Pack Your Trunk With the Right Camping Supplies

Are you feeling the call of the wild? Enjoying fresh air and getting away from daily life to relax and unwind are the best parts of a camping trip. But forgetting a can opener or an unexpected downpour can ruin your experience. Before heading out, make sure you load up your vehicle with these camping essentials.

Campsite

Research the area where you are going, so you know how much you will need to bring. Some campgrounds provide a picnic table, grill or fire pit and have showers and potable water on-site. You also need to know if you’ll be parking nearby or have to hike to the campsite. You may want to forgo some of the extras if you have to hike quite a distance to your location.

Here are some examples:

• Tent – look for one that’s waterproof and easy to set up
• Sleeping bag – make sure it’s rated to the temperature you need
• Battery-powered lantern – can be used inside the tent, unlike kerosene
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Rope – use to make a clothesline or hang your tarp (below), but check park regulations before tying to trees

Optional:

• Ground sheet – provides a waterproof layer under the tent
• Tarp – hang over the tent to provide shelter from the sun or rain
• Pillow
• Sleeping pad - provides additional padding under your sleeping bag and protects from moisture
• Folding chair
• Hand broom – keep the inside of your tent free of dirt and leaves
• Camp shower – if your campground doesn’t have on-site facilities
• Games/cards

Cooking

After a day of hiking and exploring the area, you’ll need to refuel. Make sure you have what you need to prepare a filling meal and to clean up after yourself. You don’t want smelly trash and food remnants left outside to attract unwanted wildlife.

• Metal dishes and silverware – reusable, sturdier option than plastic and better for the environment
• Cutting board and utensils – if you don’t do food prep at home, you’ll need a cutting board to cut your food, and make sure you have the proper utensils for what you’re cooking
• Pots and pans
• Oven mitt
• Dish pan, dish cloth and towel, and biodegradable dish soap – to prevent bacteria and eliminate food smells that may attract wildlife, wash your dishes immediately after eating
• Cooler – store your food in a cooler and put it in your car or the campground’s bear box to help keep wildlife away
• Matches or lighter
• Newspaper – for starting your campfire
• Can opener
• Aluminum foil
• Resealable bags
• Garbage bags

Optional:

• Camp stove – if your campground doesn’t provide grills and you don’t want to cook over an open fire
• Fuel or charcoal – make sure you have the correct fuel for your camp stove or charcoal for the grill
• Camping table – if your campground doesn’t provide a picnic table
• Tablecloth – cover the picnic table with a reusable tablecloth that can be easily wiped off after meals
• Water jugs – if your campground does not have potable water, you’ll need to bring in your own water

Personal Care

Being outside means you’ll need to protect yourself from the sun and insects, but don’t forget to include some relief in case that doesn’t go as planned. Pack some basic toiletries that will make you feel comfortable and to clean off the dirt and grime at the end of the day. You also should consider bringing layers of clothing to adjust as temperatures change throughout the day.

• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Aloe
• Cortisone cream
• Biodegradable shampoo and soap
• Towel and wash cloth
• Clothes
• Toiletries
• Sunglasses
• Raincoat
• Hiking boots

Optional:

• Sun hat
• Swimsuit
• Flip flops

Tools and Emergency Supplies

Don’t forget to include some supplies for emergencies or wildlife encounters. Research the wildlife in the area, so you have the necessary deterrent on hand. No one expects to wander off a trail and get lost, but it can happen. Having the proper navigation equipment and tools for contacting search and rescue will help get you home safely at the end of your trip.

• Whistle – to attract attention
• Multi-tool
• Compass
• Extra batteries or solar charger
• Duct tape
• First aid kit

Optional:

• Bear spray
• Axe

Optional Car Prep

Before you start packing things into your car, you may want to consider shielding the cargo area with a durable liner to keep it clean and dry. You don’t want to return from your vacation and have to scrub mud stains and dirt from your vehicle’s carpet. WeatherTech offers some great protection options and other helpful tools to make your journey easier.

• Cargo Liner – Laser-measured liner with a raised lip that keeps cooler leaks and dirt contained
• CargoTech – Containment system that keeps cargo from tipping over or sliding around

Optional:

• CupFone – Mobile phone holder for easy navigation to your campsite
• SunShade – Custom-fit windshield cover that helps keep your interior cool when parked in the sun
• FloorLiner HP – Advanced, laser-measured protection for your footwells
• RackSack – Additional 13 cubic feet of space on your roof for packing anything that doesn’t fit in the cargo area

With a little research and prep, your camping excursion can be a memorable experience to share with friends and loved ones. Read recommendations from outdoor experts to find the best supplies that will make your trip easier. Visit the website for the campground or state park to plan activities and see what else is available while you’re there. Save this list for future outings and check off items as you pack to ensure you’re not forgetting anything. The next time you feel the call of the great outdoors, you’ll be ready to pack like a pro. Camp. Relax. Repeat.

Expert resources:

REI

Backcountry

National Park Service