Below is a a list of gear that we take on a typical 2 night car camping trip as well as tips for packing it in and packing it out. This list is the product of a lot of trial and error, but I can safely say it works for us. I hope it will be a good jumping off point for you as well...
- Camp stove that takes those little green Coleman tanks, and call ahead or check out the campground's website to find out what they have in terms of fire pits and grills. If it rains, your going to need the camp stove.
- Long Matches and a Lighter
- Charcoal
- Starter Bricks
- Mess Kit: 1 per person, spoon, fork, knife, plate, cup, bowl
- Pot+cover
- Nonstick Pan+cover
- French Press (not glass!)
- Paper Towels
- Sponge
- Eco friendly dish soap
- Wash Basin
- Drinking/Cooking Water (It's not always so great at the site)
- Trash Bags
- Some basic food prep items we've kicked ourselves for forgetting: Salt and Pepper, Sugar or agave syrup, non-dairy creamer or condensed milk, ketchup, mustard, tea, coffee!
- Chopping knife
- Can opener
- Cooler/Cooler Bag
Shelter
- Tent
- Rainfly
- Footprint or Tarp
- Stakes (we take several kinds depending on terrain)
- Mallot
- Extra Tarp and Rope for picnic Shelter
- Sleeping Bag (Check the weather report and make sure its rated for the lowest temp!)
- Sleeping Pad
- Pillows (or use your duffel)
Other Necessities
- Flashlights (1 for the car, 1 for the tent, 1 for the picnic area)
- Lantern
- Swiss Army Knife
- Playing Cards
- Camera
- Check the Day Hike Essentials Page if your planning on heading into the woods!
For the Dogs
- Tie out leash
- Bowls
- Food
- Drinking Water
Packing:
We keep everything sorted into gear bags of one form or another. A large upright duffel for the kitchen gear, small bag for the tarp, stakes and shelter set up, cooler bag for the dry goods and a cooler with ice for any fresh perishables we bring as well as condiments. When setting up the campsite, take out the items that you will use the most(and won't blow away) and organize them on a surface, then take out only what you need when you need it and clean up often, this will ensure that your gear stays packed and ready to toss into a car or bear box if when you leave your site.
Please be responsible and follow the "Leave No Trace" Principles of Outdoor Ethics:
Plan Ahead and Prepare | Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces | Dispose of Waste Properly | Leave What You Find | Minimize Campfire Impacts | Respect Wildlife | Be Considerate of Other Visitors
For more information and more information on the principles you can visit the following link:
Leave No Trace
(http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php)
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors by all people. worldwide.