But how much and exactly what should you include? That’s a tough question. Part of the answer lies in figuring out what kind of camper you are, what your comfort level is and what style of camp you want to have. This is the first step to making a comprehensive camping checklist. There are several categories of gear you’ll need: basics, fire building, dining and cooking, lighting and miscellaneous extras you might not think of. We’ll cover all these categories in this article.
The minimalist style of camping.
Are you a minimalist who can do without creature comforts and a lot of extra (and to you, extraneous) equipment? The minimalist is willing to take the wilderness as it comes, adapting as needed to weather conditions and terrain. Minimalists disdain all the extras favored by other many campers, preferring to sleep on the ground, rather than on camping cots. The minimalist’s camp is sparse, with a fire rather than a stove and small candles rather than lanterns. These campers try their best to experience the outdoors on its own terms. Their camping checklist is short and sparse by choice.
The gear-oriented style of camping.
Gear-oriented campers are the people who like to be comfortable and prepared for anything. Their campsites are fully “furnished” with tables, chairs, stoves, cots and other conveniences. While enjoying and respecting the outdoors, gear-oriented campers also prefer the little amenities that make a backcountry trip safe and secure – a home away from home. Their camping checklist will be much more extensive than the minimalist’s. In this article, we’ll focus on the gear-oriented camping list. It’s always easier to remove items from a list than it is to realize you’ve forgotten some crucial piece of camping equipment on a cold rainy night.
Gather the basics first.
It goes without saying that you’ll need some basic items: a tent (preferably with a rain fly and at least one window), a good-quality sleeping bag, camping stove, camping food and water. Here’s a list of some other gear that can make your campsite more accommodating:
- Plastic sheeting for tent floor
- Air mattress or pad for under sleeping bag
- Large plastic boxes or buckets for food and equipment storage
- Emergency blanket; also called space blanket
- Folding tables and chairs
- First aid kit with blister treatment products, sunscreen and insect repellant
- Small shovel and axe
- Towels and washcloths
- Personal care items: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.
- Backpack or daypack
- Rope or twine and a tarp - useful for keeping sun/rain off foodstuffs and wood
- Matches and firelighters
While the minimalist is content to rehydrate a pouch of dried field rations, the gear-oriented camper enjoys hearty, camp-cooked meals. There is a variety of easy-to-prepare camping foods available, but many people like cooking from scratch in the outdoors. So, a more elaborate camping stove is required – something with more than one burner and adjustable flame. Or bring some iron bars to rig a pot hanger right over the fire for slow-simmering that poitjie-kos. You’ll also need a cooler and ice or ice packs for your fresh food.
Other equipment for the cooking portion of your camping checklist includes:
- Utensils eg Can and bottle opener, colander, cutting board etc
- Cutlery for food preparation and serving – sharp knife, large spoon, large fork, ladle etc
- Cookware – aluminium is lighter but cast iron works best
- Pot lifter or pot holders
- Spare stove and appropriate fuel for grill
- Storage containers, alumnium foil, waxwrap etc
- Paper towels and napkins, black bin bags etc
- Dishrack and dishwashing detergent
- Coffee maker and thermos
Be sure to bring several flashlights and plenty of extra batteries. A lantern or two will cast some welcome light in camp. Your lamps can run on a battery, liquid fuel or propane. Be sure to have some extra mantles on hand if any of your lights use them. Lighting is important – don’t underestimate its value, especially if there are children in your party. Children should have their own water-resistant flashlights.
Other Useful Equipment.
If you’re planning on hiking, you’ll need a backpack, compass, travel guide, map, suitable shoes, extra socks and a hat. Another indispensable piece of camping gear is the multifunction pocket knife.
Other miscellaneous items to bring:
- Duct tape and cable ties
- Sewing kit
- Small battery-operated or wind-up radio
- Extra batteries of right type (AA or AAA)
- Reading material, playing cards, games etc
- Basic tools: pliers, screwdriver, hammer
- Digital camera or camcorder
- Binoculars
- Trekking poles or walking sticks
- Suitable scale local maps
Although experience is the best teacher, a good, comprehensive checklist can help make the difference between an enjoyable camping trip and a disastrous one. Your checklist will be dynamic – you’ll add items and remove items with every trip. Just be sure to keep it up to date.
Whether you’re a minimalist or a gear-oriented camper, camping provides many challenges. A thoughtfully-devised checklist will enable you to sleep dry and warm, build a welcoming fire, enjoy a great camp-cooked dinner, light your camp effectively and handle any miscellaneous small emergencies that might occur.
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