What are the necessities of camping?

Question

I'm not a hard-core camper. I don't backpack much. I usually just go the the state park campground for a weekend or maybe the week. But I have usually gone with others that have brought the majority of equipment so I guess I need to start getting my own. I know what I need for food and clothes, but I'm looking for suggestions for other equipment and often forgotten items. I will be tent camping, but will have my car so I'm not worried too much about space. Suggestions?

Answer 1

"Cohlan's Fire Starters" - easier to get a fire going

"Parachute cord" - good for all kinds of stuff, you can get it cheap on Ebay

Water filter - I recommend Katadyn's Hiker Pro

Headlamp - more useful than a flashlight or lantern

"Camping soap" - can be used for everything, washing hands, dishes, etc. get it at Walmart or any outdoors store

"Folding/Camp chair"

two-burner Coleman's stove

"Orikaso" camping dishes

Light My Fire spork

any mess kit that's light enough for backpacking

inflatable air mattress that can fit in your tent

good hunting knife

some type of tarp

Answer 2

We have a medium-sized Rubbermaid box stocked with silverware, a pot, a frying pan, a mixing bowl, a good knife, a few steak knives, some plastic plates and bowls, wooden spoons, some old dish towels, a flashligh, a hammer, and a fold-up wash bin.  Most of this was old stuff from our kitchen.  We didn't buy much that was new.  Before we go, we make sure the box is well stocked with matches, a lighter, extra batteries (mostly Ds and AAs), some camp soap (enviro-friendly, bio-degradable soap), Purell, a first-aid kit, sunscreen and bug-repellent, and citronella candles.  Then, of course, you need the obvious - tent, sleeping bag and, for added comfort, an air matress with a pump and extra batteries.

Answer 3

Stove, fuel, matches, cooking utensils and pots, dining ware, matches, dish soap, large buckets for doing dishes, sleeping bag, spool of light rope, ax, knife.

Answer 4

Many others have covered it nicely but...as with many other questioners you don't say where in general

Here in the west I'd never go without water, other parts of the country it's not a problem.

Some places you'll need shade, bug protection and other gear

One thing the didn't seem to be on any lists is rope....

I usually have 100ft trucker rope (that black & orange stuff), 2-3 50ft parachute cords, extra tent stakes and a few tarps

This is handy for many things, making shade, covering gear while out of camp, rain protection etc....

I also like a "welcome mat" for the tent it's good spot for removing your shoes

A bow saw is good, I always get a chuckle when people are out in the woods hacking away with an axe.... It's very tiring and not very productive

Answer 5

Hi Simba,

When you start to think about what to bring, it is easiest when you divide your needs into basic categories and make a list.  

You will need your shelter and bedding items (such as tent, sleeping bag, hammer or mallet for stakes, air mattress).

Kitchen items (stove, mess kit, charcoal, propane, grill, can opener, coffee pot, etc.)

Personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, towel, shower shoes, etc)

First Aid items (bandages, anti-itch cream, antibiotic cream)

Lighting:  Lanterns, flashlights, extra mantles

Fun stuff to take, games, as well as chairs, hammocks, etc.

It is best to sit down and make a list for yourself to keep and use every time you go camping so you don't forget.  Some pretty thorough printable checklists are available to make this easy at

http://www.your-camping-guidebook.com/co...  and

http://www.your-camping-guidebook.com/ca...  Use what is there...leave out what you don't want and add your own favorites.

If you are going to be camping frequently, you can designate a plastic tub with a lid to pack all of your camping items..we have a separate set for camping so we don't have to raid our home kitchen for these items.  I have kept several tubs for different types of items (one for the lighting and tools, one for kitchen items, etc).  This way you just check your tub to make sure everything on your list is there, clean, and working...throw it in your car and go.

Hope this helps.

Jewel

Answer 6

1) Tent

2) Sleeping bag

3) Mat for sleeping bag (getting rocks and sticks in your back sucks)

4) A light source!! (forgetting a lantern/flashlight SUCKS)

5) Something to cook with, grill/wood/matches

6) A heat source (changes with location)

7) WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER

8) A compass is never a bad idea

9) A first aid kit!!!! accidents happen, be prepared

10) some kind of flare for if you have an emergency

Answer 7

A decent "mess kit" to cook with.

A propane stove or equivalent in case you can't have a fire

Tent for protection from rain

first aid kit!!! You never really know when you will need one

Sleeping bag suitable to the temperature

Good knife! I use a Buck 7" sheath knife

A hand ax or hatchet

Shovel or other digging tool...somethings need to be buried!

Map and compass if you plan to hike (even when on marked trails!)

Water and containers

Camera

Those are the basics that I take with me when I go camping