Camping is best way to experience what nature has to offer, unplug from the daily grind and spend time with family and friends. Getting outside, whether it be for fun, relaxation or for a challenge, is good for the body, mind, and spirit. However, the idea of "starting out" and what is needed to make these excursions successful can a daunting task as packing for multi-day camping trips can be overwhelming. That’s why we put together this checklist to help make packing easy and stress-free.
The Gear You Need
To determine the type of gear you require, let's look at the type of camping you intend to do:
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What type of campground or campsite are you going to?
If you going to a more traditional campsite, items such as picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms, water, electricity, etc, will help determine what you need to pack. If you are going to a more primitive campsite, you would obviously need to pack quite differently. -
What type of activities are you planning to do?
It's important to decide what type of activities you plan on doing in order to know the right equipment to pack; fishing, hiking, canoeing, swimming, etc each activity requires unique equipment
Let's Start from the Beginning
Start by using this list to get you started. It may look like a lot, but most of what is here is probably items you already have in your home. When looking at starting out, you can look for used equipment on various marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or Kijijii. Buying used will help you reduce costs, especially if this is your first time out. You can also rent equipment such as RV's, tents, etc. The more you camp, the more you'll fall in love and begin to upgrade your gear s you go. Selling back to online marketplaces will allow you to recoup costs to put towards newer purchases and other needs.
The List
PERSONAL GEAR
Portable Power & Chargers*
Brightworks carries a wide selection of portable power options, including solar! A variety of sizes, weights and designs for you to choose from!
Daypack or Duffel Bags*
Checkout Brightworks selection of sleek chargeable backpacks!
Water Bottles
Insect Repellent
Sun Screen
Map and compass
Camera
Headlamp
Cash or cards
ID
SHELTER/BEDDING
Tent with stakes
Sleeping bags or heavy blankets
Sleeping pad, mattress or cot - if you using an air mattress ensure you have a quality air pump and that it's charged
Pillow
Sunshade or screen house with stakes
Tent Lights
TOOLS
Mallet and Hatchet (cutting firewood)
Duct Tape
Small broom and dust pan
Garage Bags + Garbage bins
Multi Tool
Firewood
Roasting Sticks (if required)
Extra Tarps (2 if possible)
SITE GEAR/FURNITURE
Camp Table
Camp Chairs
Lanterns (Chargeable or if using battery operated, extra batteries)
Table Cloth with clips
Clothesline with clips
Umbrella
CAMP KITCHEN
Coolers
Large Water Jug
Stove and fuel
Light or matches
Cook pots with lids
Frying pans
Food containers
Cutting Boards
Sharp Knifes
Eating Utensils
Aluminum foil and food wrap
Dish washing soap and basin
Sponge
Dry towels
Grill rack for over fire
Can opener
Corkscrew
Paper Towels
CONSUMABLES
Water
Ice
Food
Condiments
Spices
Cooking Oils/Sprays
Drinks
Coffee/Tea/Sugar/Sweeteners
CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
Clothes for all weather options: Warm, cold, hot, muggy
Light Fleece or jacket
Hiking shoes or boots
Wicking socks
Hats - warm and sun protective
Sunglasses
Rain Jacket and pants if possible
Base layer depending on location and time of year
Gloves or mittens depending on location and time of year
Swimsuit
Sandals and/or water shoes
Sleepwear - varying degrees of warmth
Socks and underwear - varying degrees of warmth and wicking material
HEALTH AND FIRST AID
Toilet Paper
Tooth brush, paste + Floss
Lip Balm
Hand sanitizer (various sizes)
Menstrual products
Prescription itemsLip Balm
Shampoo/Conditioner
Body wash/sop
Quick dry towel
Baby wipes
Eye mask (if used for a more sounder sleep - the sun rises quite earlier)
Flip flops for showers (if available)
Comb/brush
*It is best to create a full first aid kit before heading out. Be sure to include:
Bandages
Moleskin bandages for blisters
Antiseptic wipes and ointments
Afterbite
Aloe
Tweezers
Bandage wraps
Scissors
Head Relievers
Stomach Relievers
Sewing Kit
FUN OUTDOORS
Games + Cards
Music player with headphones or speaker*
Keep the fun going with Brightworks Portable Power packs
Reading material, journal + pen
Instruments
Dog Gear
Sports (Bean bag toss, ring toss, etc)
Fishing equipment
Binoculars
Beach toys/Chairs, loungers, mats, towels, etc
Wagon to move items to and from the beach with children
Bike helmets
When you have children, you need plan according to age. An infant will require quite a bit more gear and planning such as playpen, cot, formula, diapers, etc where a toddler will require more "things to do", nap/bedtime essentials, etc. Have your kids get involved in the planning and packing so that they can become excited about this new adventure! Be sure to pack lots of beach toys and easy way to move those items to and from the beach.