Camping Equipment Checklist

There are certain equipment, and precautions every camper should take. This is it. You should pack, and do, everything listed on this camping equipment checklist, before beginning ANY camping trip.

Research
This is the most important part of your trip. Know everything about the area - the animals, weather, local culture, insects, spiders. . . everything!
Tent
Make sure your choice is appropriate for the location and season.
Tent repair tools
These will come in handy if something happens to your tent.
Water Proofing
Be prepared for rain and precipitation. This includes plastic to go under, and potentially over, your tent.
Sleeping Bag
Next to the tent, this is your most valuable camping asset. Nights get cold, and sleeping bags provide an amazing amount of warmth.
Bedding
Sleeping bags provide warmth, bedding provides comfort. Ignore it at your own expense.
Food
This is highly dependent on your taste and preferences. Check out our recipes page for a few good ideas!
Water
Don't plan on drinking the water at your camp site unless you have some sort of filtration, or really know what you're doing with other purification methods.
Cooking utensils
Again, highly dependent on your taste and preferences. Just make sure you've thoroughly thought through your plans for cooking. Our advice - literally cook a test-meal to make sure you're on the right track. And even if you're going to "grill" everything, don't forget that you need to be able to boil water.
A large knife
You would be surprised at how often these come in handy. Knives are good for more than just cooking.
Flashlight
Another handy item. It's much better than making a torch!
Lighter
Fire is a necessity.
Flint
Lighters are not always reliable. A good flint is an excellent back-up, and potential life-saver.
Protection
Get your mind out of the gutter; I'm talking about self-defense. Obviously, the purpose of camping is to relax and get away from it all. Still, there are all kinds of animals out there (people too), and you need to be able to protect yourself. Make sure you obey all weapon laws.
First Aid Kit
Things happen, and sometimes the smallest injuries can turn into the biggest problems - infection, for example.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and makeshift shade
Sunlight is great, but it can also be dangerous. Make sure you're prepared for extreme conditions.
Toilet paper, soap, and a garden towel (for digging holes in which to use the bathroom)
Sanitation is a must. You don't want to get sick, or contaminate the environment.

A means of trash and human waste disposal
Don't be a litterbug. Pack a trash or ziplock bag for toilet paper, wrappers, and other non-biodegradable materials.
Bug repellent
Bugs won't always be a problem, but you never know when they will. It's a good idea to be prepared.
Season certainty
Outside of obvious weather condition concerns, MAKE SURE YOU'RE NOT CAMPING DURING HUNTING SEASON. This is extremely dangerous, and pretty self-explanatory. This isn't a concern for designated camp sites, but if you're going to really rough-it, make sure it's safe.
Compass
It's easier to get lost than you think. Having a compass can at least get you headed in the right direction.
Cell phone
Things happen. A cell phone will help keep you connected with emergency services and aid.
Personal Items
Identification, medication, insurance cards, camping permits, etc., all have a way of coming in handy when accidents happen, or authorities arrive.
Tell someone not going on the trip, when and where you're going.
You should also give this person an expected return date. If misfortune should befall you and your camp mates, it's good to have someone ready to send help.

Have fun, my friends!!

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