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The Manual’s Ultimate Summer Camping Packing List

camping packing list, tent in a forested campsite
It’s about that time of year to break out all of your camping gear from the garage and head out to enjoy nature. Chances are, you haven’t looked inside your storage bin in awhile and some things may either be broken or outdated. To help you out, we’ve put together our ultimate checklist to ensure you’re ready to have a great time in the great outdoors.

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

boy-in-tent-with-headlamp-and-sleeping-bag-on

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

ampers making tea and preparing food

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

people-playing-cards-in-tent-while-camping

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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