Planning a trip to the back country? Before you head out to that campsite, consider making a camping checklist that you can use every time you're getting ready for your next adventure. A little advanced planning will make your camping trip safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable. You can use the list over and over, so you'll never forget to take important camping supplies. 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 will need: basics, fire building, dining and cooking, lighting and miscellaneous extras you might not think of. This camping gear checklist helps you plan before you leave so your trip is safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable.
Start with your camping style
Minimalist campers prefer to keep things simple and carry only the essentials. Their camp may include basic shelter, a fire, compact cooking supplies and small lights instead of larger lanterns.
Gear-oriented campers prefer to be more comfortable and prepared. Their campsites may include tables, folding chairs, stoves, cots, tarps, storage bins and other conveniences that make a campsite feel more organized.
Essential camping gear checklist
Start with the core items first: a tent with a rain fly, a good sleeping bag, a camping stove, food, water and reliable lighting. After that, add the campsite extras that match your trip, weather and comfort level.
- Air mattress or sleeping pad
- Large plastic boxes or buckets for food and equipment storage
- Emergency blanket or space blanket
- Tent seam sealer
- Folding tables
- Outdoor furniture or folding chairs
- Pillows
- Binoculars
- First aid kit
- Tarps with grommets for shade, ground cover or keeping firewood dry
- Rope, cord, twine or string
- Camping cots
- Small shovel
- Sunscreen
- Portable toilet
- Toilet paper
- Moist towelettes or baby wipes
- Personal care items such as soap, shampoo and toothpaste
- Insect protection
- Bear bells, bangers and pepper spray where appropriate
- Mallet for tent stakes
- Backpack, daypack, dry sack or fanny pack
- Towels and washcloths
Why pay more?
Forest City Surplus Canada has supplied camping, outdoor and surplus gear since 1980. Check the camping category for useful products at surplus prices.
Go to the FCSURPLUS camping category
More camping guides
Continue browsing camping-gear.ca for more checklists, campground tips, backpack guides, camp cooking ideas and campsite lighting advice.