Camping Checklist of a Pro-Camper

Believe me, even the pro-campers tend to become forgetful at times. That’s why they keep a camping checklist wherein they can simply cross out an item once it is already on their backpacks. For novice campers, it is best to take heed from the best practices of pro-campers. Here’s what a camping checklist of a pro-camper includes.

Be reminded that a pro-camper creates a checklist in advance of the camp-out based on what he or she needs for each camp-out. Pro-campers assess their needs first, gather all the things they need and check off each item to make sure that nothing is missing. As such, every camping adventure is treated as unique and a new opportunity to learn.

Camping essentials

These are the things that must be packed for your every camping trip. These are:

Rain gear
Extra clothes
Toiletries
Multi-tool (or a Swiss knife)
First-aid kit
Watch
Flashlight and spare batteries
Matches or butane lighter
Maps and compass
Insect repellent
Toilet paper
Collapsible hamper
Permits and licenses
Cash and/or credit cards

Camping gear

These are the things that ensure the camping will be a comfortable one.

Tent and tent paraphernalia like tent pegs
Sleeping bags, pillows and extra blankets
Ground pads
Tarps
Foldable chairs or stools
Water jugs or cooler

Kitchen tools

These are necessary for preparing food while on a camp.

Knives
Camp stove, firewood or charcoal (don’t move firewood very far)
Tableware (plates, bowls, cups, etc.)
Flatwares (forks, spoons and other cutleries)
Cookware including a grill and portable oven
Utensils including spatula and tongs
Measuring spoons
Can opener
Aluminum foil
Ziploc bags
Oven mitten
Scouring pad and dish-washing paste
Garbage bags

Food items

If you are planning on cooking while camping, don’t forget to bring these:

Drinks
Staples (cooking oil, flour, etc.)
Condiments
Vegetables
Dairy products
Meats
Eggs
Bread, buns, and biscuits
Snacks

Emergency kits

Hope for the best and plan for the worse. These are the things that will come handy in case of an accident. The kit should include:

Medications (for diarrhea, cold, etc.)
Band-aids
Gauze pads
Adhesives
Blister dressings
Bandages
Anti-itch cream
Antibiotic cream
Antihistamine
Chamomile lotion (for immediate relief from sunburn, insect bites, etc.)
Emollients
Eye drops
Thermometer
Razor blades
Tweezers
Needles
Wipes
Swabs

Finally, decide what extra-curricular activities you will be doing while on the trip and build your camping checklist based on these. You can bring anything that can make your trip luxurious if you prefer your camp that way. For instance, a hammock, a battery-operated radio or playing cards are nice-to-haves.

Evidently, the checklist really depends on you. Whatever you do and bring, remember that camping is about relaxing and having fun while at it. Camping is all about the experience, and not necessarily about the material things that you bring with you.