Background

We just returned from camping eleven nights in a row with our family of five in eight different locations (Badlands, Custer State Park, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Theodore Roosevelt). As I was putting things away, I thought I would write down what we took. This packing list has not changed much from our original one in 2012. We tend to put our stuff in bins, boxes, suitcases, or duffle bags rather than having it loose.  

 

Packing list

Shelter and sleep: 

1. Tent (We have REI Co-op Kingdom 6 Tent) / Rainfly / Footprint for under tent / Stakes / Mallet / Pliers or hook for pulling up stakes / Broom / Dustbin for tent
2. Sleeping bags (We have two old EMS ones and kids have REI). 
3. Sleeping pads / Air mattresses – rubber bands or velcro cords / straps for keeping them rolled up. We have three REI (3.5 inch) sleeping pads and two old Therm-a-Rest (1 inch).
4. Pillows (we just use our regular ones from home) / stuffed animals
5. Mat for outside tent
6. Hammock (optional)
7. Headlamp flashlight (hugely helpful when setting up / cleaning up tent / camp in the dark) / flashlights / batteries
8. Earplugs / eyemask / Nasal spray / nasal strips for less noise / light / snoring disturbance
9. Toiletries: soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, hairbrush.
10. Clothes: long sleeve sweatshirt or fleece for morning, stocking hat for night, shower flipflops or Crocs.
11. Towels (one for each person)
12. Rope for clothesline
13. Laundry soap
14. Tissues
15. Books / Cards / Games
16. Alarm clock / watch
17. Tarp for piling equipment behind car when unpacking for in preparation for packing car. Or can be used for erecting shelter over food preparation area if rain comes / Bungee cords / Rope for hanging tarp

 

Eating

1. Plastic tablecloth
2. 1-7 gallon water jugs / containers to use and refill
3. Paper towels
4. Garbage bags
5. Plastic bags
6. Tupperware for leftovers
7. Camping chairs
8. Lantern / batteries for cooking in the dark.
9. Plastic cups
10. Plastic utensils (fork, spoons, knives)
11. Plastic bowls
12. Plastic plates
13. Hand sanitizer
14. Dishwashing soap / sponges / dish towels / basin
15. Cooler / Ice
16. Can opener for pork and beans
17. Breakfast: Cereal / Milk / Oatmeal / Donuts  bananas / Protein powder shake / Eggs / Bacon / Pancakes (Syrup / Peanut butter)

Camping stove cooking 

1. Camping stove and propane. (We have Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Stove). Extra canister of propane. 
2. Two pots for boiling water for coffee or pasta (with tomato sauce) or corn on the cob or warming beans on camping stove
3. Kettle / Percolator for boiling water (optional)
4. Griddle for pancakes (optional)
5. Frying pan / skillet for eggs (optional)
6. Plastic spatula / serving spoon
7. Starbucks Via (instant coffee) / Cream
8. Travel mugs for coffee / hot chocolate
9. Measuring cups for pancakes and measuring water for instant meals
10. Whisk for eggs / Salt / Pepper

 

Campfire cooking:

1. Matches / Firewood / Lighter / Drier lint for fire starter
2. Optional: grill spatula, grill tongs for cooking on campfire grill 
3. Roasting sticks for marshmallows (s'mores / graham crackers / chocolate) and hot dogs / brats (buns, ketchup, mustard, relish)
4. Mountain pie maker or Pie Iron (We have two for making pizza: Pam / butter, bread / cheese / red sauce / pepperoni / onions / peppers). After they cool, we wrap them in an old plastic tablecloth since the irons are black with ash so they don't get other things dirty.  
5. Grilling mitts or potholders
6. Knives / Cutting board
7. Ax / saw for firewood
8. Tin foil
9. Popcorn – JiffyPop / Whirley Pop

 

Packing for the day hiking:

1. Hats / sunglasses
2. Binoculars
3. Backpacks – for hiking
4. Hiking / walking stick
5. Hiking boots
6. Swimsuits / old shoes or watershoes for creeks
7. Sunscreen / insect repellent
8. Watch / Phone / Walkie-talkies / Camera / Map / Hiking trails
9. Multi-tool
10. Lunch: Sandwiches / fruit / vegetables / nuts
11. Snacks
12. Water bottles
13. Frisbee
14. Fishing pole and tackle box and net
15. Bear spray 
16. Bear bell / Music Speaker

 

Dog:

1. Kennel/Crate
2. Bed
3. Bowls for food / water
4. Leash / harness
5. Poop bags
6. Tie out and stake
7. Bones / treats
8. Towels / mat for under crate

 

We have built up this collection of camping equipment over the years. Camping is cheap $14-35 per night as compared to a hotel. However, the cost of equipment certainly adds up. We have asked for sleeping bags and sleeping pads, tent, and hammock for Christmas and birthday gifts. The rest of the stuff is fairly reasonable: camping stove, pie irons, camping chairs. There is a lot of miscellaneous stuff that could be purchased at Walmart or Amazon or Menard's for cheap or more expensively at REI. Again, this little stuff adds up.