What Every First-Time Camper Needs to Pack

 

Recently we shared a video on our YouTube channel that sort of turned into a comprehensive guide to first time car camping, and how to get your partner or friends to come camping with you. Below is a basic packing list for first time campers so you don’t forget essential items when sleeping outdoors for the first time

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Check out our beginners guide to car camping video:

The 10 essentials

Before we dive into my essential packing list for car camping, we need to run through the ten essentials.


The ten essentials of backpacking are a list of items recommended by outdoor organizations for safe travel in the backcountry. I use it as a reference to make sure I have all the important things when we’re overlanding and heli camping. While specific items may vary slightly depending on individual preferences and trip circumstances, the core ten essentials typically include:



  1. Navigation: Map, compass, GPS device, or other means of navigation.

  2. Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat to protect against sunburn and glare.

  3. Insulation: Extra clothing layers to stay warm, including a hat and gloves, even in warmer weather.

  4. Illumination: Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries to navigate in low light or darkness.

  5. First aid: Basic first aid kit with items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.

  6. Fire: Waterproof matches, lighter, or other fire-starting equipment, along with tinder for emergency warmth or cooking.

  7. Repair kit and tools: Multi-tool, duct tape, repair materials for gear such as tent patches or sewing kit.

  8. Nutrition: Extra food beyond what's planned for the trip, including high-energy snacks like nuts, energy bars, or dried fruit.

  9. Hydration: Sufficient water and a way to purify more if necessary, such as a water filter, purification tablets, or a portable water treatment system.

  10. Emergency shelter: Lightweight tent, bivy sack, or emergency space blanket to provide protection from the elements in case of unexpected overnight stays.

 
 

The ten essentials should give you a pretty good idea of things you absolutely NEED to have on hand. Below is my stripped down packing list for overlanding. Feel free to add creature comforts as needed, and subtract some of my recommendations if they don’t fit your needs.

SHElter

Tent (with stakes, guylines, and footprint if available) or vehicle if you are sleeping in your car

Sleeping bags
(warm enough for the weather forcast)

Sleeping pads or air mattresses
(test before you go)

Pillows and blankets for added comfort
(try and mimic how you sleep at home)

Cooking & Dining

Camp stove or portable grill

Fuel for the stove or grill

Lighter or matches

Cooking utensils (pot, pan, spatula, cooking spoon, etc.)

Plates, bowls, and utensils

Cups or mugs

Biodegradable soap and sponge for cleaning dishes

Cooler with ice packs or ice to keep food fresh

Food & Drink

Non-perishable food items (canned goods, pasta, rice, snacks, etc.)

Drinking water (bring enough for drinking and cooking)

Beverages (considering your preferences, such as coffee, tea, or soft drinks)

Clothing & Toiletries

 

Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, rain gear, etc.)

Change of dry clothes and socks

Sturdy shoes or hiking boots

Camp shoes
(I like Crocs or Teva’s for this)

Hat and sunglasses

Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)

Towels and washcloths

Sunscreen and insect repellent

First aid kit

Prescription medications

 
 

Other Stuff

Camp chairs or portable seating options

Portable table if no picnic table on site

Lantern or flashlight with extra batteries

Trash bags for waste disposal and keeping the campsite clean

Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife

Camping lantern or headlamp for hands-free lighting

Maps and guidebooks of the area (if needed)

Entertainment items (books, cards, board games, etc.)

Small portable batteries to charge devices

Reusable Waterbottle

Anti bacterial wipes

Paper towel or shop towels

Extra Comforts on my list

Portable Power Station (Anker Solix C1000 Sponsored)

12V Heated Blanket

Teva Camp Shoes

Camp Toilet and Wag Bags

Pop Up Tent (toilet and changing)

Memory Foam Air Mattress

Fire making tools https://bit.ly/BCxUberleben 10% off code BECKIANDCHRIS10

Car camping accessories from LUNO

iPad with pre-downloaded movies

 
Becki and Chris