Essential Camping Equipment List
Unleashing the Ultimate Camping Guide
From first-timers to seasoned campers, everyone needs a solid checklist to ensure they've got all the essentials when heading out into the wilderness. This guide covers everything from campsite and sleeping gear to camp kitchen essentials, outdoor clothing and footwear, health and hygiene products, and personal items. Plus, we've sprinkled in a few optional goodies for good measure. Here's a quick look at what you'll need:
Campsite & Sleeping Gear
No matter if you're embarking on a quick weekend adventure or a lengthy stay in the woods, pack the following gear to create a cozy backcountry basecamp. We've also included some optional items, depending on the amenities available at your campsite.
Camping Tent
Standout Pick: The North Face Wawona 6 ($550)Pros: Notable interior space and enormous vestibuleCons: Setup can take time; rainfly only partially covers lower sections
Camping Sleeping Bag
Standout Pick: REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 ($139)Pros: Affordable and suitable for three-season use with a spacious shape, warmth-trapping hood, and 20-degree ratingCons: Heavier and less compressible than mummy bags
Camping Mattress
Standout Pick: ThermaRest MondoKing 3D ($240)Pros: Incredible comfort, built with plush foamCons: Expensive and potentially overkill for occasional campers; for more budget-friendly options, check out Sea to Summit's Camp SI
Camp Pillow
Standout Pick: Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow ($37)Pros: Comfortable exterior, easy to adjust firmness, machine washableCons: Time-consuming foam expansion, budget-conscious campers might just bring a pillow from home
Camp Chair
Standout Pick: REI Co-op Campwell Chair ($60)Pros: Sturdy, well-appointed, and breathable for warm weatherCons: Those seeking high support may prefer a chair with a higher back, like Alps Mountaineering's King Kong
Headlamp
Standout Pick: Petzl Actik Core ($85)Pros: Excellent output, long battery life (through AAAs or rechargeable battery), user-friendly interfaceCons: A tad front-heavy for running; for running-specific headlamps, check out Black Diamond's Sprinter 500
Camping Lantern
Standout Pick: BioLite AlpenGlow 500 ($80)Pros: Superb output, numerous lighting modes, fun tech featuresCons: On the pricey side and requires learning to operate
Optional Campsite & Sleeping Gear Items
- Camp table (if no picnic table)
- Sunshade
- Sleeping bag liner
- Camping blanket
- Tent footprint/ground cloth
- Extra stakes
- Hammock
See Our Camping Checklist PDF
Camp Kitchen Gear
Once you've settled the basics, don't overlook small, easily-forgotten items like cookware, utensils, and food prep supplies. You might even consider a high-quality kitchen set like GSI Outdoors' Destination to help organize your cooking supplies.
Camping Stove and Fuel
Standout Pick: Eureka Ignite Plus ($160)Pros: Robust build, generous cooking area, feature-richCons: Some discerning campers might prefer the double output of Camp Chef's Everest 2X
Cooler or Wheeled Cooler (Pre-Filled with Ice)
Standout Pick: RTIC 52 Ultra-Light ($199)Pros: Flexible size, competitive ice retention, budget-friendlyCons: Limited to online sales; cooler performance falls slightly below Yeti (for example, their signature 65 Tundra)
Cookware and Utensils
- Pots and pans
- Cooking utensils (spatula, large spoon, tongs)
- Silverware
- Mugs/cups
- Bottle/can openers
Food Prep and Dish-Washing Supplies
- Matches and/or lighter
- Cutting board
- Knives
- Cooking oil
- Paper towels
- Measuring cups
- Aluminum foil
- Seasonings and condiments
- Dish soap
- Wash bin/portable sink
- Sponges/scrubbers
- Dish towel
- Trash bags
- Food and gear storage (Ziploc bags, plastic bins, etc.)
Optional Kitchen Gear Items
- Camp table (if no picnic table)
- Water jugs (if no potable water)
- Tablecloth
- Portable coffee/tea maker
- Firewood (if fires are permitted)
- Axe/hatchet
- Fire starter
See Our Camping Checklist PDF
Outdoor Clothing and Footwear
Your clothing choices depend on temperature and weather conditions, but it all begins with a quality layering system: baselayer, midlayer, and rain shell. Dedicated hiking footwear can also make a significant difference in your comfort level during various adventures. For shoulder season adventures, don't forget cold-weather gear like a hat, gloves, and neck gaiter.
Moisture-Wicking Baselayer
Standout Pick: Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino 1/4-Zip ($120)Pros: 100% merino wool build is warm, soft, and naturally moisture and odor-resistantCons: Wool baselayers require care and come with a heftier price tag; for budget-friendly synthetic options, consider Patagonia's $79 Capilene Midweight Crew
Down Jacket or Synthetic Jacket
Standout Pick: Patagonia Down Sweater ($279)Pros: Great warmth-to-weight ratio, stylish designCons: Prefer a lighter weight for backcountry use; Mountain Hardwear's Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody offers greater portability
Rain Jacket
❒ Camping tent
❒ Sleeping bag
❒ Camping mat
❒ Pillow
❒ Camp chair
❒ Headlamp w/ batteries
❒ Lantern
Optional:
❒ Camp table
❒ Sunshade
❒ Sleeping bag liner
❒ Camping blanket
❒ Footprint/ground cloth
❒ Extra stakes
❒ Hammock
Standout Pick: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L ($179)Pros: 3-layer protection, durable, affordableCons: Stiffer, more crinkly fabric compared to higher-end options like Arc'teryx's Beta LT
Hiking Pants and/or Shorts
Standout Pick: Prana Stretch Zion ($95)Pros: Comfortable, durable, versatile; suitable for both outdoor and everyday wearCons: For breathable hiking in hot weather, opt for the more breathable Outdoor Research Ferrosi
Hiking Boots or Shoes
Standout Pick: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX ($175)Pros: Light, comfortable for all-day wear; suitable for short hikes and lightweight overnightsCons: Relatively thin and flexible soles for carrying heavy loads over technical terrain
Hiking Socks
Standout Pick: Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion ($25)Pros: Superior padding and breathability for three-season use; seamless design, lifetime warrantyCons: The opposite of plush for cold-weather hiking; for cold-weather options, check out Smartwool's Hike Crew Medium or Patagonia's Heavyweight Crew
Optional Outdoor Clothing and Footwear Items
❒ Camp stove & fuel
❒ Cooler w/ ice
❒ Cookware & utensils
❒ Food prep & dish-washing supplies
Optional:
❒ Camp table
❒ Water jugs
❒ Tablecloth
❒ Portable coffee/tea maker
❒ Firewood
❒ Axe/hatchet
❒ Fire starter
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Ball cap
- Camp shoes (e.g., sandals, slippers, etc.)
- Swimsuit
- Neck gaiter/buff
- Long underwear
- Sleepwear
See Our Camping Checklist PDF
Health and Hygiene
Staying clean and comfortable in the backcountry can be challenging, but most major campgrounds offer facilities like pit toilets and running water. Should those be unavailable, consider portable toilets and/or solar showers, and don't forget the usual assortment of personal items like soap, toilet paper, and basic first-aid supplies.
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Soap/hand sanitizer
- Toiletries kit with shower supplies, deodorant, etc.
- Quick-drying towel
- Personal medications
- Lip balm
- First aid kit
Sun and Bug Protection
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
❒ Baselayer
❒ Down/synthetic jacket
❒ Rain jacket
❒ Hiking pants/shorts
❒ Hiking boots/shoes
❒ Hiking socks
Optional:
❒ Gloves
❒ Beanie
❒ Ball cap
❒ Camp shoes
❒ Swimsuit
❒ Neck gaiter/buff
❒ Long underwear
❒ Sleepwear
Optional Health and Hygiene Items
- Portable toilet (if no facilities available)
- Portable/solar shower
- Baby wipes
- Sun hat
See Our Camping Checklist PDF
Personal Items and Extras
Most gear on this list is obvious essentials that you probably won't forget, but remembering your wallet or cell phone can be just as important as bringing your tent. The following items help round out your camping experience. Some, like camp games, certainly aren't necessary but can help make your trip more enjoyable.
- Basic repair kit (multi-tool, duct tape, extra cord)
- Navigation (map, GPS, compass)
- Water bottle
- Earplugs and eye mask
- Batteries and/or solar charger
- Notebook and pen/pencil
- Book or Kindle
- Camp games
- Bear spray (if required)
- Activity-specific gear (daypack for hiking, pole for fishing, etc.)
- ID, cards, cash
- Cell phone with charger
- Campsite reservation
- Forest Service/park pass (if required)
Additional Considerations: Weather, Group Size, and More
The gear above covers the bases for most trips, but keep the following factors in mind for additional items depending on time of year, group size, and the presence of children and/or pets.
❒ Toiletries
❒ Sun & bug protection
Optional:
❒ Trowel/portable toilet
❒ Solar/portable shower
❒ Baby wipes
❒ Sun hat
Seasonality
More susceptible to cold weather? You'll need a four-season tent, a cold-weather sleeping bag and pad, thicker layers, and snow-specific equipment like snowshoes or skis. Prepare for the cold with our Winter Camping Checklist.
Group Size
Larger parties may require a larger, freestanding stove (or even a portable grill), a three-burner design, or multiple stoves. Setting up a shade structure, folding table, or clothesline can also be beneficial if you'll be camping for an extended period. Folding table and portable fire pits have become increasingly popular; we love Solo Stove's offerings for their precision and lack of smoke.
Children and Pets
Make your trip more enjoyable with camp-friendly toys, games, hammocks, and additional items like Ruffwear's storage-equipped packs, car seat covers, and dedicated sleeping bags for pets.
See Our Camping Checklist PDF
Additional Camping Tips
❒ Basic repair kit
❒ Navigation
❒ Water bottle
❒ Earplugs & eye mask
❒ Extra batteries/solar charger
❒ Notebook & pen/pencil
❒ Book or Kindle
❒ Camp games
❒ Bear spray
❒ Activity-specific gear
❒ ID, cards, & cash
❒ Cell phone w/ charger
❒ Campsite reservation
❒ Forest Service/park pass
- Confirm amenities ahead of time to ensure they meet your needs (fire pit, picnic table, running water, etc.)
- Familiarize yourself with any restrictions or requirements, such as fire bans, required bear-proofing measures (e.g., bear canisters or bear bags), and proper food storage.
- When packing, put the largest and heaviest items first (e.g., hard-sided coolers and water jugs) and stack smaller and lighter items on top. Separate anything you'll need easy access to while driving to the campsite.
- Use compression sacks for soft gear like clothing and sleeping bags.
- Prep as much as possible at home to save time at the campsite and minimize the amount of gear you need to pack (e.g., cut vegetables, marinate meats, store in labeled Ziploc bags).
- Keep items organized by combining similar items in one container (e.g., all camping gear in one tote, food preps in another bin, etc.) We like using clear plastic bins for easy visibility.
- Use resealable bags for toiletries and small items you don't want to lose or get wet, such as lighters and matches.
- Pre-chill your cooler prior to loading it up by filling the interior with ice for a few hours before loading drinks and food (most brands recommend a 2:1 ice-to-food ratio).
Where to Buy Camping Gear
- Support your local gear shop whenever possible. They're valuable community centers for outdoor enthusiasts, and their staff have insider information about the surrounding wild spaces.
- We primarily shop at REI Co-op, with over 100 brick-and-mortar locations across the U.S. and an extensive online inventory.
- Another great option for online shopping is Backcountry.com, which offers free shipping on orders over $50 and excellent customer service.
- For cheaper items and quick shipping, Amazon is difficult to beat due to the sheer volume of sellers and product options. It's also worth checking to see if there's a consignment or used gear shop near you; buying secondhand doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing quality, and it helps keep equipment out of landfills by giving it a second life.
- Back to Our Camping Checklist
- See Our Camping Gear Reviews
See Our Camping Checklist PDF
- Exploring the great outdoors requires a reliable Checklist, from camping stoves and hiking boots, to headlamps, daypacks, and sleeping bags.
- For a spacious and warm sleep during camping, consider the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 sleeping bag.
- ThermaRest MondoKing 3D camp mattress offers incredible comfort during your camping adventures.
- Enhance your camping experience with the Petzl Actik Core headlamp for bright light and long battery life.
- The BioLite AlpenGlow 500 lantern provides excellent output and various lighting modes.
- Traveling long-term? Don't forget essentials like food-and-drink, home-and-garden, or even fashion-and-beauty items for a comfortable lifestyle while camping.
- Remember to pack necessities like water, earplugs, and a cell phone with charger for a more enjoyable camping trip.
