Camping Essentials #1 - Checklist

Checking off a list of essential camping do's and don'ts could also potentially save your life. Putting things into order will surely give you for extra mileage of outdoor fun! Here are some key things to remember to keep everything into shape.

Basic Checklist

•Backpack.
•Car key, extra.
•Compass.
•Cooking utensils.
•Day pack, light weight.
•Flashlight, extra batteries, extra light bulb (are the batteries fresh?).
•Food.
•Ground cloth for tent.
•Hiking boots, water proofed.
•Maps of the area.
•Matches and/or flint stick and matchsafe.
•Mirror.
•Nylon line, at least 12-15 ft.
•Poncho (to use as ground cloth or for rain).
•Sleeping Bag (warm enough to 30 degrees in spring and fall).
•Sleeping Pad.
•Small plastic trowel.
•Spoon, Dish, Cup.
•Stove and a extra fuel.
•Stuff bags, nylon (for sleeping bag and convenience).
•Tent.
•Water Bottles (2 quarts or more per person for use during the day)
•Water filtering pump.
•Water purification tablets.
•Zip-lock bags.

Personal Checklist

•Bandanna.
•Gloves, mittens - for warmth and a protective layer if you get wet.
•Hat to use at night or on cold days (see Sun Hat)
•Insect Repellent.
•Knife, sheath and/or Swiss Army.
•Lipbalms with sunblock.
•Long pants - quick dry, light weight, wind and sun protectors.
•Long sleeve shirt to protect from sun.
•Long underwear - both top and bottom; (poly pro best).
•Notebook (small) and pencil.
•Personal sanitary needs.
•Pocket knife
•Rain jacket - lightweight yet able to wick moisture generated when carrying a backpack.
•Shoes, an extra light weight pair of shoes like Tevas.
•Short sleeve or sleeveless shirt.
•Shorts, light yet strong; ability to dry quickly.
•Socks (hiking, and liners).
•Sun hat - best if rainproof.
•Sunglasses.
•Sweater or fleece jacket - top and bottom for warmth down to 20 degrees.
•Toilet paper.
•Toiletries, including toothbrush, paste, and floss.
•Underwear; sports bra for women.
•Wallets with second identification.
•Watch.

Suggested Medical Checklist

•Bandaids for cracked hands and blistered feet.
•First Aid Kit with manual.
•Hand cream; healing type for cuts and cracks.
•Personal medicines,food supplements and vitamins.
•Sunscreen (at least SPF 15).

Emergency Equipments to Consider

•Candle.
•Chemically activated hand and boot warmers.
•Duct tape.
•Emergency food and water.
•Garbage or compactor bags (multi-use in case of rain).
•Plastic bags - large enough to wear inside boots if they are wet.
•Plastic drop cloth.
•Extra coins (to call from a pay telephone).
•Space Blanket.
•Whistle.
•Wire pocket saw.

Other Equipments that may be Useful

•Aluminum foil.
•Binoculars.
•Camera and photographic supplies.
•Fishing line and hook.
•Global Positioning System receiver.
•Walking staff.

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Camping Essentials series:

Camping Essentials #1 - Checklist
Camping Essentials #2 - 10 Tips for Desert Camping
Camping Essentials #3 - Venturing beyond your camp sites