Joanna Stich

I have recently returned from a long weekend camping in Tofino, on Vancouver Island and it was awesome (and cold). I went with two other couples and as always I wondered what did each of us forget to pack and others didn’t. That’s when I thought – this would be a great idea for a blog post – sharing my must haves for a camping trip.

Throughout this post I am happy to share some of the exact items I have, in case this helps you make a decision to purchase things you were missing in your Camping Kit.

It’s important to note: Do not get discouraged if you are still missing many items from this list. This isn’t a MUST must. Many people do backcountry camping with only what they can fit into their backpacks. These are items that are nice to have and will make your camping trip more comfortable. This is also ideal if you have a car access to your campsite.

Secondly, you can get a lot of camping gear at a super affordable price in Canadian Tire or Walmart. I almost dare to say that Walmart has a better quality gear than Canadian Tire. If you are in the US, Walmart has very similar offerings (I checked). Don’t rush to buy everything – buy the bare necessities and see what you find is missing on your first trip. The chances are – you might not be missing much, you might make a list of key items you will need to purchase or you might not even like camping at all! (it happens). Before you invest, if you can – borrow and see how you get on.

It would have been very helpful if I remembered my DSLR Camera to take beautiful photos of our Campground. You will just need to enjoy the collection of my camping shopping items and my camping photos from the last two years!

SLEEPING

• Tent
• Protective Tarp
• Twine / Rope
• Sleeping Pad – Exact one linked here.
• Blow Up Mattress
• Mattress Patch (usually mattress’ comes with 1)
• Mattress Pump
• Sleeping Bag
• Blanket (Optional) for additional heat
• Camping Pillow (Optional) or Bring your regular bed pillow
• Camping Lanterns for Inside the Tent
• Hammer (if camping on hard ground, hammer is great for getting camping pegs down)
• Or MultiTool

OUTDOORS

• Camping Chair – Exact one linked here.
• Camping Table (Optional)
• Beach Towel / Blanket
• Flashlight
• Bear Spray (Depending on the country you’re in)
• Bug Spray
• Bug Candle (Optional)
• Sweeping Brush (Optional)
• Fire Starter
• Old Newspapers – Helpful to start a fire
• Firewood

KITCHEN – UTENSILS

• Portable Cooker + Cooking Gas – Stove Linked Here.
• BBQ + Gas or Coal
• Frying Pan
• Cooking Pot
• Mixing Spoons
• Spatula
• Plates
• Bowls – Eating
• Bowls – Salad / Chips
• Knives, Forks & Spoons (Soup & Tea)
• Cutting Board
• Cutting Knife
• Tongues
• Cooler – Linked here.
• Mug for Tea/Coffee
• Cooler Cup for Evening Drinks or Soda
• Reusable Water Bottle – Exact One linked here.
• Can / Bottle Opener

KITCHEN – HELPFUL TO HAVE

• Basin to wash dishes in
• Tea Towel
• Fairy Liquid / Dishwashing Liquid
• Cleaning Sponge
• Paper Towels
• Toilet Paper
• Trash Bags – Leave no trace
• Scissors
• Plastic Containers for leftovers
• Aluminum Foil or Saran Wrap

FOOD – NON PERISHABLES

• Tea Bags
• Coffee
• Sugar
• Salt & Pepper
• Seasonings – Garlic, Paprika etc.
• Mayo, Ketchup, Mustard
• Cooking Oil
• Cans of Food
• Ramen Noodles
• Canister with Water for Cooking/Drinking
• Ice for Cooler

OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

• Speaker – Exact one linked here.
• Lighter
• Band-Aids
• Medicine – Painkillers, Prescription Medicines
• Earplugs (Optional)
• Batteries
• Sun Cream
• Bite Cream
• Burn Cream
• Compact Mirror
• Tissues
• Flip Flops (a must if you are showering in public areas)
• Sunglasses & Hat
• Beach Bag
• Hiking Back Pack – Exact one linked here. Perfect for solo travel, anti theft bag, made solely out of recyclable materials.
• Waterproof Phone Cover (for when doing water sports)
• Book to Read – Page turner linked here. (My absolutely favorite book)
• Playing Cards
• Spare Storage Bags: For trash, dirty laundry, leftover food etc.
• Saw/Axe for Cutting Fire Wood. (We used the back of the hammer and worked great if you want to save space and/or don’t own an axe or a saw)
• Umbrella
• Water Floaties / Water Rings

COSMETIC ITEMS

• Towel
• Face Towel
• Soap
• Hand Sanitizer
• Shower Gel
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Deodorant
• Body Lotion
• Perfume / Aftershave
• Face Cream
• Wet Wipes
• Toothbrush + Toothpaste
• Feminine Products
• Make Up
• Hair Brush / Hair Ties / Hair Accessories
• Hair Straightener – Exact one linked here.

CLOTHING

• Warm Sleeping Clothes
• Warm Clothes to sit by the fire. Preferably older, in case the fire particles fly up into the air.
• Hiking Clothing
• Hiking Boots
• Waterproof Shoes
• Jacket
• Parka for the rain
• Socks / Bras / Underwear
• Swimming Suit
• Long & Short Trousers
• Long & Short Sleeved Tops
• Dresses & Skirts
• Jumper / Sweater
• Scarf, Hat & Gloves
• Jewelry (Optional)

Aside from all of the above your usual items such as phone + charger, GPS (which these days is in your phone), money + ID as well as always telling someone where you are going, with whom and when are you expected to return. This applies not only to overnight camping but day hiking. You might be the most experienced hiker but you are dealing with nature, and nature is unpredictable.

I hope you found this useful. Happy & Safe Camping.

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