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.
