My Ultimate Packing List
Lists are one of the finer joys in life. They allow you to draw a line through a task or item, proving you’ve accomplished something. They also allow the ditziest of us to remember they need to bring socks on their week long camping trip. I have a wonderful habit of making a new packing list for every camping trip I take and even I can forget something important. Furthermore, I never delete these lists from my phone so there is a constant reminder of the aforementioned time I forgot to pack socks, just in case I need it.
This list is always my starting point. Depending on the trip I will add or remove items but I hope you find it generally helpful for planning your next camping adventure. And, I can’t stress this enough, don’t forget your socks!
Sleeping Bag: These range across the entire camping spectrum based on your personal preference for color, material, warmth, and so much more. If you can, check it out in person to make sure you like the feel of it. A good pro tip is to double check that the lowest comfortable temperature rating of any given bag is below the lowest temperature of wherever you will be staying. Nothing impacts a good weekend away quite like your sleep. I also like to bring this wind resistant blanket for chilly nights around the fire. The one I have here.
Pillow: Inflatable or regular are fine. Personally, I always bring a regular pillow.
Something to Sleep on: I have used a sleeping pad, cot, and an air mattress. All have their pros and cons. The shorter the stay the more likely I am to just bring my sleeping pad.
Tent and Tarp: There’s no rules saying you have to sleep in a tent. But if you are going to, make sure you have a tarp to put under it that is roughly the same size as the tent. This will help moisture from getting inside if it rains. Always double check your tent bag before a trip, or you might be stuck sleeping under the stars.
Chair: No, you will not want to sit on the cooler or the ground. This Amazon one has a small cooler built in for snacks!
Shoes: I like to have options. I typically bring a pair of flip flops for easy midnight bathroom trips, or for first thing in the morning. I love these Fit Kick shoes, they keep sand and dirt out of your toes and are so lightweight and comfortable. I’ll also use them as water shoes. Then I will pack my hiking shoes and a pair of Ugg boots. Ugg boots are not needed, but they’re comfy, cozy, and the perfect companion for after dinner s’mores.
Layers: Despite my best efforts, I always bring too many jackets. This one from Patagonia covers all my needs from season to season. I have it two sizes larger so that I’m able to layer it with other sweatshirts and base layers. I always bring a base layer, a thicker sweatshirt, a rain jacket, and the Patagonia pullover.
Socks: Bring. All. Of. Them. All of them. I like to layer toe socks under wool ones to help with blisters, dirt, and sand.
Shirts and Pants: I always bring at least one outfit per day, plus one back up.
Toiletries: This will be different for everyone, but hopefully this photo gives you a bit of an idea!
Hair Brush: I left this home once. Don’t.
Something to Cook With: I use both a portable grill, as well as a stove. Some trips are Just easier to eat only hot dogs, so I’ll bring these skewers.
Floss: This will be the one time in your life you have something in your teeth that is keeping you up at night.
Water: BRING ALL THE WATER!
Chargers and Cords
Vitamins and Medications
Lights: A headlamp, a lantern, tent lighting. I love this one since it’s also a fan that you can hang in your tent. I Like to hang these from trees too!
Extra Batteries
Wipes: I really like these biodegradable ones. I still pack ALL my wipes out of camp. But I like to put some in a ziplock and bring what I think I’ll need. Face wipes, summer’s eve wipes, Clorox wipes, baby wipes, etc.
Toilet Paper
Eye/Sun Glasses and Cleaning Supplies
Hand Sanitizer
Car Safety: I like to have a set of jumper cables, and a portable jumper.
Hand Soap: Bring a mini bottle for bathrooms that may be out.
Shovel: For the dead bodies.
Rope
Towels
Sunscreen and Aloe
Sewing Kit
Plastic Bag for Shoes
Food
Comment below and let me know what you always have to bring with you!
