The ultimate camping checklist for total beginners in 2022
The ultimate camping checklist for total beginners in 2022 Sitting around a campfire and looking up at a blanket of stars from a cozy sleeping bag has long been a favorite pastime of many Americans. And more are climbing on board: One-fourth of the North Americans who camped in 2020 said it was their first time ever camping, and nearly two-thirds said they plan to get back out there in 2021, according to Kampgrounds of America’s 2020 annual North American Camping Report.
But knowing what to bring camping for a night (or a few) is a real art. While each trip is different and requires its own specific items, we’ve described go-to camping checklist down to a science.
Here’s your camping checklist of all the camping essentials you absolutely need for an overnight or multi-day trip, as well as a few nice-to-haves that will make sleeping on the ground a lot more fun.
When considering what to bring camping, there are the need-to-have items and the nice-to-haves. The real secret to enjoying your time outdoors is double-checking that you have all of your camping essentials, and being realistic about what nice-to-haves on the camping checklist are important for you to be comfortable and happy The ultimate camping checklist for total beginners in 2022.
How to set up your campsite
When it comes to setting up camp quickly and ensuring a good night’s sleep, you know you absolutely need a tent and a warm sleeping bag. It’s also important not to skimp on a sleeping pad, which is filled with air to not only make you more comfortable but also to keep you warmer by lifting you off the ground. An all-purpose tarp can also act as a blanket to sit on, a water barrier under your tent, or a roof to shield your campsite from an unexpected downpour. And don’t forget to pack a comfortable camp chair, and either a headlamp (better) or a flashlight (cheaper).
What clothes to pack
Packing for camping is not like packing for any other trip. You need to be protected from the elements, which may be drastically different from day to night. Even in the summer, the desert and mountains can be blistering hot during the day but get down in the 30s and 40s at night.
That means your focus is much more on practical than cute (although more and more brands are bridging the gap there). What’s more, it’s actually smart to overpack (assuming you’re not backpacking) in order to bring just-in-case items like a rain jacket or thermal layers.
You want breathable, sweat-wicking clothes for the day (read: no cotton, which gets wet and stays wet), including a sun shirt and hat in case you get sunburned on day one and need to protect your arms or face.
What toiletries to pack
Beyond the essentials of your toothbrush and comb, a thorough toiletry bag is essential for both safety and comfort. Items like sunscreen and moisturizer can help protect your skin from being out in the elements 24/7, while nice-to-haves like hand sanitizer and deodorant wipes will help you feel fresh when you’re anything but.
What to bring for day hikes
If you’re going camping, chances are you’ll at least embark on a short day hike or walk around a park. For a hike of any length, it’s smart to bring a sun shirt, hat, sunscreen, water, and snacks.
If your adventure is going to be more than 5 miles, make sure you bring a first aid kit, as well as some extra water and food.
What camping food to pack
Camping meals can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. While you can nosh on dried goods all weekend, a camping cooking gear can be as simple as a camp stove and pot or pan, which let you boil water for low-lift freeze-dried backpacking meals or go full sauté. If you need to buy groceries for camping food, check out the best places to buy groceries online and the best backpacking food you can buy.
Don’t forget your other camping cooking gear like plates, cups, and cutlery, which you can either bring from home or buy an all-inclusive set that you don’t have to worry about getting beat-up or breaking.
How to plan your car camping trip
Planning a camping trip comes in two parts: picking your campsite and deciding what to pack. What you need for a camping trip depends entirely on who’s joining you, where you’re going, when you’re going, and for how long.