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The Manual’s Ultimate Summer Camping Packing List
The Fundamentals
Tent (with at least 10 stakes)
Tent footprint or tarp (if your tent didn’t come with one)
Tent Rain fly and/or sun shade (if your tent didn’t come with one)
Sleeping bag Sleeping pad
Folding furniture (based on your specific needs and head count)
Light sources with batteries
Sunscreen, at least SPF 30 Lip balm, at least SPF 15 with a moisturizer
Any required camping permits or parking passes
Paper map of the area where you’re staying & exploring
Guidebook of the area
Camera
High-Quality Sunglasses
First aid kit
General repair kit for sleeping bags, pads and tents Multi-tool or knife Some cash and a credit card
Matches/lighter
Clothing
Moisture-wicking shirts and underwear
Quick-drying bottoms (pants AND shorts)
Wide-brimmed hat
Boots or shoes suited for the terrain Water shoes
Cheap pair of flip-flops
Packable Waterproof jacket (even if the forecast is 90 and sunny)
Socks (synthetic, quick-drying and/or wool)
Quick-drying, packable towels
Waterproof gloves (based on the weather/adventure)
Kitchen
Stove Appropriate fuel for stove
Waterproof matches
Windscreen
Firewood (check with campsite first for rules)
Cast-iron pan or pot
Portable coffee and tea maker
Hard-sided cooler Ice
Reusable water bottles Water jugs (limit smaller bottles to limit campsite footprint)
Trash bags
Resealable plastic bags
Lightweight, insulated cups (one per person to limit campsite footprint)
Plates and utensils (biodegradable or light metal)
Paring knife
Chef’s knife
Aluminum foil
Biodegradable soap
Hand sanitizer
Skewers
Can opener
Roll of paper towels
Collapsible water container
Food (will vary based on specific needs)
Coffee & tea
Bread
Peanut Butter
Energy bars
Cooking oil/spray
Meat
Grilling vegetables
Fruit
Salt/pepper
Spice kit
Trail mix (your favorite kind)
Pancake mix Drink mixes Marshmallows
Eggs
Personal Items
Toilet paper
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Brush/comb
Eye mask
Ear plugs Insect repellant
Deodorant
Add-Ons
Solar Charger with correct phone connectors
Playing cards
A good book
Water toys
Notebook/journal
Packable poncho Trekking poles
Rechargeable battery pack
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