There are many a camping list out there, but we wanted to provide an upgraded list that will provide you with all the bells and whistles to make your camping trip a bit easier, more comfortable, and all around generally just more pimp.
General Camping List
- Tent and pitching gear
- Tarp (to place underneath the tent)
- Tools
- Mallet
- Sleeping bags
- Pillows
- Camp chairs
- Toiletries
- Sun protection (sunblock, hats)
- Towels
- Weather-appropriate clothing and shoes (layers are always a good idea)
- Swimsuits (if applicable)
- Flashlight and/or lanterns (and extra batteries)
- Insect repellant
- Stove and fuel
- Firestarter
- First Aid Kit
- Fire wood
- Extra roll of toilet paper (just in case)
- Dog gear (if you’re taking them)
- Kitchen items
o Washing bowl
o Cutting board
o Cook pot
o Potholder
o Knife
o Dishwashing soap and sponge
o Hand soap
o Utensils
o Plates/bowls
o Cups/mugs
o Water bottles
o Marshmallow/hot dog roasting sticks
o Napkins
o Trash bags
o Table cloth
o Foil
o Bottle opener
o Can opener (if applicable)
o Cooler
o Ice
Bells and Whistles
Battery run generator (no fuel generators or you will definitely get the dirty look when you flip the choke start) – helpful for charging phones, speakers, etc. If you are staying longer than 2-3 days, you may also want to purchase a solar panel charger.
Solar charged string lights (1-2) – these are really nice post-sunset. If you have a large tree in your campsite or a canopy (or even on the tent itself), you can hang them for lovely mood lighting and they actually make a significant impact once evening turns to night. If, however, you are taking a generator, you don’t necessarily need the lights to be solar, you can simply plug them in and voila!
LED flameless candle – very helpful to act as a “nightlight” for the tent. The light is low enough to keep the candle on all night in case the kids (or adults) are fearful of the pitch black.
Headlamps – for nighttime hands-free bathroom use (i.e. brushing teeth, etc.); kids also get a kick out of wearing these.
Small broom and dustpan set – to sweep up the dirt that will inevitably end up INSIDE your tent. Disregard if you don’t mind the dirt, but if you’re Type A personality, this one’s for you!
Air mattress – once you sleep with an air mattress under your sleeping bag, you can’t really go back. Don’t forget the pump (and make sure you charge it)!
A laundry bag – to place your soiled clothes and keep the tent somewhat organized.
Double sleeping bag (that fits 2) – this is really comfortable to stay nice and warm. We have two and each adult sleeps with one kid to make sure the little ones stay cozy and don’t wander off sleepwalking!
Screen house – place over the dining table so you can eat pest-free.
Speaker (i.e. Bose) – enjoy music in the wilderness; don’t forget to make the perfect playlist for optimal enjoyment!
Hammock – but do be careful with this one if you have small children.
Portable coffee maker – if you’re bringing a generator, you can plug this bad boy in; otherwise, a battery operated one.
Glow in the dark bracelets/necklaces - kids love these, and it's helpful to keep an eye on them once it's dark.
Tablecloth
An extra blanket or two
Claritin/other medication
Extra fold-out table
Clothesline with clips
Binoculars
Extra Tips
If you've never used your tent before, watch a video (Youtube) on how to set up your tent the night before (do an actual test run if you have time). Be sure to do this the NIGHT BEFORE, as it’s likely you won’t have reception at the actual campsite. Many tents are straightforward, however, some can be a little more complicated, and being flustered when setting up your tent is NOT how you’ll want to start your trip!
Breaking down your camp and packing up your car takes longer than you think! Allot at least a couple hours to do so. And don't forget to be nice to each other so you can be friends on the long drive home! 😊
Prepare the food items you will be cooking (i.e. washing fruit, washing and cutting veggies, etc.); this will make cooking a lot quicker, easier, and result in less dishes to wash post-meal.
You can mix eggs ahead of time and put them in a tupperware with a pour spout; this way you don’t have to worry about going to the hand wash station every time after cracking eggs (use within 2-3 days).
If you’re staying longer than a couple nights, invest in a good cooler to keep the ice frozen for as long as possible (i.e. Yeti). If there is a nearby store to conveniently purchase ice, then this is not as big of an issue.
As a side note, I never knew the term was spelled “souped up,” apparently the origins of this terms are equestrian, and “soup” was the slang used for the narcotic given to horses to make them run faster. I never knew! And maybe we’ve just learned a correct answer for Jeopardy (Idioms for $200 please). ANYWAY, Happy Camping!
Peace and Love,
Daniel & Jinny
Comments