You might be wondering what you need to go camping – well here’s a list of essential items that we use that will ensure you have a successful and fun camping trip.  Remember if you are backpacking into a site you want your pack to be as light as possible but you also want to ensure that you have everything you need to be comfortable during your adventure!

Backpack  –

• I have this Osprey backpack which I love! It has traveled with me through Africa, Hawaii, New Zealand and Mexico and still looks as good as new!  We always put a trash bag inside of it to protect everything from getting wet in case of rain – you can also buy a pack cover if you prefer – this would be better if you are somewhere with a lot of rain – we used them in New Zealand for example.

Hiking sticks –

• These saved our lives (ok I exaggerate … kinda) but they make the hike much better as they support you and help you up and down the rocks!!  I have these Black Diamond hiking poles which are light-weight and collapsible which make them really easy to attach to your pack.  The only downside to these as the tip sometimes gets stuck in the mud or rocks and they collapse – it’s kind of annoying but the weight and the fact that they fold up make up for this (in my opinion).

THE 10 essentials (that you should also bring with you on all hikes per Sierra Club!) :

• Rain gear, compass, waterproof matchsticks/lighter, sunglasses/sunscreen, extra set of clothes, water and water filter (we use the Steripen – awesome!), pocket knife, extra food, headlamp and first aid!  ( I would add bug spray to this list).

Tent or these hammock tents

• The hammock tents are great – they are easy to put up (you will need some trees though) and come with a mosquito net plus you can use them as a hammock during the day.  Even better, you don’t need a sleeping pad so you save on weight.  Don’t worry they come with instructions for the less mechanically inclined amongst us (such as myself.). If you take a tent make sure you have a small one that isn’t too heavy and you will need a sleeping pad as sleeping on the hard ground isn’t very relaxing.  Remember every ounce counts when you are long distance hiking!

Hiking boots

• with two extra pair of socks as yours will be stinky! and some sort of camp shoes for the evening. I love Merino wool socks (Costco sometimes has these).  I have been wearing ASOLO hiking boots for the last 10 years (I  got a new pair after 7 years) and they are great! Make sure to go into a store and get fitted for your boots (with socks) as you don’t want to wear boots that are uncomfortable!  This is KEY!

Freeze-dried (dehydrated) meals –

• These are easy to prepare and very light .. and taste pretty good too!  (Some of my favorites are the Beef Stroganoff and Chicken Teriyaki ) You can buy these on-line at Amazon, through REI or at most sporting goods stores.  Get a variety so you don’t get sick of eating the same thing every day.  The portions are good for 2 normal appetites (except the granola – get one per person).

Spork and cup for coffee

• I always bring instant espresso coffee and powdered milk for my morning ritual.  Very light and delicious!  For those who don’t know a spork is a spoon with a fork tip – they can sometimes also include a knife on the handle – handy invention! Wish I would have thought of it.

Camping stove

• We used our JetBoil (which we LOVE) it boils water in 1 minute which is amazing when you are starving or really want that cup of coffee at dawn and don’t want to be out of your sleeping bag for long! – if you are flying you will need to by the gas at a supermarket when you land as you can’t fly with it.  We usually bring 2 lightweight cups as well for drinks or to portion out food.

Sleeping bag liner –

• I always get cold so I carry this liner with me – it only weighs 8oz and keeps me cozy no matter what the temperature.  When i camp somewhere warm (like Hawaii) I only bring the liner, no sleeping bag.  You will need a sleeping pad if you are in a tent as well so that you aren’t sleeping on the hard ground.

Bathing suit

Clothes –

• I always bring convertible pants which are quick dry, convert into shorts and have a bunch of pockets. A couple of t-shirts, a rain jacket (depending on location), something warm for the evenings.

This list is assuming that you are hiking into your campsite.  If you are car camping the world is your oyster – bring everything but the kitchen sink because you don’t have to worry about weight!

We buy all of our camping gear from REI as they have a full money back guarantee and have the added bonus of being a Co Op so if you are a member you get money back from them every year based on your purchases – not a bad deal (and it’s free to sign up….).  They also have the REI garage for all their outlet items and can have some really good deals on quality gear here as well! They also have great team members in the store so if you still aren’t sure what you need to go camping just ask them.

Campmor is also a great resource with really good prices and products!

Let us know how it goes or if you have tried out some other gear that you recommend.  We can never get enough suggestions!

Happy Trails!