
Camping, Outdoors
Are you planning a camping adventure? If this is your first time going on a camping vacation, you’re most likely not sure what camping essentials you should be bringing along with you. If that’s the case, don’t worry, you’re not alone!
A camping vacation can be a big stress on your brain to plan out. If you need tips your next vacation and what camping essentials you need, then you definitely want to continue reading.
If you go camping, you will find that you need to bring multiple different items with you. These items often include things that are referred to as camping supplies and camping gear.
In most cases, you’ll find that camping gear is a term used to describe pieces of equipment, whereas camping supplies are often used to describe food, health and beauty products, and so forth.

Camping Essentials – What To Bring?
Camping essentials are broken up into two different categories. Supplies and gear. When it comes to camping supplies, most avid campers will automatically know what they need to bring. However, if you’re just starting out learning all about camping, you’ll need help, and that’s what we’re here for!
So, when it comes to camping gear, most new campers aren’t sure what they need to bring with them. Some essential pieces of camping gear and camping equipment that you’ll want to bring with you on your next camping adventure are outlined below.
Camping supplies:
- Lighter And/Or Matches
- A Map + Compass Or A G.P.S
- Water Bottle(s)
- A Camping Backpack
- A Headlamp
- Umbrella – (Optional)
- Binoculars – (Optional)
- Firestarter(s)
- Multi-Tool
Camping Consumables:
- Food – (Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Buns, Etc.)
- Water
- Ice – (To Fill Cooler, Etc.)
- Drinks – (Coffee, Beer, Juice, Milk, Soda)
- Spices – (Salt, Pepper, Etc.)
- Condiments – (Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise, Ranch, Etc.)
Health And Hygiene:
Health:
- First-Aid Kit – The Red Cross Has An Awesome Articles Showing You Exactly How To Create A First-Aid Kit! You Can Find It Here.
- Insect Repellent
- Antacids – (TUMS, Rolaids, Etc.)
- Sunscreen
- Atihisytemine – (Allergies) – We have found that plain Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10 mg works just fine. Cetirizine Hydrochloride is The Main Ingredient In Zyrtec and many other common and prescribed allergy medications. It May Or May Not Be The Same For You. There Is Also Fexofenadine if cetirizine is not an option. (Always do your due diligence before introducing your body to new medications!)
Hygiene:
- Toothbrush
- Tooth Paste
- Floss
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toilet Paper
- Any Medications
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Soaps – (Hand And Body, Etc.)
- Towel
Camping Gear:
Shelter/Sleeping ARRANGEMENTS:
- Tent(s)
- Sleeping Bag(s)
- Sleeping Pad(s) – Optional
- Camping Pillow(s) – Optional
Shelter Outside Gear:
- Lantern(s)
- Camp Table(s)
- Camp Chair(s)

Personal Gear: Clothing/Personal Items
- Your Outfits For However Many Days You Plan To Go Camping
- Hiking Boots Or Shoes
- Fleece Jacket(s) – (For Semi-Cold Temps.)
- Hat(s) – Optional
- Thick Jacket – (For Really Cold Temps.)
- Sunglasses
- Gloves Or Mittens
- Swimsuit – (Optional)
- Water Shoes – (Optional)
- Sleepwear – (Optional)
- Phone And Charger
- Money – (If You Plan To Spend Any)
- A Camera – (You Can Use Your Phone As A Camera As Well)
- All Of Your Tickets, Licenses, And Reservations
- A Whistle – (In Case You Or Get Lost Somewhere On Your Own)
- Rain Coat/Jacket
- Towel(s) – (For Drying Yourself)
One of the most common pieces of camping gear that you’ll need with you on your next camping adventure is a tent. Depending on who you’re going camping with, you might even need to bring multiple camping tents with you.
If you’re still yet to purchase a camping tent, you’ll want to make sure you purchase a tent or tents that are sturdy, dependable, and waterproof.
Even if you are planning on camping in a motor home, you might still want to think about bringing a tent, just in case. Many motor home campers prefer spending at least one night in the open wilderness and you probably will too!
Camp Kitchen Items:
- Cooler(s)
- Water Dispenser – (Optional)
- Camp Stove + Fuel
- Cooking Pots + Pans
- Containerizes And Ziploc Bags
- Aluminum Foil
- Cooking Utensils
- Eating Utensils
- Knife Or Knives
- Towel
- Soap
- Garbage And Recycle Bags
Another piece of camping gear that you’ll want to make sure that you bring along with you is a sleeping bag. If you’re camping with your family or your romantic partner, you’ll want to make sure that you have enough sleeping bags to go around as well.
Now, you might be assuming that a light sleeping bag is good all year-round. However, most lighter sleeping bags are only meant to be used during the summertime, when it isn’t too cold. If you plan to camp all throughout the year, then you’ll want to think about buying a heavy style sleeping bag as well. Such as a down sleeping bag.
Down sleeping bags are very warm, but they tend to be heavier. Whereas lightweight sleeping bags, (typically made from nylon or polyester), are used for warmer months because you don’t always need all the extra warmth during the spring and summer.
There’s no reason to add the extra weight if it’s not needed. However, down sleeping bags are good in case the weather suddenly turns cold. This way you won’t notice much of a temperature change while you’re sleeping.

Optional Comfort Items:
- Camping Mattress
Or Sleeping Pad
- Portable Toilet
- Portable Shower
- Solar Powered Accessories
- Camping Pillows
- Portable Camping Stove
- Board Games
- Music Player Or Speaker
- Reading Material
- Outdoor Sports Gear – (Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Etc.)
The above-mentioned camping gear pieces are just a few of the many camping comfort pieces that you’ll want to think about bringing along with you on your next camping adventure.
Along with your gear and supplies, you’ll also want to bring along a cooler. A cooler is a great option for storing your food and drinks along with a firestarter(s) and tinder so that you can light a fire.
Conclusion:
In addition to bringing all your camping essentials, you may also want to think about bringing along some comfort items. For instance, a sleeping pad or an air mattress for some added extra comfort in your tent. If you plan to be camping in a traditional tent, you may find it somewhat uncomfortable. While many campsites have level ground, not all do.
If you are concerned with how you’ll be able to sleep on your next camping adventure, make sure to bring some comfort items along with you just to be on the safe side. With most of these items being super affordable, you don’t stand to lose very much by doing so. For some of our camping gear recommendations, see our outdoor gear page! If you need help with planning your next camping adventure from beginning to end, then check out our post all about it!