If you’ve never been on a trip, here’s a camping gear list for beginners!
We will discuss day & overnight camping, sleeping gear, equipment, cooking, entertainment & activities, toiletries & first aid.
Today, camping is really popular. We go deeper into why in our other article What is the appeal of camping? Benefits
Experienced campers prefer the comfort and convenience of carrying proper gear.
There is a wide variety of light and compact equipment available today that was simply unavailable in the past.
Campers don’t have to be burdened with all kinds of stuff, including the kitchen sink!
Table of Contents
Camping gear list for beginners: Introduction
You can quickly take away the fun of the trip if you are carrying heavy items unnecessarily.
Take only what is essential for comfort and easy to carry depending on transport .
Of course, those who go by car can take much more luggage than those who are on foot.
Similarly, beginners need to know about kayaking and camping that those who go by high weight capacity kayak can carry much more than those who go by bicycle.
If you’re a kayaker, don’t forget that you’ll have to carry this camping equipment every time you board.
On the other hand, you don’t want to go into the forest and find that something necessary is missing.
Here is a checklist of things that every camper will need.
Add additional items such as fishing gear, camera, binoculars at will.
Just keep in mind the problem of weight and bulk.
Camping equipment needed
Day camping
- Knife
- Axe
- Compass
- Kitchen utensils
- Pharmacy kit
- Food
- Matches in a waterproof box
- Backpack
- Insecticide
- Canteen
Overnight camping: as above and add:
For overnight camping, add :
Sleeping gear
- tent (and all necessary accessories: sardines, mallet or hammer)
- a great sleeping bag / comforter
- mosquito net
- Flashlight or lantern
- survival blanket
- pillow for extra comfort
- floor mat
Various camping equipment
- citronella candle
- scotch
- umbrella
- compass
- extension cord
- chairs
- folding tables
- guide to the region
- rope / string
- scissors
- garbage bag
- parasol
- spare batteries or small solar panel to recharge your devices
Cooking utensils
- food for several days
- cooler
- pots / pans
- matches or lighter
- coffee maker
- thermos
- plates (cardboard or plastic)
- cutlery (forks, knives, spoons)
- glasses
- strainer
- salad bowl
- can opener
- corkscrew
- hermetic box
- sponge
- gas cylinder or stove
- Swiss knife
- washing-up liquid
- paper towels
- water bottle
Entertainment and Activities
- books / magazines
- sports items (rackets, petanque, frisbee)
- card games
Toiletries
- sunglasses
- toilet paper
- sun cream (to protect against the impact UV-induced free radicals)
- anti-mosquito spray
- pocket mirror
- tissues
- hygiene items (especially for women)
First aid kit
Your medicine kit doesn’t have to be heavy and bulky.
You can find one in any pharmacy.
Make sure your kit contains the following:
- A strip of gauze
- A packet of absorbent cotton
- A sun lotion
- A bottle of disinfectant
- 1 tube of burn cream
- Pliers
- Cotton balls
- A pack of adhesive bandages of different sizes
- A roll of plaster
Clothing
You need to choose clothes that are comfortable but hardwearing.
Especially if you are going on foot, find sturdy shoes that fit well and that can be worn with a pair of thick socks.
Socks should be preferably half wool, half cotton.
Blue jeans and other canvas pants are practical for camping and walking (consider plus-size jeans for big thighs if you have larger than average thighs!).
It’s best not to wear shorts if you’re climbing steep rocks or walking through bush.
Be careful not to get sunburned.
In the summer, cotton knits are practical; you will wear them with a wool knit when it is cold.
You also need a warm sweater or jacket because, even in summer, the nights can be wet and cold.
Add a raincoat and a cap or hat and you can handle any weather.
Camping gear list for beginners: Conclusion
It’s all about being sensible and practical. Think durable, practical and useful.
The lists provided will help you on your way to a more enjoyable trip!