The Essential Camping Checklist for a Weekend Outdoors

Pack these basic supplies for a weekend camping trip:

Bedding

• Sleeping bag
• Pillow
• Sleeping pad (and patch kit, if it’s an air mattress)

Shelter

• Tent
• Ground cloth(s)
• Shade/rain tarp

Personal Care

• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Toilet paper
• Tissues
• Towelettes
• Soap
• Towel and washcloth
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Deodorant
• Small metal mirror
• Extra glasses or contact lenses (if needed)
• Medications (if needed)

Cooking

• Camp stove
• Spatula
• Water carrier
• Pot scrubber
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic sandwich bags
• Tupperware®
• Pots and pans
• Pot holders
• Can opener (if needed)
• Plastic silverware
• Plastic bowls

Clothing

• T-shirts
• Pants and shorts
• Hat or bandanna
• Hiking boots
• Sneakers
• Thick socks
• Underwear
• Long underwear
• Swimsuit
• Rain gear
• Windbreaker
• Fleece or down jacket
• Gloves/hat/scarf (for winter camping)

Other

• Backpack
• Compass
• Rope or parachute cord
• Bungee cord
• Waterproof matches
• Lantern
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Pocketknife
• Small shovel
• Wristwatch
• Radio
• Sunglasses
• Garbage bags
• First aid kit
• Duct tape
• Nalgene® water bottle
• Camera
• Pocket binoculars
• Hammock
• Collapsible chair