What to Pack & Other Tips For Camping
Camping is an activity that evoke strong reactions, some such as I, describe the activity as one the most enjoyable experience in the world, yet others seem to loathe it with a burning passion. This is due to the fact that things could go so terribly wrong that you will never want to camp again.
When camping it is essential to leave the house prepared for anything. As such my camping recommendations are the opposite of backpacking where the goal is to pack light (for my backpacking article click here). When camping you should pack heavy as it better to go overboard than to regret it later. This piece of advice is one that is doubly true the more remote a campsite you choose, or when camping outside of State/Provincial Parks where a general store is often available.
Table of Contents
- What to Pack Before Heading Out Camping
- What to Pick Up While on the Road
- What Groceries Should I Get?
- What if I am Camping in a More Remote Area
What to Pack Before Heading Out Camping
Due to regional laws and requirements there are things you will want to pack beforehand and things you will want to pick up on the way. Here is a quick list of what you should bring with you before you go:
- Gas Stove
- Propane Bottle (For Stove)
- Small Axe
- Newsprint
- Plastic Ground Sheet
- Sleeping Bags
- Pillows
- Blankets (for cold nights)
- Inflatable Mattress or Air Mattress
- Tent, poles, pegs, vestibule ect
- Table Cloth
- Lawn Chairs
- Towels
- Clothes-line
- Plastic Dishes and Cups
- Raincoat
- Sweatshirt/Sweatpants
- Bathing Suit
- Other Assorted Clothing
- Radio
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Pots and Pans
- Utensils
- Kettle
- Large Cooler
- Flashlight
- Tent Light
- Batteries
- Igniter or Matches
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Flip flops/Shower Shoes
- Marshmallow sticks
- Playing Cards
- Hand Ax
- Soap and Dish Rack/Wash bin
- Bathing suits (if required)
- Passports (if required)
What to Pick Up While on the Road
Here is a quick list of things to pick up on your way. I added groceries in this list as if going across borders specific rules apply, the same applies to fire wood as invasive species can be transported from one place to another. Fire wood can be purchased at most grocery stores or gas stations in rural Canada or the United States.
- Pre-Chopped Kindling
- Beer and Alcoholic Beverages
- Ice for Cooler
- Fire Wood
- Newsprint
- Groceries (See Below)
What Groceries Should I Get?
When preparing meals while camping it is often best to keep things simple. A few items that I would recommend include the following:
- Marshmallows
- Hot Dogs
- Canned Food (ex: Corn, Beans, Lentils…)
- Kraft Diner
- Spaghetti
- Fresh Fruits and Veggies,
- Milk (if you have a cooler with ice)
- Dry Cereal
- Trail Mix
- Eggs
- Butter
- Easy to cook meat (ex: Bacon, thin pork chops…)
- Junk Food (ex: Popcorn, Chips…)
- Condiments and Salt/Pepper
What if I am Camping in a More Remote Area
Take the list above and reduce it to essentials or what you can carry in a 60-80 Liter Backpack.
