The Camping Checklist You Know You Need

At last– camping season is among us! It’s a time for family, or an outing with friends, or a majestic excursion into masculinity. Whichever your reason, there’s a whole laundry-list (no pun intended) of possible items to include. So here it is… your camping checklist!

Let’s start with clothes:  (Usually a no-brainer here)

• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Jeans
• Hiking boots
• Hat or Cap
• Sweater ?
• Rain gear
• Swim suit
• Laundry bag

I’m sure there may be a few extra things depending on the age of the campers, time of year, and terrain of the area where you’re headed.

Shelter and Bedding:

• Tent
• Tent lantern
• Sleeping bags
• Pillow
• Headrest

Toiletries:

• ALL the essentials, including perhaps some nail clippers. And don’t forget the toilet paper!
• Towel & wash cloth
• Razor (unless you WANT to look like a back woodsman)
• Soap and shampoo

First Aid:

• Burn ointment
• Band-aids
• Aspirin/Tylenol etc.
• Sterile gauze
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Sun lotion
• Scissors/tweezers
• Snake bite kit
• Sanitary napkins
• Medical tape
• Prescriptions
• Antibiotic cream
• Antiseptic wipes

 

Kitchen Apparel:

• Pot scrubber
• Dish pan
• Detergent
• Dish rags

Of course food, and things to eat with, and on, are absolutely essential; including

• Salt & Pepper
• Herbs/Spices
• Cooking oil
• Cutting board
• Napkins
• Paper towels
• Trash bags
• Paper cups
• Knives, Forks & Spoons
• Tongs and Spatula
• Pot holder
• Measuring cup
• Aluminum foil/Plastic wrap
• Frying pan
• Can opener
• Thermos
• …. and don’t forget the camping ‘snacks’, like trail mix, peanut butter, popcorn, and stuff that ‘travels’ well.

Lighting/Campfire:

• LED flashlight
• Gas lantern
• Spare lantern
• Waterproof matches
• Spare lantern fuel
• Firewood and/or newspaper

Now, the miscellaneous items can be anything you think might make your journey a bit more comfortable…unless you and your gang are planning a complete Daniel Boone experience, or are the new age Lewis & Clark.

• Compass
• Binoculars
• Whistle
• Travel clock
• Swiss army knife
• Deck of cards
• Radio
• Walking stick
• Duct tape
• Camera

I’m always available for questions, should you have any. If so, please let me know in the spaces below.