Jul 26, 20224 min read

Ultimate Tent Camping Gear Checklist & Essentials

Use this tent camping gear checklist and guide to help you prepare for future camping trips to ensure you're always prepared for your outdoor adventures!

No matter how many times you go camping, a gear checklist always comes in handy because there are so many items to keep track of to help you prepare for your camping trip. It may seem daunting seeing how many items you can bring camping, but keep in mind that these items can be collected over time, bought used or even rented from outdoors retailers like REI.

There are many different ways to pack for your camping trip, and but these are few key factors to help you prepare.

Packing Tips:

Check the Weather: The weather forecast will influence how and what you pack for your camping trip. You should always expect the unexpected, and if there's a slight chance that the weather will change on you, it's best to be over prepared. Even if you are planning a summer camping trip, I highly recommend that you research the weather patterns and forecast for the local area, especially in higher elevations!

Tip: If you need to find weather forecasts in remote places, use this website and pin point your exact camp site location on the map to find the most accurate weather forecast. Just searching the nearest city will not always have correct forecasts and can be very different!

Check Fire Restrictions: The campfire is one of the best parts of camping! Although, depending on the season and location, campfires are not always permitted. Check the website where you made your camp site reservations to see if you are even allowed to have a fire. If not, you might not need to pack your campfire supplies and can save some space in your car.

Download Offline Maps: Packing paper maps was an essential for campers before the internet, but now you can download maps directly to your phone. I recommend using Google Maps to download offline maps so you can bookmark locations if head into no-phone service territory. Bookmark important locations such as your campsite, nearest gas station, grocery store, and hospital.

Utilize Storage & Organization: One of the best ways to keep your camping gear organized is to keep everything in storage bins. That way you can easily stack and pack your gear at home and straight into your car. We use an assortment of these stackable and budget friendly bins, and it really helps simplify our packing for camping trips.

Use a Packing Checklist: Use a Camping Gear Packing list to help you stay organized, that way you aren't having to recreate the wheel each time you leave for a trip.

Download the PDF Camp Gear Packing Checklist

Favorite Places to Buy Camping Gear:

Itemized List of Camping Gear:

Storage & Organization

Small Storage Bins
Large Stackable Storage Bins
Clothing Packing Cubes
Luggage (Suitcase, Duffle or Backpack)
Campsite Storage Strap
Rooftop Cargo (Optional)

Tip: If you need Summer camp clothing ideas check out my clothing guide here.

Shop all Camp Storage & Organization Gear Here

Shelter & Bedding List

Quality shelter and bedding can greatly affect your enjoyment on a camping trip, so make sure to do your research and find items that best suit your specific needs.

Tent
Tent Stakes & Rainfly
Tent Groundsheet
Sleeping Pad/ Air Mattress
Air Pump
Sleeping Bags
Pillows
Blankets & Sheets
Mallet for Tent Stakes
Hand Vacuum or Small Broom & Dustpan
Inflatables Patch Kit

Tip: When choosing a camping tent, if you prefer comfortability and luxury, make sure to size up. Even when it says 2-Person tent, you might be surprised at how small it actually is. For most tent camping trips we use this 6-Person tent, and for backpacking trips we use this 3-Person tent.

Shop all Camp Shelter & Bedding Gear Here

Cooking & Kitchen Gear List

Every camp trip our cooking and kitchen gear needs vary depending on location and how gourmet we are trying to go. If you are completely remote you might decide to bring all items listed, or if you are camping near a restaurant or store you might decide to pack lighter.

Kitchen Stove
Stove Fuel
Camp Pots, Pans & Stoves
Cooler & Drink Cooler
Water Kettle / Jet Boil
Plates & Bowls
Silverware - Forks, Spoons, Knives
Kitchen Utensils: Spatula,
Sharp Knife
Portable Cups & Mugs
Coffee Dripper/Coffee Press
Cutting Board
Drinking Water Jugs & Water Bottle
Paper Towels
Wash Basin, Soap, & Sponge
Bottle Opener
Can Opener
Cooking Oils & Spices
Garbage & Recycling Bags
Measuring Cups
Smore's Sticks
Portable BBQ (if you want) & Charcoal

Tip: Purchase camp kitchen gear separately and store away in organization bins rather than using personal kitchen items to help from forgetting to pack specific items when camping.

Shop all Camp Cooking & Kitchen Gear Here