A Complete Beginners Guide to Packing for a Camping Trip
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It happens often: First-time campers head into the wilderness with a tent and a sleeping bag, ready for a few relaxing days outside. And then, within a couple of hours, they realize they’ve severely under-packed. From kitchen supplies to warm sleeping gear to bug spray, there’s a lot to remember when packing for a camping trip. It can seem intimidating at first, but don’t worry: It’s totally manageable and gets exponentially easier with each trip.
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Beginner Camping Gear Checklist
If you’re heading out on your first or second camping trip, we’re here to help. Below is a complete checklist of camping gear for beginners, including all the essentials for your tent, camp kitchen, and wardrobe. We’ve included links to our top pick for each item — all available from trusted brands with at least a 4/5-star average rating.
Campsite Gear
The most important part of your camping trip is, of course, the campsite. If you’re buying a tent, always air on the side of too large instead of too small, and be sure to pick one that’s easy to set up if you’re new to pitching a tent. As for your sleeping setup, find a sleeping bag that matches the lowest nighttime temperature in your destination. Summer sleeping bags are good for 30°F and higher, three-season bags are for 15°F to 30°F, and winter bags are for 15°F and colder. A sleeping pad and pillow are also a must, and camping chairs make a huge upgrade for mornings and evenings lounging by the fire.
$489.99 $699 30% off
Tent: Big Agnes Bunk House 6 Tent, $489.99
Sleeping Bag: The North Face Wawona Bed 20 Sleeping Bag, $78
Sleeping Pad: NEMO Quasar 3D Insulated Sleeping Pad, $119.99
Camping Pillow: NEMO Fillo Camping Pillow, $33.74
Lantern: Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern & USB Power Hub, $69.99
Camp chairs: Helinox Savanna Chair, $164.96
Natural Bug Spray: Murphy’s Naturals Insect Repellent Spray (2-pack), $19.98
Tools & Personal Gear
One easy way to be more prepared is to invest in a few basic tools, starting with a reliable multi-tool. Leatherman is really the only name in this category, so pick up one of those if you don’t already own one. You’ll also need a headlamp, a first-aid kit, and duct tape (this comes in handy shockingly often). Also, be sure to find out if there’s firewood available; if not, bring an axe to get your own.
$119.99
Multi-Tool: Leatherman Wave+, $119.99
Headlamp: Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp, $19.95
Axe: Hults Bruk Almike All-Purpose Hatchet, $154
Duct Tape: The Original Duck Brand Duct Tape, $7.95
First-Aid Kit: First Aid Only All-Purpose First Aid Emergency Kit, $16.46
Camping Duffel: NEMO Double Haul 55L Convertible Duffel & Tote, $134.96
Food, Water & Cooking Gear
Kitchen supplies are sometimes neglected by beginner campers, and hungry campers are not happy ones. Be sure to pick up a portable stove or grill, as well as a pot and/or pan, a cooking knife, and serving utensils. Also, maybe most important is a large, reliable cooler.
$209.99
Stove or Grill: Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Stove, $209.99
Cooler: Yeti Roadie 60, $450
Pan/Pan: TOAKS Titanium Pot with Pan, $54.95
Utensils: UCO Utility Spork 3-in-1 Combo (4-pack), $10.99
Knife: Camp Chef Deluxe Knife Set, $69.99
Cups: Coleman 12oz Enamel Coffee Mug, $9.24
Water Filter: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Outdoor Apparel
As with most outdoor activities, layers are the name of the game when figuring out your camping wardrobe. Even if you’re camping in the summer, be sure to bring thermal underwear and a warm jacket, as well as regular outdoor clothing and shoes. Mornings and nights out in the wild are beautiful, but they’re also colder than most beginners realize.
$74
Long-sleeve Tee:
Men’s Free Fly Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie, $74
Women’s Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Shade Hoodie II, $74
Hiking Shoes: On Cloudhorizon Waterproof Hiking Shoes, $189.99
Wool Socks: Darn Tough Critter Club Micro Crew Lightweight Socks, $24
Thermal Underwear:
Men’s Smartwool Merino Baselayer Top, $115 / Bottoms, $90
Women’s Smartwool Merino Baselayer Top, $115 / Bottoms, $115
Warm Jacket:
Men’s Patagonia Down Sweater, $279
Women’s Patagonia Down Sweater, $329
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