The Ultimate Camping Gear List

When we were planning for our camping trips to both Africa and Europe we had a hard time putting together a comprehensive camping gear list.

There seemed to be a lot of recommendations but none that really covered everything.

At the same time, we didn’t want to pack too much.

So we decided to take the lessons we learned from camping on five different continents and countless camping adventures to share what we think is the most comprehensive list out there.

The Most Complete Camping Equipment List

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Before you can start compiling your list of camping gear you should ask yourself these questions as it will determine what gear is necessary.

Are you camping at a campground or in the backcountry?

If you are going to a campsite, they may have facilities you can take advantage of that are not available to you if you are in the backcountry. Things like electricity, picnic tables, washrooms, and even swimming pools.

What activities do you want to do on your camping trip?

If you are simply going out to relax in the outdoors you may need different gear than if you were planning on doing outdoor adventures like hiking, rock climbing, or fishing.

How primitive or luxurious do you want your camp to be?

Everyone has different comfort levels. some prefer to rough-it and others want certain comforts. Camping can be basic backcountry trips to luxury glamping vacations.

If you determine this before you go camping then you will have all the proper gear to keep you comfortable.

Whether you are going on a weekend getaway or a longer more remote outdoor adventure, this guide will let you know the essential camping gear you should have on hand to make your trip comfortable and easy.

Camping Essentials

Everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to venturing into the great outdoors.

But, there are some essential camping gear that every camper will need to have with them to enjoy a comfortable experience.

Shelter and Sleeping Esssentials

• 3 Season Tent (with rain fly)
• Tent footprint/groundsheet
• Sleeping Bags
• Sleeping Pad/Thermarest
• Camp pillow

Camping Furniture and Set-up

• Camping chairs or Stools
• Camp table if there is no picnic table
• Solar Lanterns
• Bug shelter
• Tarp with tie downs

Camp Kitchen

Probably one of the most important parts of a good camping checklist is having the right tools for campfire cooking and camp kitchen items.

It can be overwhelming when trying to decide what to bring and what to leave behind.

Here, we list all the necessities you will need for a great camp kitchen set up.

Note: We left out food as that is really a personal preference.

But we do suggest if you are camping in the backcountry to consider some freeze-dried food packages and boil-in-a-bag options to really cut down on weight.

You can buy camping specific cooking gear at your local MEC (in Canada) or REI in the United States. We have also linked to our favorite camping gear for cooking in the lists below.

Cooking Gear

• Camp Stove and Fuel (backcountry option)
• Stackable Cooking Pots with lids
• Matches and Lighter
• Water Jug
• Coffee AeroPress
• Potholder
• Cooler
• Water filters and a purifier (backcountry only)

Kitchen cleaning

• Foldable sink
• Bio-degradable Soap
• Sponges or scrubbers
• Quick-dry Towel
• Eco-Friendly Garbage Bags

Utensils & Dishware

• Kitchen Utensil Kit
• Plates and Bowls
• Thermos
• Coffee Cups
• Can opener
• Cutting board
• Sharp Knife
• Food Storage Containers

Kitchen Extras

• Aluminum Foil
• Stainless steel wine glasses
• Long tongs
• Table cloth with clips
• Corkscrew
• Washcloth/Paper Towels
• Grill Rack
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring Cups/spoons

Personal Gear

After camping in so many different situations we have gone through a lot of the trial and error for you.

We have perfected a personal gear that prepares you for most situations without overpacking.

Don’t forget that this is “personal” gear, so if you have something that you know you can’t go camping without, add it to the list.

Clothing and Footwear

• Hiking Boots
• Rain Jacket
• Quick dry shorts/pants
• Wicking short-sleeved shirts
• Long-sleeved shorts for sun and bugs
• Quick Dry Underwear
• Wicking socks
• Hats (one for warmth and one for sun)
• Base layer tops and pants (can double as sleepwear)
• Light sweater
• Bathing suit
• Sandals/Camp shoes
• Buffs
• Fleece Jacket or down jacket
• Bug Jacket

Outdoor Gear

• Water Bottle
• Headlamp or Flashlight
• Multi-tool
• Bug Spray
• Day Pack
• Sunscreen
• Chapstick
• Sunglasses
• Map with compass or GPS
• Extra batteries
• Re-usable Zip ties

Toiletry Essentials

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Toilet paper
• Quick-dry bath towels
• Bio-degradable Soap
• Bio-degradable shampoo
• Bio-Degradable wipes
• Hand Sanitizer

First Aid Kit

A good camping first aid kit can help you be prepared for most minor injuries that may occur at the campsite or on the trail.

What we have listed below is the bare minimum that you should have in your camping list.

If you don’t want to buy all of these things individually, make sure to check out special camping or backcountry first aid kits that include most of the basics.

• Bandages (different sizes)
• Moleskin (for Blisters)
• Polysporin
• Antiseptic wipes
• Ibuprofin
• Tweezers
• Scissors

• Rubber Gloves
• Adhesive tape
• Antihistimine for allergies
• Duct tape
• Insect Repellent
• Aloe or Aftersun
• Tums or Zantec
• Earplugs

Optional Camping Gear

When it comes to making your camping trip fun you might want to add some of these things to your gear list.

We always make sure to pack some games we can play on a rainy night, (travel scrabble is our favorite) books we can read to relax, and some other things that may come in handy depending on what type of camping we are doing.

Campfire

• Axe or folding saw
• Waterproof matches
• Lighter
• Firestarter
• Tarp to cover wood
• Firewood
• Roasting sticks for marshmallows

Entertainment

• Playing Cards
• Headphones
• Smartphone or Tablet
• Books or E-Reader
• Navigational tools (Compass and maps)
• Binoculars or small camera
• Portable speakers

Comfort Additions

Camp Mat: Great to put outside your tent so you don’t track dirt and dust into your tent

Coffee Press: If you love good coffee pack a french press and your own ground coffee beans.

100w solar Panel: Keep all your necessities charged.

Hanging Fan: Perfect for inside the tent on those hot summer nights.

Hand Powered Blender: If you love a smoothie in the morning like we do this is a perfect addition.

We love to camp and making sure that we are well prepared for fun, comfort and safety are things that we have found are vital to making it a successful outing.

If you are heading into the great outdoors this year make sure you use this camping gear guide as a baseline for your next adventure.

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!

Read Next More Camping and Packing Lists

• 25 Camping Tips – Our Top Hacks for Happy Nights Outdoors
• 25 of the Best Places to Camp in Ontario, Canada
• Top 10 Best Places to Camp in California
• Camping in Antarctica
• Glamping in Dinosaur Provincial Park
• Camping in Spain: Everything You Need to Know

Check out these other travel packing lists:

• The Ultimate Travel Packing List (By Professional Travellers)
• Best Travel Organizers for Smarter Packing
• Packing for Europe – Tips That Will Make Your Travel Life Easier
• Travel Tips for Winter Packing
• The Best Travel Gear – Unique Ideas for Smart Packing

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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