Essential Camping Checklist for a Weekend Camping Trip

Camping can be an incredibly enjoyable experience, but you have to pack your gear accordingly to keep you and your family safe while having fun. It’s great to get away from your daily routine and see nature, but that also means you will have to take stock of what you will need for your trip and properly plan for your excursion. You already know you need the basics for a camping trip such as a tent, sleeping bag, and first aid kit, but you will also need to pack the following items and supplies to make sure you have what you need to enjoy your camping trip. 

Essential Camping Checklist for a Weekend Camping Trip

Each camping trip is different depending on when and where you decide to camp, so it’s important to plan everything out, so you will know exactly what you need to pack. You will also want to check weather reports for the area and time you decide to camp so you will know what the temperature will be and whether or not rain is expected. A rainy weekend can make a camping trip even more fun, but only if you plan for it in advance and bring proper rain gear and supplies. 

While you will change out a few items for each camping trip depending on your location, there are a few essential items that you should never go camping without packing in your backpack. 

Tent for camping checklist

Obviously, you need to bring a tent unless you intend on camping in a shelter or the back of your pickup truck. Choosing the best camping tent for camping would take an entirely separate article, but I can say that you should read as many reviews as possible before purchasing a tent. Speak with people who have used a particular tent before to make sure it will fit your needs. You will also want to anticipate the number of people you intend to camp with so you will know how large your tent needs to be. 

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Sleeping Bag for camping checklist

Not all sleeping bags are the same and you need to spend time researching the best sleeping bags for the amount of money you want to spend. While you don’t always need an expensive sleeping bag, you want to make sure it’s warm enough to keep you comfortable throughout your camping trip. Also, keep in mind how tall you are as regular-sized sleeping bags aren’t large enough for everyone. 

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First Aid Kit for camping checklist

First aid kits are one of the most important items you can bring with you on a camping trip. Injuries happen in the woods all the time, and you need to be prepared for anything. First aid kits come in all sizes, prices, and quality, so you will want to look at each item included to make sure it has everything you will need. While the first aid kits at stores such as Walmart may have the basics, you can find better first aid kits online. You can upgrade your first aid kit to a 72-hour survival bag if you plan on staying in the woods longer or if you will oversee multiple people’s safety while camping. Survival packs have more than just first aid essentials and provide you with tools that you will need such as a knife, multi-tool, thermal blanket, and more. Some even include food and water rations in the event you find yourself or your party stuck in the woods for an extended period. 

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Backpack for camping checklist

You should always keep a stocked hiking backpack in your vehicle when you go camping, even if you don’t plan on going hiking. I say this because I’ve been on tons of camping trips where we discovered hiking trails in the area and decided to spend a few days exploring them. You will want to purchase a tough hiking backpack that has plenty of compartments for gear and supplies for you and your camping group. I recommend finding a hiking backpack or tactical backpack that has hydration capabilities and a water bladder, so you don’t have to keep using water bottles. 

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Rope/Paracord for camping checklist

It’s good to include rope or para cord in your camping gear. You never know when you will need to secure your gear or tent during a storm. Paracord is also useful if you happen to be camping in bear country and need to suspend your food rations in the air. As a side note, if you intend to use your rope for climbing, you will need to purchase a special type of climbing rope that’s rated for that type of activity. 

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Toiletries/Prescriptions for camping checklist

You will want to pack your toothbrush, deodorant, toilet paper, hand sanitizer and sunscreen if you’re camping in the summer. Also, be sure to bring any prescription medications you currently take. I’ve forgotten my BP medications before and had a difficult time while camping. I would also recommend placing a needle kit in your toiletry bag or first aid kit in the event you have to repair clothing, your tent, or worse, have to use it to sew up a wound. 

Preparing for your next camping trip doesn’t have to be rocket science, but you will at least want to make a list of things you need in advance. Save this article, so you can refer back to it when planning your next camping trip. 

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