einzeit

I'm trying to put together a camping list. My wife and I have one for when we take the travel trailer trailer, but my son wants to start tent camping.

I was wondering if someone may have already have a spreadsheet of what they take when they tent camp.

Thanks for the help

Shannon

Start with the "ten essentials" and add from there according to the type of camping, duration and location. For example, our list includes things like our Thermarest sleeping pads, CamelBak water reservoirs, spare batteries for our GPS units, and camera gear. Other peoples' lists vary, particularly when backpacking during the camping trip (vs. day hikes) or when travelling with children or pets.

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copuswalker

Are you car camping or packing? Give some more details if you can

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There are those that hike and those that don't and those that say they will but won't.

toejam

Wondering what I've forgotten as I pull out of the driveway is part of the adventure!

toejam

Here's a list I put together getting ready for a car-camping trip this weekend:

Must have:
Tent
Tent stakes
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Stove & fuel
Bic lighters (at least 2 – forget about the “waterproof” matches)
Pot, coffee cup, spoon
Food
Water
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat
Weather appropriate layers
Hiking/water shoes
Headlamp (everyone should have an l.e.d. headlamp these days, e.g., cheap, light, Energizer from WalMart)
Camping soap
Scrubber pad
Camp towel/bandana
T.P.

Nice to have:
Chairs
Lantern
Camp shoes
Clothesline
Sierra saw (axes/hatchets are a waste of wood and energy)
Fire starter (lots of options/opinions. I don’t mess around – I use zippo lighter fluid)
Gourmet cooking utensils
Cooler w/ raccoon-proof latch
Dish/bath cloths & towels
Toiletries
Ear plugs (for loud neighbors when car-camping)

I'm pretty simple - not nearly anal enough to be a scout leader.
I actually do carry a first aid kit, but it's very simple since I've never used anything but band-aids and neosporin. The best first aid is to go see a doctor.

You really need to just go do it and be willing to make "mistakes," because that's how you learn what's really important. You have to get comfortable with the compromises that have to be made about what is necessary for safety and what is reasonable/worthwhile to lug around.

By far the biggest danger when camping in Texas is racoons getting into your food. They are amazingly bold and talented.

einzeit

Thanks for the replies so far. To answer your question, we'll be car camping.

Most of our RV list was made after realizing we forgot something. Problem is, it usually costs twice as much to purchase those supplies once you've reached the campground. With the RV, we're pretty spoiled so I want to make sure I take the necessities, but leave items I won't need. I will use this as a step toward backpack camping once my son gets a little older.

SunshineSnuz

For our recent camping trip my list (car camping as well) was so long that my husband and his buddy were wondering if we'd need to get a TT just to haul it all. (the answer is no, it all fit in the back of our Tundra)

I compiled a list from various source online put it in an easy Excel spreadsheet and added my own flavor... We didn't forget any 'essentials' (ah, but my hubby's buddy did have to borrow a towel from me. LOL!) but there were a few 'nice to haves' that we could've brought with us.

Besides all the obvious I say bring extra firewood if you plan to stay up late or cook over the fire in the mornings. You generally can't gather wood at the parks and purchasing any is outrage once there.

Also, don't forget the bug spray (we got the kind with sunscreen built in). Citronella candles are also nice to place on your picnic table while eating.

And you may laugh but if you're camping with any women, bring an extra 5 gallon bucket! If the bathrooms are more than a stone's throw away she just might need it (and it's better safe than sorry.) I'm telling you after the 10th trip to the bathrooms and the 3rd in the dark I was happy to have that little bucket to rescue my daughter and I. Not to mention first thing in the morning!! woooweee! :eek: LOL! And that bucket is a heck of a lot cheaper than a porta-potty with no worries of chigger bites where there shouldn't be.

Anyway, given when you wrote this post I'm sure you've already compiled your list but maybe this will help someone else....

Happy Camping!