear list article to help you fully prepare for a survival situation.
15 – Camping Lantern
You tend to forget how important it is to take a good LED lantern camping. That is until you don’t have one or it runs out of battery.
Simple things like finding the restroom at night or finding the correct trail back from the lake become far more difficult without light.
So, pick up a very bright and very well-priced lantern today and make sure you can enjoy a good book or a game of cards in the evening on your next trip.
16 -Survival Hatchet or Ax
Don’t waste your time and energy trying to cut firewood with your survival knife when you can cut a lot more firewood a lot easier with a survival ax.
If it’s permitted, you can also use these things to chop down small trees around your campsite.
So add one of these handy axes to your gear today.
17 – Toiletries
Even if the campsite you are heading to has flushing toilets with toilet paper and other luxuries included, it’s never a bad idea to keep a few extra rolls of toilet paper in your bag for an emergency.
And if you like smelling good and keeping your breath fresh, make sure you bring stuff like toothpaste, a toothbrush and soap along for the journey as well.
18 – Fire Starters
Sometimes you just don’t have the time to practice important survival skills like starting a fire with sticks.
So, on a weekend trip away, when the kids are getting impatient and at the same time, getting on your nerves, it might be best to grab a packet of fire-starting cubes to save you some stress.
These WetFire Tinder Cubes work great for getting that fire started quickly and easily, giving you more time to relax.
19 – Thick Socks
If you are an enthusiastic hiker, you probably already know the importance of wearing good-quality, thick socks.
Blisters and abrasions will slow you down and hurt like hell, so make sure you’re wearing the right socks to keep your feet comfortable and dry.
Also, try to bring long socks as these will help protect your ankles and lower legs for ticks, leeches and mosquitoes.
Bring enough pairs for your trip because you don’t want to wear the same pair two days in a row.
Smartwool makes great-quality, reliable and comfortable camping socks. Check them out today.
20 – Camping Utensils
Sitting around a campfire is a great place to enjoy a nice meal. So don’t ruin the experience by forgetting to pack essentials like knives and forks or plates. Cups, bowls and spoons should also be in your camping gear.
Check out these cool telescopic forks to use over the campfire to cook marshmallows or hot dogs.
21 – Camping Stove
Camping stoves are essential when camping in an area that has a fire ban in place.
Your whole food prep could have a spanner thrown in the works if you show up to the campsite with a cooler of raw meat, only to find out you have no way of cooking it on an open fire.
Keep something like the Coleman Classic Propane Stove in the back of your vehicle and you’ll be cooking like a pro no matter what the circumstance.
What About Some ‘Luxury’ Items
While not exactly luxury items, these non-essential items are nice additions to your camping gear and I would recommend including some of these alongside your essential camping gear. It just makes your trip that little bit more comfortable and enjoyable.
So consider throwing a few of these items in your vehicle before you head out:
- Hammock
- A pair of flip flops for around the campsite
- An acoustic guitar
- Some books or magazines
- Frisbee
- Dutch oven
- Tasty and healthy snacks
- Lightweight folding camping table
Last Thoughts On Camping Essentials
Preparing thoroughly for your camping trip makes it a much more enjoyable and stress-free experience.
Forgetting essential items can quickly turn your holiday in heaven into a nightmare from hell – especially if you have small children who might not be as willing as you are to rough it for a few days.
If you’ve ever had this happen to you, you know just how important it is to have a good checklist prepared and to follow and double check that list before you leave.
Every campsite is different so pay special attention to planning when heading out to a camping spot you haven’t been to before.
Make sure you do as much research as possible before you leave and save yourself a headache when you arrive.
Okay, that’s it for this list of camping essentials. It’s now time to get out there and enjoy your trip away.
And leave us a comment below if you can think of any essential items that you think are a must-have on a camping trip.