Making a Camping Checklist Your Next Trip

Making a Camping Checklist Your Next Trip

For your next camping trip consider creating a camping checklist if you have not already done one.  Even if you have an existing checklist it is always a good idea to review and revise before any trip. The checklist is not so difficult to create.

It does not matter who you are camping with, preparation is the key to a successful trip. A check list will help you determine what supplies and food you will need to bring with you. There are many benefits to making your list. If you have not done so and you are getting ready for your next road trip, now is the time to make your list.

On the Road Old Camper

Getting Started with your list

Before you begin you will want to know what to include. In reality it can include whatever you want. One purpose for the camping checklist is to make sure you bring enough food, clothes and camping equipment. You can also include each activity that you plan to do and make sure that you have the proper supplies and equipment. There are literally hundreds of things you can include.

Leave Nothing Behind

I am sure it has happened to you in the past. You head out on the road. Then you realize that you forgot something important. With a camping checklist the possibility of this happening is dramatically reduced. Making you list in advance of the tip will insure that nothing is left behind. Forgetting items required will put a damper on the outdoor activities. Being prepared means you will have plenty of food, drinks, clothes and vital camping equipment.

Camping Trip Road Through Maountains

It’s Easy to Do

Putting together is list is really easy to do.  There are a few options available when making your camping checklist. The first way is to make one from scratch using your past experience as a guide. Take some time to sit down and write out all the items you want to bring. After the list is complete keep it in a convenient place. If you put is somewhere you can see it you have the opportunity to update the list when you think of things to bring.

Look Online For Ideas

Making a list from scratch is not the only way. You can also search online for camping checklists. You should that most of these lists are free.  Try to find ones that you can cut and paste so you can edit to fit you specific situation.  Go through the online list to make sure it fits most of your needs.  These online lists are usually general and generic in form.  Add you own personal activities and make it your own. Search for CAMPING CHECKLIST at first. If your trip is to a specific location or involves a certain activity, then add that keyword to your search.

Man outdoors writing with laptop

Imagine What To Bring

When making the camping checklist take a moment and visualize what you want your trip to be like. Try to imagine what you and your fellow campers will wear, eat and do while at the campsite. This is help you with making sure that you have everything you need. Make sure that you also include those who you will be camping with. If you are going with others solicit there input. They may discover things that you miss.

Now Get Started

Now that you have a good idea of what you need take a look at the list, make sure that you are able to carry everything in your vehicle. This preparation will also help you determine what thing not to bring. This is especially true for those things that take up too much space or are really unnecessary.  The goal here is to make you outdoor adventure pleasant.

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The Tub Method

To help you physically organize your list, there is the “tub” method.  The tub method allows you to store like items in a storage bin.  In one storage bin you can include cooking supplies. In another storage bin you can put shelter item.  When you make your list try starting with major camping categories. Here are some categories to start with

1) Kitchen

2) Shelter

3) Food (dry goods)

4) Extra Clothing

5) Equipment and gear

There are many advantages that you get when making the right preparation.  Take these tips and start getting ready for your next adventure.

List Ideas – What to Include

To help you start your list here are some items that you may want to include. Keep in mind the type of trip and the available room you are limited to having.

Accessories

  • Backpack
  • Bandana
  • Day pack for shorter afternoon hikes
  • Glasses and/or contact lenses
  • Gloves
  • Hiking boots
  • Sunglasses
  • Wide-brimmed hat

Clothing

  • Extra layers for warmth
  • Gloves
  • Hiking socks
  • Jacket
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Pants and/or shorts
  • Rain wear/ Poncho
  • Shoes: hiking/walking shoes, easy-on shoes, water shoes
  • Short-sleeved shirts
  • Sleepwear
  • Swimsuit
  • Underwear

Equipment and Gear

  • Axe
  • Batteries for small electronics and cameras
  • Camera
  • Cell phone
  • Chairs
  • Collapsible water container
  • Extra blankets
  • Extra nylon stuff sacks
  • Extra tarp or canopy
  • Flashlight
  • Lantern
  • Matches/lighter
  • Pillows
  • Repair kit for pads, mattress, tent, tarp
  • Rope
  • Sleeping bag and pad
  • Stove and fuel

Food and Cooking Tools

  • Aluminum foil
  • Cooler
  • Corkscrew
  • Cups, mugs
  • Cutting board
  • Extra bin for washing dishes
  • Firewood
  • Food
  • Food-storage containers, bags
  • French press or portable coffee maker
  • Frying pan
  • Funnel
  • Ice
  • Matches or lighter
  • Paper towels
  • Plastic trash bags
  • Plates, bowls, forks, spoons, knives
  • Pots
  • Pot grabber
  • Pot scrubber and dish towel
  • Resealable plastic bags
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Roasting sticks for marshmallows, hot dogs
  • Soap
  • Sponge, dishcloth
  • Tablecloth
  • Water bottles
  • Water filter/purifier

Healthy snacks (chewy granola bars, dried fruit, mini bagels, nuts, and pretzels)

Personal Items

  • Body lotion
  • Comb and brush
  • Deodorant
  • Face cleanser
  • Floss
  • Insect repellant
  • Lip balm
  • Personal-hygiene items
  • Razors
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shaving gel
  • Small mirror
  • Soap
  • Sunscreen
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Miscellaneous

  • Bikes, toys
  • Camera
  • Campsite reservation confirmation, phone number
  • Maps and directions
  • Money (cash, ATM cards, traveler’s checks)
  • Pet supplies and food
  • Travel journal

First aid kit

  • antacid
  • non-aspirin pain reliever
  • anti-diarrhea medicine
  • antihistamine
  • bandages
  • Gauze and tape
  • motion sickness patch
  • gas relief tablets
  • mild laxative
  • thermometer
  • Prescription medications
  • Prescriptions
  • Antibacterial wipes

Truck Camper HQ Website moderator. Loves camping and especially love truck campers. If it has to do with a truck camper I want to know about it and share it with others.

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