Camping trip packing

The list adapts to you

When you add it, the checklist asks a couple of questions and keeps only the items that fit your situation.

• Camping with kids? NoYes

What's inside

1. Pitch the tent at home first

   The best place to find a broken pole or missing stakes is your yard, not the woods in the rain.

2. Sleeping bag rated for the real temperature

   Go by the COMFORT rating, not extreme — with a margin: nights in the mountains and by water run colder than forecast.

3. Sleeping pad or air mattress

   The ground steals heat faster than air: without a pad you'll freeze even in a warm bag.

4. Headlamps and spare batteries

   One headlamp per person: hands stay free for cooking and tent work. Pack batteries separately.

5. Stove and gas

   Gas canisters are banned from planes in both checked and carry-on bags — flying in, buy locally.

6. Matches and lighters ×3 in waterproof packs

   Three fire sources in different pack pockets. One soaked box shouldn't cost the camp its dinner.

7. Water plus a filter or purification tablets

   Drinking water for day one and a way to treat more: filter, tablets or boiling.

8. Food planned by meals plus one spare day

   Sort by day and meal. One extra day of food covers bad weather and a route that runs long.

9. Repellent and tick protection

   Treat clothing, tuck pants into socks and do evening tick checks on each other — they latch on during the day.

10. Extended first aid kit

    Beyond the basics: an elastic bandage (rolled ankles are easy), antihistamine, blister plasters.

11. Dry clothes in a waterproof bag

    One set is untouchable, for sleeping only. Dry socks at night are half of camping happiness.

12. Broken-in hiking boots

    Never hike in new boots: blisters by hour two. Add light sandals for camp and stream crossings.

13. Offline maps plus a paper map and compass

    Phones die and get wet. A paper map and compass weigh 50 grams and never need charging.

14. Leave your route and timing with someone

    Someone outside the trip should know where you're going and when to expect contact. This rule saves lives.

15. Check the forecast and fire restrictions

    The day before: route forecast and whether campfire bans are in effect for the area.

16. Knife or multitool and a repair kit

    Duct tape, cord and a few patches fix a torn tent, a pack strap and half of all trail problems.

17. Trash bags — pack out everything

    Everything you carry in comes back out. Spare heavy-duty bags double as wet-clothes storage.

18. A warm sleeping bag and hat for the kid Yes

    Kids get cold at night faster than adults. A bag one step warmer than yours, plus a sleep hat.

19. Two full spare outfits for the kid Yes

    Your kid will find the puddle — it's a law of nature. Two dry outfits in a waterproof bag.

20. A whistle around the kid's neck Yes

    The deal: if lost, stay put and blow three times. A whistle carries farther than shouting and never loses its voice.

21. A favorite toy and camp activities Yes

    A familiar toy helps them sleep somewhere new. A magnifying glass and net turn camp into an expedition.