30 Must-Have Items for Your Camping Packing List

Are you planning your next adventure and compiling your camping packing list? Striking a balance between over-packing and under-packing for a camping trip can be a daunting task-after all, you want to be adequately prepared, but you also don`t want to have to lug around unnecessary gear.

To help you out, I`ve rounded up the top camping essentials for tent camping, cabin camping, and RV camping so you can check the items off your list and set off on your adventure with confidence.

Top Ten Items for Your Tent Camping Packing List

Tent camping is the most [rugged" form of camping and requires well thought-out, efficient packing. This is especially true if you`re backpacking and need to carry your gear with you. Appropriate supplies will ensure a comfortable and safe adventure.

1. Tent

Packing your tent might seem obvious, but you never know what supplies might get lost in your packing shuffle! Your tent will be your home for the duration of your camping trip, so make sure to bring it. No one wants to make their way out to their site, only to find out that they have nothing to sleep in at night.

Also pack:

• Tent Footprint
• Stakes

2. Sleeping Bag

If your tent is your house while you`re camping, then your sleeping bag is your bed. Make sure to add a sleeping bag to your camping packing list since a miscellaneous assortment of blankets won`t cut it in the cold.

Also pack:

• Sleeping pad
• Camping pillow

3. Fire Starter

A fire starter is an absolute must for camping, especially in a tent. Fire will allow you to keep warm, cook food, and even signal for help in the case of an emergency. Remember, a fire starter is not the wood itself, so you`ll need to bring wood, purchase wood onsite, or gather wood where it`s permitted. Many campgrounds do not allow you to bring your own firewood, so always check ahead of time.

I personally bring multiple types of fire starter, including a Bic lighter, fireproof matches, and a little flint kit. It might seem like overkill but since I always keep them in my hiking pack anyway, and because they are lightweight, it doesn`t burden me in terms of pack weight or convenience.

Also pack:

• Duraflame Log-this is the easiest way to get a nice hot fire started in my experience. I don`t go on a single trip without one!

4. Pocket Knife

A pocket knife or multitool like a Swiss Army Knife will always come in handy when you`re on a camping trip. They can be used for nearly anything, including tent repairs, opening food supplies, and collecting kindling.

5. Cooking Set

While you can live on trail mix, canned beans, and assorted pre-packed snack foods, camping in a tent is much more enjoyable with good food. Bring a cooking set designed for tent camping so you can enjoy hot fireside meals that provide more sustenance than a pack of Pringles.

Also Pack:

• Tin Foil

I`m a camping cooking minimalist and like to prepare potatoes or fish by wrapping them in tinfoil and throwing them on the fire. I promise, it`s delicious!

6. Lighting

I never realize just how dark nighttime is until I`m gracelessly tripping over tree roots and rocks at oh-dark-hundred on a camping trip. Pack a flashlight with extra batteries on your next camping trip to avoid any unexpected trips, falls, and tumbles.

Also Pack:

• Lanterns
• Head lamp

7. First Aid Kit

It goes without saying that a well-stocked first aid kit is essential to tent camping, or any camping trip at all. There are prepackaged first aid kits at outlets like REI that include coagulation medicines (to promote blood clotting), antiseptic ointments, anti-inflammatory pills, and more. It is always better to be prepared in the case of an emergency.

8. Water Bottle

Water bottles are essential to bring on your tent camping trip, whether your campsite has running water or not. If you`re camping at a site that doesn`t have running water, you`ll want to fill your water bottle with the larger containers of water that you bring with you.

Also Pack:

• Water filtration system if you plan on drinking creek water
• Thermos for tea or coffee
• Coffee making setup (if you`re a caffeine fiend like me)

9. Hiking Pack

It`s safe to say that if you`re going on a tent camping trip, you`ll probably be doing some hiking too. Bring a hiking pack that`s been professionally fitted to your torso and waist. This will make sure it is comfortable for you to wear and use. It also does double duty by holding some of your other essential camping supplies.

10. Weather-Appropriate Clothing

We`ve all driven out to a campsite wearing sweats, hoodies, and fuzzy socks, but these clothing items aren`t the only ones you`ll want to pack for your trip. Make sure to bring weather-appropriate clothing, both for the temperature itself and any forecasts calling for rain, snow, or unusual heat.

Also Pack:

• Base Layers
• Hiking Socks