Weekend Camping Checklist
Print and check off as you pack. Covers a 2-night car camping or short backpacking trip for 1–2 people.
Shelter
- Tent with poles and stakes
- Rainfly (confirm it’s in the bag)
- Tent footprint or ground sheet
- Extra guylines Wind insurance worth the 2 oz
Sleep System
- Sleeping bag (check temp rating vs. forecast)
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow or stuff-sack pillow
Clothing
- Base layer top and bottom — wool or synthetic, no cotton
- Mid layer (fleece or insulated jacket)
- Rain jacket with hood
- Hiking pants or shorts
- Camp shoes or sandals
- Warm hat and gloves Even in summer — nights drop
- 2–3 pairs merino wool hiking socks
- Sleep clothes (kept separate and dry)
Kitchen
- Stove and fuel canister
- Pot with lid
- Spork and knife
- Lighter and backup matches
- All meals planned and packed
- Snacks (more than you think)
- Water bottles (2 per person)
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Bear canister or food hang system
- Biodegradable soap and sponge
- Trash bags
Navigation and Safety
- Paper map of area
- Compass
- First aid kit
- Whistle
- Emergency bivy
- Phone (fully charged) and portable charger
Lighting
- Headlamp and fresh batteries
- Backup headlamp or small lantern
Hygiene and Leave No Trace
- Trowel (for cat holes if no vault toilet)
- Toilet paper and waste bags (pack out)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
Car Camping Extras (if driving)
- Camping chairs
- Picnic blanket or tarp
- Camp lantern
- Cooler and ice
- Firewood (buy local — do not transport across state lines)