What Do I Need for Camping

neverstray
neverstray Posts: 3,845 Member
in Chit-Chat
I set up a camping trip with my kids. I haven't been camping since I was a kid. I have nothing. Between now and April, I need to buy a few things.

There are no bears where I am going. This is important. That's what they say, although I am suspicious of that. Lol.

On my list of things is:
Tent, sleeping bag, flash light, batteries, pads for sleeping bags, lantern, Coleman stove and propane, cutlery, knives, pots, pans, and coffee pot or instant coffee, fishing poles, bikes, food, cooler, clothes, chairs, wood for fire, first aid, bug spray, and guitar. That's it, right? What am I missing? Any thing obvious?
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Replies

  • PapaverSomniferum
    PapaverSomniferum Posts: 2,670 Member
    sunscreen. Duct tape. bungee cords. a tarp. (these last two are unexpected-bad-weater precautions. if you're camping in an area that doesn't have surprise rain, they're not as important) rope, compass,

    and of course,

    marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers.
  • Wickedbookworm1977
    Wickedbookworm1977 Posts: 162
    Lighter fluid to start the campfire...matches and twigs work, but lighter fluid makes it go a LOT faster!! Esp when it's 15 outside.
  • ChristaToTheMax
    ChristaToTheMax Posts: 41 Member
    Fire. You're missing fire. You've got the wood, propane, and such... but it is always smart to bring a lighter and some form of tinder. You don't want to be stuck in a situation without it. :)

    Also, a trash bag - every camping / survival show in the world shows a trash bag for about a thousand different reasons. But, first and foremost - throw away your trash.
  • neverstray
    neverstray Posts: 3,845 Member
    Great suggestions so far. Thanks.
  • ChristaToTheMax
    ChristaToTheMax Posts: 41 Member
    The key to camping is to go minimal but everything should have several uses, imho. I suggest packing light, bringing only the things that you need, or that you may need in case of an emergency, and having fun! Food, water, shelter, fire, and latrine --- all you really need to worry about!
  • KBjimAZ
    KBjimAZ Posts: 369 Member
    Lighter fluid to start the campfire...matches and twigs work, but lighter fluid makes it go a LOT faster!! Esp when it's 15 outside.

    Rather than using flammable liquids, use fire starter sticks. Much more safe, work in any temperature and available most anywhere.
  • pawnstarNate
    pawnstarNate Posts: 1,728 Member
    Just stay in a hotel with a swimming pool cause if you have to ask what you need for camping....it's going to be a loooonnngggg weekend. lol

    Kidding.....I'm from Arkansas...camping every year of my life....even though I own a 26' 5th wheel camper...we always squeeze in a weekend of just tents and sleeping bags. Your inventory should fit how many days/nights you are planning though. if it's just an over nighter....minimal gear is needed. If it's 3-4 days. Pack heavier but, then that also depends on if you are hiking to your camp spot or just parking and camping. Get with a local outfitter and if they are experienced...they will help get what you "need" and not just the things they think you need so they can increase their sales.
  • PapaverSomniferum
    PapaverSomniferum Posts: 2,670 Member
    The key to camping is to go minimal but everything should have several uses, imho. I suggest packing light, bringing only the things that you need, or that you may need in case of an emergency, and having fun! Food, water, shelter, fire, and latrine --- all you really need to worry about!

    a good point on the multi-use thing

    my family goes camping for up to 5 days at a time, AT LEAST twice a year.

    We take coolers that double as tables and chairs,

    we have a flashlight that is also a hanging lantern that is also a hammer

    we have swiss-army-style silverware

    multi-tools save space and are easier to keep track of.
    .
    .
    .


    also, and you probably know this, but it bears repeating

    "Take only pictures. Leave only footprints"
  • hellraisedfire
    hellraisedfire Posts: 403 Member
    hair ties and hair pins.
    tweezers, or whatever you use to get splinters out.
    some sort of first aid kit.
    if you have contacts, make sure you bring extra. if not, a bug is going to fly into your eye and decimate it immediately.
  • d_Mode
    d_Mode Posts: 880 Member
    I set up a camping trip with my kids. I haven't been camping since I was a kid. I have nothing. Between now and April, I need to buy a few things.

    There are no bears where I am going. This is important. That's what they say, although I am suspicious of that. Lol.

    On my list of things is:
    Tent, sleeping bag, flash light, batteries, pads for sleeping bags, lantern, Coleman stove and propane, cutlery, knives, pots, pans, and coffee pot or instant coffee, fishing poles, bikes, food, cooler, clothes, chairs, wood for fire, first aid, bug spray, and guitar. That's it, right? What am I missing? Any thing obvious?

    At least one handgun...most obvious...and probably something in case it rains if you don't already have that included with your clothes.
  • frando
    frando Posts: 583 Member
    a basic first aid kit is always a must (ie a few bandages, pain relief etc.) ! Also can not understate the usefulness of duct tape :3

    Have fun!
  • PhearlessPhreaks
    PhearlessPhreaks Posts: 890 Member
    water!!! I used to go camping every autumn with a bunch of friends for about 5 days, and the first time we went, it astounded me how much water we used. We did a lot of drinking, so we had plenty of beer, liquor, mixers, etc… but we also brought gallons of water. I guess we don't really notice how often we use it until there's no tap available.

    Also, toilet paper. And, whatever disposable products you use, make sure they're paper products and not styrofoam- you can burn the paper and have less garbage to take out :)
  • jennibee70
    jennibee70 Posts: 1,067 Member
    A tin opener. That's what I always forget.
  • neverstray
    neverstray Posts: 3,845 Member
    Cool. Thanks Everyone.

    This is going to be pretty minimal, for the most part. If successful, we'll start going more often. I love camping and the outdoors. Don't know why I've held off so long.
  • Fairysoul
    Fairysoul Posts: 1,361 Member
    You will always want a knife!!! We have a nice camping one. And don't forget marshmallows!!
  • JESSJESJ
    JESSJESJ Posts: 121 Member
    most depends on length of trip but somethings Ive found helpful

    bug spray
    sunscreen
    mini first aid kit for scrapes and splinters
    paper towels
    sweat shirt / warmer clothes for the evenings, even if you are going in august
    tarps / rope
    extra socks
    smores
    garbage bags (& a few extra for emergency rain ponchos - anytime we go camping, even if there is a drought - it rains)
    first aid
    swiss army knife (cutting rope etc) / ax (chopping fire food) / mallet (driving in tent stakes) etc etc
    flash lights
    battery operated radio
  • neverstray
    neverstray Posts: 3,845 Member
    A tin opener. That's what I always forget.

    Oh yeah. Lol
  • gp79
    gp79 Posts: 1,799 Member
    Did someone say camping?

    <---- All you need is one of these!
  • PapaverSomniferum
    PapaverSomniferum Posts: 2,670 Member
    you'll always need more water than you think you will. Take as much water as you think you'll need....then take more.
  • jennibee70
    jennibee70 Posts: 1,067 Member
    Oh, and a mallet for hammering in your tent pegs.
  • therealsuperbigrob
    therealsuperbigrob Posts: 28 Member
    The most important item for camping is a brand new shiney camper with all the bells and whistles, everything else is for cavemen.
  • anels449
    anels449 Posts: 3,187 Member
    I set up a camping trip with my kids. I haven't been camping since I was a kid. I have nothing. Between now and April, I need to buy a few things.

    There are no bears where I am going. This is important. That's what they say, although I am suspicious of that. Lol.

    On my list of things is:
    Tent, sleeping bag, flash light, batteries, pads for sleeping bags, lantern, Coleman stove and propane, cutlery, knives, pots, pans, and coffee pot or instant coffee, fishing poles, bikes, food, cooler, clothes, chairs, wood for fire, first aid, bug spray, and guitar. That's it, right? What am I missing? Any thing obvious?

    At least one handgun...most obvious...and probably something in case it rains if you don't already have that included with your clothes.

    If the OP wants to bring a handgun, then find out the laws before going into that area. Some areas don't allow guns, and from my understanding it was only recently that most National parks in the United States started to allow them. Otherwise, (though you said they aren't in that area) bear mace can be more effective (and cheaper) than guns.

    Also, a camera! :D My husband and I are planning on a Yellowstone/Grand Teton honeymoon camping trip this summer and getting a video camera is one of our number one priorities. :p

    ***Edit***

    Oh and also, depending on what *type* of camping you're doing (backcountry vs going to a campsite) plastic containers to hold food and supplies in! We've had some many experiences with critters like racoons trying to get into our food! The plastic containers help contain it and then you don't have to put your food into the car every night. :)
  • anels449
    anels449 Posts: 3,187 Member
    Oh, and a mallet for hammering in your tent pegs.

    Oh my gosh, this on so many levels. When we were in South Dakota, we forgot to get a rubber mallet and it took forever to get our pegs into the ground. Most of them we could only get half way. I've noticed that a rubber mallet seems to work better personally. :)
  • PapaverSomniferum
    PapaverSomniferum Posts: 2,670 Member
    ^^^ seriously, consider raccoons.

    They're smart, they have hands, and they never give up. They know how to work Tupperware. They can open coolers. If you're camping in a campground where people regularly camp, outsmarting the raccoons that live their lives robbing campers can be quite the ordeal.
  • WinnerVictorious
    WinnerVictorious Posts: 4,733 Member
    go somewhere with hungry bears.

    good motivation to get in some cardio.
  • Dub_D
    Dub_D Posts: 1,760 Member
    Baby wipes, to clean your face and hands and stuff. Marshmallows, smores, etc.

    ETA: by stuff I mean junk..
  • lwagnitz
    lwagnitz Posts: 1,321 Member
    I set up a camping trip with my kids. I haven't been camping since I was a kid. I have nothing. Between now and April, I need to buy a few things.

    There are no bears where I am going. This is important. That's what they say, although I am suspicious of that. Lol.

    On my list of things is:
    Tent, sleeping bag, flash light, batteries, pads for sleeping bags, lantern, Coleman stove and propane, cutlery, knives, pots, pans, and coffee pot or instant coffee, fishing poles, bikes, food, cooler, clothes, chairs, wood for fire, first aid, bug spray, and guitar. That's it, right? What am I missing? Any thing obvious?

    Didn't read everyone else's responses...but... what I can think off first hand...

    A tarp, or two.
    Baby wipes (sticky hands)
    Baby powder if there's a lake and you go swimming (gets sand off)
    Towels
    Water or some sort of filter or tabs
  • anels449
    anels449 Posts: 3,187 Member
    ^^^ seriously, consider raccoons.

    They're smart, they have hands, and they never give up. They know how to work Tupperware. They can open coolers. If you're camping in a campground where people regularly camp, outsmarting the raccoons that live their lives robbing campers can be quite the ordeal.

    Good god yeah! Crafty little buggers, they are. All of the plasticware my parents had had claw and bites marks around the handles from them trying to open it! :p
  • PapaverSomniferum
    PapaverSomniferum Posts: 2,670 Member
    ^^^ seriously, consider raccoons.

    They're smart, they have hands, and they never give up. They know how to work Tupperware. They can open coolers. If you're camping in a campground where people regularly camp, outsmarting the raccoons that live their lives robbing campers can be quite the ordeal.

    Good god yeah! Crafty little buggers, they are. All of the plasticware my parents had had claw and bites marks around the handles from them trying to open it! :p

    When camping in cool weather, I take my dog as a raccoon deterrent. One year, they got into our cooler anyways. Either they made friends with the dog, or they were so sneaky, they didn't even wake him up.

    .
    .
    .
    If you're camping in "the wilderness", raccoons aren't as big a problem. "Wild" raccoons are intimidated by people and won't come near you. It's the campground coons you've got to worry about. They aren't scared of *kitten*.
  • anels449
    anels449 Posts: 3,187 Member
    ^^^ seriously, consider raccoons.

    They're smart, they have hands, and they never give up. They know how to work Tupperware. They can open coolers. If you're camping in a campground where people regularly camp, outsmarting the raccoons that live their lives robbing campers can be quite the ordeal.

    Good god yeah! Crafty little buggers, they are. All of the plasticware my parents had had claw and bites marks around the handles from them trying to open it! :p

    When camping in cool weather, I take my dog as a raccoon deterrent. One year, they got into our cooler anyways. Either they made friends with the dog, or they were so sneaky, they didn't even wake him up.

    My vote's for befriending the pup. They're so gosh darn cute, how could you not want to be?!

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