Have a Camping Equipment Checklist

Camping is all about preparation; if you have everything you need when you are out camping you will have fun. Otherwise, there probably won’t be anywhere that you can go to buy the supplies you need. Make a camping equipment checklist before you leave and make sure everything that you need is with you before leaving.

The little extra preparation goes a long way towards making sure that you have fun and don’t have a bad experience. Even little things like remembering to pack cards can contribute to your camping experience. Here is a basic camping equipment checklist.

Essential Equipment

The first thing that should be on your camping equipment checklist is a tent. If you are intending to rough it without a tent then think twice. Will it rain? Are you likely to face windy conditions that a tent could protect you from? If your tent is brand new then do a trial run and set it up at home before leaving. If it’s been used before make sure that it still has all its parts. It’s no fun going on your camping trip and then discovering a missing pole!

You should always have string and rope on your camping equipment checklist. You never know when this could come in handy. Leave aside any scenarios where you are hanging off the side of a cliff and you’re camping buddies use the rope to pull you to safety, a rope or two is always handy to have on hand. You never know when you could use it. Sleeping bags or pads are another must have on your camping equipment checklist.

Bring a flashlight or flashlights and remember to bring batteries just in case. A flashlight is important on any overnight camping trip and especially in places where it gets dark fast. If you are bringing a stove of some sort then make sure you have adequate fuel for the trip. Otherwise your fancy camping stove will be totally useless and you will feel its weight in your pack every step of the way. Those old standby of matches are also a must.

A good knife that you can use to cut branches, food and rope is something that you should also definitely have. Keep pots and pans to a minimum, one each is best. Cook everything in the same pan; you’ll love the experience. It also keeps the weight of your pack light. Pack too many and you will find that there is at least one pot or pan that you did not use.