Depending on where and how you camp, you may not need everything on this list. (Especially if you’re glamping—then you probably can leave the toilet paper at home!) And if you’re bound for a national park, don’t forget to check out the “Know Before You Go” section on its website for any additional items you might need, such as bear spray or a bear-proof container for your food. Pick and choose from this list based on when and where you’re going—and have a great time outside.
TentSleeping bags and pillowsAir mattress or sleeping padsFoldable camp chairsFoldable table TarpBackpacks/bags for porting things in and outSmall broom and dust panMat to wipe your feet outside your tent
Upgraded camping gear: Cabela’s all-season sleeping pads are water-resistant, easy to inflate and deflate, and help keep you comfy and dry—even if the ground beneath you is wet.
LanternFlashlightsMatches or a lighter (for campfire making)HeadlampsFirewood (from a nearby source)Extra batteries for the lightsGlow sticks or necklaces
Upgraded camping gear: The Coleman Sound and Light Lantern gives you plenty of glow—and also serves as a bluetooth speaker if you want to enjoy a little music at your campsite. Skip cotton fabrics in favor of moisture-wicking, SPF-laden, and quick-dry options that help keep you comfortable even if you sweat or get wet. Merino wool is a great temperature regulator that you can wear for days without worrying about smelling.
Extra underwearHiking boots or shoesWater shoes or sandalsPantsLong-sleeved shirtsExtra socksSwimsuit/Raincoat/Warm coatFleece or cozy sweaterSunglassesSun hatGel-filled cooling neckerchief Personal mosquito netting
Upgraded camping gear: If you’re a favorite snack for mosquitos, a wearable screen netting can help protect you from the bugs—without having to wear hardcore mosquito repellants 24/7. If you’re planning to be active, it may help to pack freeze-dried meals you can easily whip up with hot water, so you don’t have hangry campers waiting for the fire to be ready for cooking.
Camp stove with fuelColeman grillPots and pans cast ironCooler with lots of iceCutting boardKnifeWater bottlesMountain potpie makerDish panCooking spoon, spatula, and tongsFlatware for eatingPlates and bowlsMugs collapsible cupsDish scrubber and towelDish soap (biodegradable)Can/bottle openerFood storage containersLarge jugs of waterTrash bagsCooking oilSpices
Upgraded camping gear: If you can’t start your morning without a cup of coffee, the easy-to-pack AeroPress can help you make a stellar cup—and it’s small enough to pack for even the most off-the-beaten-path camping trip.
SunscreenBrush or combSoapToothbrush and toothpasteDeodorantRazor and shaving creamBaby/cleaning wipesHand sanitizerToilet paperPrescription medsQuick dry towelInsect repellent spray/lotion lemon eucalptus CutterLip balm
Upgraded camping gear: Beekman 1802’s generously sized wipes can keep more than your face clean, and the fragrance-free version won’t make you attractive to insects—or bears.
Duct tapeFirst aid kit (including lots of moleskins)MultitoolMenstrual productsHammerAntiseptic wipesPain relieversAllergy medicationsAnti-diarrheal or antacid medicationsWater purifiersSafety pinsScissorsSmall shovelSnakebite kitCamping sewing kitLeather work gloves
Upgraded camping gear: Heat-resistant leather working gloves let you chop firewood, deal with hot pots and pans, and wrangle anything else that comes your way.
Frisbee or ballCompass and mapsFishing gearField guideBinocularsBooks or magazinesMusical instrumentsCards or gamesCameraHiking poles
Upgraded camping gear: This indoor/outdoor bocce ball set is lightweight enough for even the most pared-down backpacking campers—and can be used indoors for a living-room campout, too.
