Camping Checklist?

S

SuzukiGS750EZ

Joined
Dec 30, 2008
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I've looked for camping checklists online and they all seem like you have to pack your house just to go camping. Things I don't need like an airmatress blah blah. Comforts of home, whats the point of camping!? Do any of you have a good camping checklist for actual camping, not moving your home to an outdoor scene.
 
Couldn't you just pencil out the stuff you find superfluous? I'd rather have a list with more than I needed that I could tailor to my needs than have a short list to short for my body.
 
Sit down for an hour with a notepad and pencil and go to youtube.
Look at Nut n Fancy's backpacking extended stay videos, I think its 8 parts.
Now that would be for a Bivouac camping system, but you could easily start there and work backwards for lighter trips. Add to that your own food program. He gave me a lot of great ideas and man its comprehensive, mofo even packs in an inflatable fishing boat occasionally for some remote lake fishing. Its not a great resource for a survival kit or med kit but he has an incredibly detailed vid series on different types of med kits. For survival kits, this forum has all the info you need. I've hyped Nutnfancy before but for good reasons.
He puts his own kits together, and yes he names brands but he does everything piecemeal and is always looking for the most economical (cost/quality) approach.
Dude Rocks!
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
I've looked for camping checklists online and they all seem like you have to pack your house just to go camping.
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Depends on how you are camping, when and where. I generally take quite a few luxuries when car camping. On the other hand for short 2-3 day backpacking trips I can often get my total load under 20 pounds.

Things I don't need like an airmatress blah blah.
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I don't know any experienced camper (even ultralight backpackers) who does not take some form of matress with them (self-inflating or foam pad style). Spending a night with rocks, roots, and acorns digging into your back is no fun, believe me. :rolleyes:

Do any of you have a good camping checklist for actual camping, not moving your home to an outdoor scene.
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If you want minimalist, google for "ultralight backpacking list". You can find a number of examples of complete gear lists below 20 pounds, some even as low as 10 pounds.
 
I have several lists and yes, it depends on if you're car camping, backpacking, etc. The nice thing about checklists is that you make sure you don't forget the small things. Also, I have one that I had attached to my tuff box with our car camping stuff. If it's a last minute trip, my wife can make sure all the items are packed before I even get home (I still double check though:D). I also have a small packing list for my kids' packs. I'll usually have them lay everything out and pack it up before a trip...they use their little inventory list to make sure they don't forget anything and more importantly they don't pack something useless that weighs too much!

ROCK6
 
ROCK6 said:
I have several lists and yes, it depends on if you're car camping, backpacking, etc. The nice thing about checklists is that you make sure you don't forget the small things. Also, I have one that I had attached to my tuff box with our car camping stuff. If it's a last minute trip, my wife can make sure all the items are packed before I even get home (I still double check though:D). I also have a small packing list for my kids' packs. I'll usually have them lay everything out and pack it up before a trip...they use their little inventory list to make sure they don't forget anything and more importantly they don't pack something useless that weighs too much!

ROCK6
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That's the way to do it! The list is just to make sure you don't forget the tent or sleeping bag. Yes, it can happen. Just because it is on the list doesn't mean it has to go every trip. I have several tailored to the different kinds of camping trips we take. I have them saved on the computer and print out the list and start marking things off as we countdown to departure.
 
I really started using list's when i went on a canoe trip and forgot the PADDLES!:eek:--KV
 
Well, I as I also see kvaughn, forget things and i'm only 21! I also use the checklists to make sure I don't leave anything behind. I was just wondering what YOU guys bring, as I look up to you guys. It will be me and two other people, bringing a Chevy Cheyanne (just wanted to tell you guys how old this thing is!) with all of our stuff. I have a four person tent but it will just be me this time. Three days, three nights. And i'm camping in a cleared out tent site. Nobody I know will just pack up and head into the wilderness with me so I take what I can get!
 
A gear checklist is always a good thing to have IMO. In college I did a lot of camping with various college groups and would help with the gear and check lists. I've attached a personal checklist I've used on over night campouts with a group. Can also share others if you like.

BTW You can also get some pretty decent ideas from the BSA book, they have some good lists in there.

Heber
 

Attachments

Ahh thanks. Thats more along the line of the type of list i was looking for. How do I get ahold of a BSA book? I know no boyscouts lol.
 
comoha said:
Backpacker magazine has some basic checklists.
http://www.backpacker.com/gear_checklists_and_shopping_guides/gear/12091
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Those are some decent looking checklists, I've bookmarked them for future reference. :)

SuzukiGS750EZ said:
Ahh thanks. Thats more along the line of the type of list i was looking for. How do I get ahold of a BSA book? I know no boyscouts lol.
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Glad I could help. I'll try to get some more up in the next 24 hours.

To find a BSA Handbook go to your local BSA Shop or http://www.scouting.org/, click on "shop" then on "Literature". The Boy Scout Handbook is around $9.

Heber
 
Here's mine - it's not a complete list, more of a "pre-flight checklist" that I use to make sure everything really important comes along. Not everything on the list is always brought (like gaiters) and any particular trip out requires fine-tuning what's going to come along (like maps/wool socks/etc or a saw rather than a hatchet). I just use it to check off items as they get stuffed into my backpack - that way I know that item is packed without having to empty my pack out for a final check. And it's in no particular order either. I first used it to pack for my honeymoon and it's come in handy ever since.

Sleeping Bag
Tent/Pole/Stake
Footprint
Sleeping Pad
Meals
Hatchet
Gore-tex pants
Medical Kit
Bowl/Utensils/Cup
Hat
Bandana
Compass
Water Filter
Backup purification
Tinder
Trowel
Flashlight
E-blanket
Trash Bags
Coffee/Tea
Mosquito net
Insect Repellant(doxycycline)
Sunscreen
Toilet Paper/Baby Wipes
Backup Fire
Hanging Food Bag
Candle
Gaiters
Cooking pots
Fuel
Stove
Knife
Cordage
Whistle
Sunglasses
 
I think the best idea would probably be to make a list of all the things you can think of, then add one of the kitchen sink lists, then add the lists you find here. Then start checking off the stuff you KNOW you don't need, and the duplicates. Then reorder the list with the most important stuff up top. Chances are you will end up with a pretty complete list and if you prioritize it correctly, you can start loading and if space gets tight , just start leaving less priority items.

When car camping I tend to favor the more is better approach. I'll bring items even if it's not entirely clear I'll need them. More a case of I rather cart it out and not use it, then get there and wish I had something. You never know when you might want to play a game of horseshoes, etc. Thats why I recommend making your list as extensive as possible first. Most of the lists I've seen here, will make sure that you are dry, warm and fed. They do not necessarily provide for the things you want to enjoy yourself while you're there.

Oh, and bring your list with you on your trip. You can write any thing you wished you brought on it and have it for next time.
 
Racerx2oo3 said:
I think the best idea would probably be to make a list of all the things you can think of, then add one of the kitchen sink lists, then add the lists you find here. Then start checking off the stuff you KNOW you don't need, and the duplicates. Then reorder the list with the most important stuff up top. Chances are you will end up with a pretty complete list and if you prioritize it correctly, you can start loading and if space gets tight , just start leaving less priority items.

When car camping I tend to favor the more is better approach. I'll bring items even if it's not entirely clear I'll need them. More a case of I rather cart it out and not use it, then get there and wish I had something. You never know when you might want to play a game of horseshoes, etc. Thats why I recommend making your list as extensive as possible first. Most of the lists I've seen here, will make sure that you are dry, warm and fed. They do not necessarily provide for the things you want to enjoy yourself while you're there.

Oh, and bring your list with you on your trip. You can write any thing you wished you brought on it and have it for next time.
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Very good comments and suggestions and exactly what I do. For vehicle camping, we do bring a little extra...more ice in the ice chest, a little too much beer, etc.:D When backpacking, the reverse is true and I often bring my list and I'll make notes and adjustments based on what I could have used and what I didn't really need or where I could cut back on the spare batteries or excess food/fuel.

ROCK6
 
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