Our ultimate camping checklist is intentionally comprehensive so that everything is listed
After years of packing and re-packing in preparation for various expeditions, I’ve finally got it nailed – to the point where I have a spreadsheet with all my gear listed alongside its weight (full and empty) so I can predict how heavy my pack will be. Most campers are likely far less pedantic, but there’s no denying we all feel pride in getting our kit just right.
To help campers get their gear in order, I’ve put together the ultimate camping checklist – intentionally comprehensive so that everything you need is listed, whether it’s for a weekend backpacking trip through the wilderness or a longer family break.
Ultimate camping checklist
The ultimate camping checklist is designed to be used in layers. The 10 essentials apply to everyone. After this, you can focus on different sections depending on your tastes and needs.
The sections are organised as follows:
Where relevant, I’ve linked to specific products I use and recommend. In the UK, I do nearly all my outdoor shopping at either Cotswold Outdoor or Ellis Brigham and buy all my maps from Stanfords in London. If in the US then I recommend either REI or Backcountry.
Download a printable [PDF] version of our ultimate camping checklist.
The 10 essentials
First conceived in the 1930s by The Mountaineers, the “classic” 10 essentials were updated in 2003 to keep up with modern equipment and now take a “systems” approach (i.e. map and compass became the navigation “system”). The below should always be packed whenever you step into the wilderness.
- Navigation (map and compass)
- Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp / flashlight)
- First aid supplies
- Fire (waterproof matches / lighter / candles)
- Repair kit and tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency shelter
Backpacking checklist
These are the fundamental items for camping when backpacking. Personally, I always try to keep things as light as possible (well below 15kg/33lbs), so often don’t take everything on the list depending on climate and terrain.
I tend to just take one cooking pan (which I usually eat out of) and a cup for my morning brew. Depending on the length of the trip, I soemtimes forego the trekking poles and daypack, compressing my main backpack for day hikes and summit bids.
- Backpack
- Daypack or summit pack (optional)
- Pack cover
- Lightweight tent / bivvy bag (pegs and guy ropes)
- Sleeping bag
- Waterproof stuff sacks
- Sleeping pad or mat
- Pillow (inflatable or stuff-case)
- Pocketknife
- Whistle
- Meals (freeze dried)
- Energy food (bars, chews gels, trail mix)
- Energy drinks or mixes, tea & coffee
- Stove
- Fuel
- Cookware
- Bowl, plate and cup
- Utensils (or spork)
- Water bottle (and treatment system)
- Headlamp (spare batteries)
- Quick-dry towel (optional)
- Trekking poles (optional)
Family / car camping checklist
If you’re unrestricted by weight and space then there’s almost no end to the luxuries you can take with you. The below should certainly ensure you have a comfortable time under canvas.
Again, you may not need everything on the list depending on your circumstances and campsite facilities.
- Tent (pegs and guy ropes)
- Tent footprint
- Tent-pole repair sleeve
- Sun shade, tarp or screen
- Camping toilet
- Toilet tent
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pads or mats
- Air mattresses (unclutterer has some good options)
- Pad / mattress repair kit
- Air pump
- Pillows
- Multi-tool and / or pocketknife
- Daypacks
- Food & drink: see kitchen & campfire section
- Child carrier
- Rolling jogger
- Folding chairs
- Folding table
- Cots
- Mallet or hammer (for tent pegs)
- Headlamps (spare batteries)
- Flashlights (spare batteries, bulbs)
- Lanterns
- Lantern fuel or batteries
- Water filter or treatment tablets
- Pet food
- Bikes
- Bike trailers
- Inflatable boat with paddles and PFDs
- Fishing gear (and license)
- Canoeing / kayaking gear
Clothing checklist
Depending on the climate and terrain, you may not need everything on the checklist. I’ve not included extreme weather or technical clothing for high altitude mountaineering, ice or rock climbing.
Whatever activities you have planned, choosing the right footwear is essential.
- Hiking boots or hiking shoes (relative to terrain)
- Socks(synthetic or wool) plus spares
- Gaiters
- Rainwear (waterproof jacket, trousers)
- Fleece jacket or vest, light down jacket
- Wicking underwear (base-layer)
- Wicking t-shirt (mid-layer)
- Wicking long-sleeve t-shirt (top-layer)
- Quick-drying zip-off trousers
- Long-sleeve shirt (optional for sun and bug protection)
- Sun-shielding hat or cap
- Bandana or buff
- Thermal underwear
- Warm hat, skullcap or balaclava
- Waterproof gloves and / or mittens
- Thick down jacket (if required)
Kitchen & campfire checklist
If you’re not backpacking then meal times when camping can be so much more than freeze-dried macaroni and cheese or chicken noodles. With the right equipment and planning, there’s no end to the culinary delights available.
Make sure you bring everything you need to build a campfire for a glorious night spent around a campfire beneath the stars.
- Firelighters
- Matches / lighter
- Pocketknife
- Axe or wood saw
- Grill
- Stove
- Windscreen
- Fuel
- Fuel bottle(s)
- Cookware (pots, pans & kettle)
- Frying pan or griddle
- Pot grabber
- Food storage canister
- Cold box / cooler
- Water bottles
- Plates, bowls
- Mugs / cups (measuring cups)
- Utensils (with knife)
- Collapsible sink or container
- Portable coffee / espresso maker
- Foil
- Trash bags
- Washing-up liquid
Toiletries / personal checklist
The below list depends on where you fall on the bushman-scale. How clean do you want to be during your camping trip? Pick and choose to meet your requirements but make sure they are always biodegradable.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser
- Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
- Spare eyeglasses / contact lenses
- Mirror
- First-aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Toiletry bag
- Cosmetics
- Brush / comb
- Eyeshades and earplugs[
- Biodegradable soap
- Shower water bag
Miscellaneous
I wouldn’t regard any of the below as essential but they may be useful depending on the activities you’re planning. Some of the the items will make your time camping more comfortable, others are additional safety measures that are worth considering.
- Tent-pole repair sleeve
- Tent footprint or groundsheet
- Signalling mirror
- Multifunction watch with altimeter
- Trekking poles
- Ice axe
- Crampons
- Ropes and climbing equipment
- Skiing equipment
- Sandals
- Waterproof camera
- Waterproof phone case
- Extra memory cards
- Binoculars
- Permits
- Route description or guidebook
- Field guide(s); star identifier
- Outdoor journal and pen or pencil
- Credit card; small amount of cash
- Sanitation trowel
- Mosquito net
- Bear spray
- Bear canister (or hang bags for food)
- Biodegradable soap
- Cell phone / satellite phone / 2-way radios
- Personal locator beacon
- Trip itinerary left with friend and under car seat
- Games, playing cards, Frisbee, kite, hacky sack
- Bluetooth speakers
- Solar power
- Battery pack
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