Get ready for the campsite
Pack for the good kind of getting lost.
What to bring depends on the weather, campsite facilities, group size and how far you must carry your kit. Start with the essentials, then add comforts that earn their place.
01 / Shelter and sleep
- Camping tent appropriate for the weather, including poles, stakes and any footprint
- Sleeping bag or quilt with a suitable temperature rating
- Sleeping pad or mattress suitable for ground conditions
- Headlamp or flashlight with working batteries
- Optional pillow, tarp or rain cover
02 / Camp kitchen
- Compatible camp stove and fuel, with approved safe-use instructions
- Pot, utensils, mug and enough food for the trip
- Drinking-water containers and water-treatment supplies as needed
- Cooler or appropriate food storage where required
- Waste bags, cleaning supplies and food-safe storage
Never operate a fuel-burning stove inside a tent, vehicle or enclosed shelter.
Explore Camp Kitchen & Cooking ↗
03 / Light and comfort
- Portable lantern or additional headlamp
- Camp chairs if transport allows
- Weather-appropriate clothing and footwear
- Sun protection, insect protection and personal hygiene supplies
- First-aid supplies and any necessary personal medication
04 / Navigation, backup and safety
- Map and a navigation backup appropriate for the location
- Emergency contact plan and information about local conditions
- Weather check and any required permits
- Portable battery or solar charger only if compatible with your devices
- Required bear-resistant storage or other location-specific precautions
Keep the kit matched to the trip
A walk-in campsite needs different equipment from a long backpacking route. Put safety-critical gear first, check weight and packed size, and never rely on an unverified filter or power device without knowing its limitations.