Do you have advice for what to bring on a camping trip?

camping tables folding image

Breandan

A few men are going on a camping trip. We're planning on going to Harriman State Park in New York near New York City.
Besides the obvious: tent, sleeping bag, cooler, bug spray, food, beer; what do you recommend we bring?

Answer
Essentials
The first items on my list are what I call "Essentials." It's possible I might not need one of these items on a particular trip, but if I do (and chances are, I will), I'll have it. These are important things every camper will probably need sooner or later, including:

â¢Cash, credit cards, checks
â¢Required licenses and permits (for camping, hunting, fishing, etc.)
â¢Waterproof matches and butane lighter
â¢Multi-tool and/or Swiss army knife
â¢Toilet paper
â¢Flashlight, spare batteries and bulb
â¢Maps and compass or GPS
â¢Rain gear
â¢Extra clothing
â¢Insect repellent
Clothing

â¢Pants, shorts
â¢Shirts
â¢Underclothes
â¢Shoes/boots
â¢Socks
â¢Belt
â¢Jacket, coat
â¢Hat, cap, toboggan
â¢Gloves
â¢Swimwear
â¢Nightwear

Toiletries

â¢Toothbrush, paste
â¢Soap, shampoo
â¢Mirror
â¢Comb, brush
â¢Deodorant
â¢Washcloth, towels
Miscellaneous

â¢Extra prescription glasses/contacts
â¢Prescription medicines
â¢Watch, alarm clock
â¢Sunglasses
â¢Sunscreen, lip balm
Camping Gear



If you're staying in a trailer or RV, you may not need to worry about many of the items listed below. But in this article, we'll assume you're going to be tent camping. That being the case, some items you may want to bring include:

â¢Tent, tent fly, poles, stakes and ropes (set up the tent before leaving to be sure everything is there and you know how to put it up)
â¢Hammer or hatchet (for driving tent stakes; keep it in the tent bag)
â¢Ground cloth (to go under the tent and keep it clean and dry)
â¢Sleeping bags
â¢Ground pads, mattresses and/or cots
â¢Pillows
â¢Tarp (has many uses)
â¢Lantern(s) (including fuel, mantles, funnel, batteries as necessary)
â¢Folding chairs, stools, tables
â¢Extension cords (for camps with electric hookups)
â¢Ice chest
â¢Beverage/water jugs
â¢Camping shower
â¢Ax, hatchet and/or shovel
â¢Broom
Food



Plan your meals before leaving home, and make a list of all food items you'll need using your menus as a guide. Some campers like to have elaborate outdoor meals, while others prefer not to cook at all. Either way, here's a list to help you remember some of what you might need:

â¢Meats (hamburger, hot dogs, steaks, bacon, sausage, chicken, etc.)
â¢Dairy products (milk, cheese, etc.)
â¢Eggs
â¢Bread, buns, biscuits, crackers
â¢Vegetables (potatoes, beans, corn, tomatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc.)
â¢Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish, salad dressings, syrup, BBQ sauce, etc.)
â¢Drinks (coffee, tea, sodas, Kool-aid, juice, etc.)
â¢Staples (flour, corn meal, sugar, salt, pepper, herbs, spices, butter, cooking oil, etc.)
â¢Snack foods, dessert ingredients


Plan your meals before leaving home, and make a list of all food items you'll need using your menus as a guide.

Cooking, Food Service and Cleanup



The items you'll need for preparing meals, serving them and cleaning up will once again vary greatly according to your own preferences. Here are some to consider for your list:

â¢Camp stove, fuel
â¢Charcoal, lighter fluid
â¢Firewood
â¢Grill, cooking grate
â¢Reflector oven
â¢Skillet, pots and pans
â¢Carving/cutting knives
â¢Spatula, tongs, serving fork and spoon
â¢Can opener
â¢Measuring cups and spoons
â¢Aluminum foil
â¢Plates, cups, bowls
â¢Flatware (forks, spoons, knives)
â¢Scouring pads, detergent
â¢Zip-loc bags
â¢Garbage bags
â¢Paper towels, dish towels
â¢Oven mitt, pot holder
Emergency Gear



"Plan for the worse and hope for the best." That old saying has merit when you're camping. Always be prepared just in case something unexpected happens by having on hand a tool kit that includes a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches; a repair kit that contains such things as duct tape, wire, nylon twine, superglue and rope; and a first aid kit that includes all or some of the following basic items:

â¢Band-Aids
â¢Gauze pads
â¢Adhesive tape
â¢Aspirin
â¢Tweezers
â¢Needle
â¢Moleskin
â¢Single-edge razor blade
â¢Antacid
â¢Ace bandage
â¢Diarrhea medication
â¢Cold medication
â¢Laxative
â¢Bandages
â¢Sunburn relief
â¢Thermometer
â¢Sting kill swabs
â¢Eye drops
â¢Scissors
â¢Cortisone (anti-itch) cream
â¢Antibiotic cream
â¢Antihistamine such as Benad

What are the major accessories I will need for camping besides a tent and Air Mattress?

xylem

I am a first time camper, yea I know it is sad but I have just purchased my coleman tent and air mattress and I was just wondering what other esential camping accessories I will need? Also, any camping tips would be most helpful! Thanks

Answer
My hubby and I just started tent camping with friends two years ago, and it took us a while to figure out everything we needed (btw, good start getting an air mattress!). Oh, and don't forget to waterproof your tent BEFORE the trip with waterproofing spray sold at sporting goods stores!

Here's my abbreviated packing list. You have some items already (obviously), but I've highlighted items you might still need to purchase:

SHELTER:

-Tent
-Tarp to Go Under Tent (should be the same size as tent base, not much bigger or you'll have to fold it under. This keeps the tent bottom dry, and you