Everything plus the kitchen sink:                                     A camping gear checklist for your next adventure.

Preparation of what camping gear, backpacking or hiking equipment to bring with you on your next outdoor activity is all relative to where you're going, how you're going to get there, and how long you're going to be gone.  A checklist is a great  way to ensure that you have the proper outdoor gear required to get the best from your experience.  Prior to outfitting for your trip, the most important item you need to bring is something you'll leave at home.  No matter if you're going on a half day hike in the local park or a month long trek into the great outdoors, you must leave your trip plans with a family member or a friend.   If for any reason your outdoor activities take a turn for the worst, you'll have brought with you the peace- of-mind that someone knows where you've gone and when you're expected home.   Leave word before you leave...#1 on any responsible camper's checklist.

Everyone has different levels of comfort and needs.   This list of camping gear is just a guideline that can help provide the basics for a safe and fun trip.  You'll have to modify this list to suit you own requirements and eventually as you have taken more trips these generic terms will be replaced by specific items depending upon the journey you're planning and the outdoor equipment you've purchased.

Essentials

1.      □  Leave your trip plans with family or friend

2.      □  I.D.

3.      □  Credit card & cash

4.      □  Wristwatch

5.      □  Pocket knife  multi-tool

6.      □  Waterproof matches

7.      □  First Aid Kit

8.      □  Prescription medication and glasses

9.      □  Flashlight (extra batteries and bulb)

10.  □  Compass (if you have GPS bring a compass anyway)

11.  □  Maps

12.  □  Canteen and water treatment kit

13.  □  Toiletries (soap, towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, T.P)

14.  □  Sun blocker and sunglasses (lip balm)

15.  □  Space blanket

16.  □  Trail food (mix or bars)

Personal Gear

1.      □  Backpack

2.      □  Clothing

3.      □  Sleeping bag

4.      □  Air mattress or pad

5.      □  Tarp

6.      □  Rain gear

7.      □  Nylon rope

Campsite Gear

1.      □  Tent

2.      □  Lantern and candles

3.      □  Food

4.      □  Cook stove

5.      □  Cooking Utensils and aluminum foil

6.      □  Collapsible shovel

7.      □  Hatchet

8.      □  Collapsible bucket

9.      □  Plastic garbage bags/ziplock bags

Extras

1.      □  Camera

2.      □  Binoculars

3.      □  Musical instrument

4.      □  Camp shower

5.      □  Fishing gear

6.      □  Pillow

7.      □  Notebook and pencil

8.      □  Camp chair

9.      □  Work gloves

10.  □  Sewing kit

11.  □  Deck of cards

12.  □  Hiking staff

13.  □  Lantern pole

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