This is a work in progress. It is a reflection of a lifetime of planning and packing, seeing what works and what isn’t so great. The list I’m about to share is my list. I have created it for the way I camp. I’ll go through it by category and item over the next few days and explain my choices and thinking. Anyone reading can then decide for themselves what might make sense for them. So here it is… Happy camping!

The camping list

Shelter

• Tent
• Groundcloth
• Dining Canopy
• Chairs
• Table
• Floor Mats
• Broom and Dust Pan
• Lantern/Flashlights and Batteries

Sleep

• Cot, Air Mattress, or Sleeping Pad
• Sleeping Bag
• Pillow, Blanket, and Sheet

Chuck Box (General Kitchen Supplies)

• Stove and Propane
• Matches or Lighter
• Kettle and Skillet
• Stovetop Coffeemaker (and coffee)
• Large bowls for mixing or serving
• Spatula and Big Spoon
• Knife and Cutting Board
• Dishes, Mugs, and Flatware
• Can Opener
• Aluminum Foil
• Paper Towels
• Storage Baggies
• Tablecloth

Cooking Kit

• Salt and Pepper
• Cooking Oil
• Favorite Herbs and Spices
• Sugar

Dishes

• Two Dish Pans or Large Bowls
• Small Bottle of Dish Detergent
• Sponge and Scrubber
• Drying Rack and Towels

Campfire

• Matches or Lighter
• Tinder (newspaper or junk mail is great)
• Firewood
• Roasting Forks or Sticks

Clothing – Adults

• Grubby Jeans and Shirts
• Shorts and Tanktops
• Extra Socks and Undies
• Sweater or Coat
• Comfy Sleep Sweats
• Sturdy Shoes and Sandals
• Swimwear and Towel
• Hat

Clothing – Children

• Exactly the same as for adults, only twice as much
• Reserve one clean outfit for going home

Personals

• Hand Soap and Sanitizer
• Baby Wipes
• Toilet Paper
• Bug Repellent
• Sunscreen
• First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit

• Adhesive Bandages in multiple sizes
• Gauze Pads and Rolls
• Adhesive Tape
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Burn Treatment
• Anti-Itch Cream
• Sunburn Treatment
• Benadryl, Ibuprophen, Acetaminophen
• Butterfly Bandages
• Elastic Ankle Wrap
• Feminine Products

Tools

• Hammer
• Duct Tape
• Hatchet
• Rope/Clothesline (and a few clothespins)

Pets

• Collars with ID tags
• Leashes
• Tie-Out
• Food
• Dishes
• Toys

Entertainment

• Cards
• Dominoes
• Jigsaw Puzzles
• Water Toys and Life Jackets for Children
• Bubbles
• Sidewalk Chalk
• Glow-in-the-dark Bracelets
• Bikes, Scooters, or Skateboards (and helmets)
• Frisbee or Balls

This is the list as it stands for now. I’ve run it past my household and a couple of friends and I think I have remembered all the necessities. I’m sure if I have forgotten anything I will be reminded as I go through the categories. If you see any glaring omissions, feel free to remind me of them. After all, the entire purpose of the exercise is to not forget the important things!