Home Decorating Outdoor Living The Complete List of Everything You Need to Bring Camping S'mores ingredients not included. By Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand has more than 20 years of experience as a lifestyle writer and editor, writing thousands of articles on topics that help people live better and healthier lives for Real Simple, Parents, and dozens of other top publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on March 15, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Getty Images In the age of COVID, camping has become a popular way to travel while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you're new to camping or just looking to upgrade your gear, this camping supplies checklist contains a few key product suggestions to make sure you don't forget something essential when you're a few miles out in the wilderness. Depending on where and how you camp, you may not need everything on this list. (Especially if you're glamping—then you probably can leave the toilet paper at home!) And if you're bound for a national park, don't forget to check out the "Know Before You Go" section on its website for any additional items you might need, such as bear spray or a bear-proof container for your food. Pick and choose from this list based on when and where you're going—and have a great time outside. 01 of 07 Campsite Essentials Cabela Make sure your camping supplies checklist includes items that provide comfortable places to sit and sleep for everyone. TentSleeping bags and pillowsAir mattress or sleeping padsFoldable camp chairsFoldable table TarpBackpacks/bags for porting things in and outSmall broom and dust panMat to wipe your feet outside your tent Upgraded camping gear: Cabela's all-season sleeping pads are water-resistant, easy to inflate and deflate, and help keep you comfy and dry—even if the ground beneath you is wet. $100, cabelas.com 02 of 07 Camp Lighting Amazon Light your way for a night hike (or a late-night run to the restroom) with these camping essentials. LanternFlashlightsMatches or a lighter (for campfire making)HeadlampsFirewood (from a nearby source)Extra batteries for the lightsGlow sticks or necklaces Upgraded camping gear: The Coleman Sound and Light Lantern gives you plenty of glow—and also serves as a bluetooth speaker if you want to enjoy a little music at your campsite. $50, amazon.com 03 of 07 Clothing for Camping REI When you're choosing what to wear camping, think functional and lots of layers that you can add or subtract as the weather changes. Even in the summer, long pants and long-sleeved shirts might be preferable to help protect from sunburn, and ticks and mosquitos. Skip cotton fabrics in favor of moisture-wicking, SPF-laden, and quick-dry options that help keep you comfortable even if you sweat or get wet. Merino wool is a great temperature regulator that you can wear for days without worrying about smelling. Extra underwearHiking boots or shoesWater shoes or sandalsPantsLong-sleeved shirtsExtra socksSwimsuit/Raincoat/Warm coatFleece or cozy sweaterSunglassesSun hatGel-filled cooling neckerchief Personal mosquito netting Upgraded camping gear: If you're a favorite snack for mosquitos, a wearable screen netting can help protect you from the bugs—without having to wear hardcore mosquito repellants 24/7. $13, REI.com 04 of 07 Camping Kitchen Gear Williams Sonoma One of the highlights of camping can be the culinary options available to you—s'mores!—but you'll probably want more than graham crackers and marshmallows to enjoy. If you're planning to be active, it may help to pack freeze-dried meals you can easily whip up with hot water, so you don't have hangry campers waiting for the fire to be ready for cooking. Camp stove with fuelColeman grillPots and pans cast ironCooler with lots of iceCutting boardKnifeWater bottlesMountain potpie makerDish panCooking spoon, spatula, and tongsFlatware for eatingPlates and bowlsMugs collapsible cupsDish scrubber and towelDish soap (biodegradable)Can/bottle openerFood storage containersLarge jugs of waterTrash bagsCooking oilSpices Upgraded camping gear: If you can't start your morning without a cup of coffee, the easy-to-pack AeroPress can help you make a stellar cup—and it's small enough to pack for even the most off-the-beaten-path camping trip. $30, williams-sonoma.com 05 of 07 Toiletries Beekman 1802 Keep it clean while you're camping with the right tools—just make sure any products you bring are biodegradable, so they don't harm nature (or you). SunscreenBrush or combSoapToothbrush and toothpasteDeodorantRazor and shaving creamBaby/cleaning wipesHand sanitizerToilet paperPrescription medsQuick dry towelInsect repellent spray/lotion lemon eucalptus CutterLip balm Upgraded camping gear: Beekman 1802's generously sized wipes can keep more than your face clean, and the fragrance-free version won't make you attractive to insects—or bears. $7, beekman1802.com 06 of 07 Just-in-Case Gear Amazon.com You never know when something's going to go awry when you're camping, so it's great to have some basic gear for fixing things. Duct tapeFirst aid kit (including lots of moleskins)MultitoolMenstrual productsHammerAntiseptic wipesPain relieversAllergy medicationsAnti-diarrheal or antacid medicationsWater purifiersSafety pinsScissorsSmall shovelSnakebite kitCamping sewing kitLeather work gloves Upgraded camping gear: Heat-resistant leather working gloves let you chop firewood, deal with hot pots and pans, and wrangle anything else that comes your way. $40, amazon.com 07 of 07 Fun Camping Gear Uncommon Goods The real fun of camping is all the activities you get to do. Pack along gear for outdoor adventures, games, and maybe a little campfire music-making. Frisbee or ballCompass and mapsFishing gearField guideBinocularsBooks or magazinesMusical instrumentsCards or gamesCameraHiking poles Upgraded camping gear: This indoor/outdoor bocce ball set is lightweight enough for even the most pared-down backpacking campers—and can be used indoors for a living-room campout, too. $40, uncommongoods.com Was this page helpful? 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