A Camper's Packing Guide: How Much Should I Bring..?
I will start by saying that I am a completely novice outdoorsman/camper. There is undoubtedly a certain art when it comes to planning, setting up, and running a campsite. Something that can only come with experience. But one of the most important piece to that art is prepping and packing. I think there's a certain idealism in that people think they can build a whole shelter with a survival knife and a ferro-rod, but in reality you're going to need a lot more if you want a non-traumatizing experience. I've written this post with that in mind.
Factors That Affect How Much You Should Pack
Before creating your packing list, you need to know a few things:
Length of Your Trip
A weekend camping trip requires significantly less gear and food than a week-long adventure. Always plan for the duration of your stay plus an extra day's worth of supplies in case of delays.
Type of Camping
Car Camping: Allows you to bring more gear, larger coolers, and extra comforts.
Backpacking: Requires careful weight management and lightweight equipment.
RV Camping: If you're fortunate enough to have one of these, they offer tons of storage space and amenities that reduce the need for certain supplies.
Weather Conditions
Nobody likes sleeping in a cold tent. Cold-weather camping requires additional clothing layers, sleeping gear, and fuel for cooking or heating. Hot-weather camping may require extra water and sun protection.
Number of Campers
How many friends are you going with? Group camping allows you to share certain equipment, such as tents, cooking gear, and first-aid supplies.
How Much Water Should You Bring?
Water is the most important camping supply. Can't live without it.
General Rule:
Plan for at least one gallon of water per person per day.
This amount covers:
Drinking water
Cooking
Basic hygiene
For hot weather, strenuous hiking, or camping in remote areas, consider bringing up to two gallons per person per day. You'd be surprised how much you drink on a hot day. A staple that I use, whether I'm outside or at the office is my Nalgene Bottle. it's a great way to keep track of your water intake, and it's just the right size for putting in a side-pocket on your backpack. For serious treks into the wilderness, I would pick up a CamelBak. Hands free hydration is a great way to move fast and stay light.
How Much Food Should You Bring?
Food planning helps prevent waste while ensuring everyone stays energized. Unless you're going for a scenic or romantic experience, simpler is usually better. This means things that are easy to pack or are pre-packaged, things that don't spoil easily, and things that are dense in calories. The goal here is energy.
Daily Food Estimate Per Adult
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
2-3 snacks
A good rule is to pack about 2,500 to 3,500 calories per person per day depending on activity levels.
Popular Camping Foods
Granola bars
Trail mix
Beef jerky
Oatmeal
Sandwich supplies
Instant meals
Fresh fruit
Hot dogs and burgers
A great buy-and-forget option are Mountain House Meals. They have tons of different flavors, so you can probably find one that you like.
How Much Clothing Should You Pack?
I find many campers overpack clothing. It's not about how much you pack, but the type of clothing that suits your environment. Make sure you know the weather and the biome where you'll be camping!
Weekend Camping Checklist
For a 2-3 day trip:
2-3 shirts
2 pairs of pants or shorts
3 pairs of socks
3 sets of underwear
Lightweight jacket
Rain gear
Sleepwear
Comfortable hiking shoes
Layering Is Key
Instead of packing bulky clothing, focus on layers:
Base layer
Insulating layer
Waterproof outer layer
This system works well in changing weather conditions. For a base layer, something like an Under Armour shirt works well, especially if you're a sweater. For mid layer you could go with a zip up fleece, like The North Face Glacier Fleece. But for those that don't have all the money in the world, the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece will do just fine. Lastly is your overcoat. This needs to be waterproof, lightweight, and breathable. Something like the Columbia Watertight II is what you're looking for.
Essential Camping Gear Quantities
Shelter
Per campsite:
1 tent (sized for your group)- try not to skimp out on this item. A good tent will last you for countless trips. A bad one will crap out fast. Start with something basic like the Coleman Skydome
1 tarp or footprint
Tent stakes and repair kit
Sleeping Gear
Per person:
1 sleeping bag- depends on your environment/weather. Don't use a winter bag when you're summer camping! I would try the Wawona bag by Northface. Great bag for camping around the northeast during spring/fall seasons.
1 sleeping pad or air mattress
1 pillow
Lighting
Per campsite:
1 lantern
1 flashlight per person
Extra batteries
Cooking Equipment
Per campsite:
Camp stove
Fuel canisters
Cooking utensils
Plates and cups
Cooler
Don't Forget Safety Supplies
Every camping trip should include:
First-aid kit
Emergency blanket
Multi-tool
Fire starter
Waterproof matches
Map or GPS device
Portable power bank
Whistle
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Even short camping trips can become challenging if unexpected situations arise. Ask me how I know!
Recommended Camping Packing Formula
To give you the TL;DR:
Per Person, Per Day:
1 gallon of water
3 meals
2-3 snacks
1 complete change of clothing
Basic hygiene items
Personal medications
Per Campsite:
Shelter
Cooking equipment
Lighting
Safety supplies
Navigation tools
Final Verdict
The amount you should take camping depends on your trip length, destination, and camping style. As a general rule, prioritize water, food, shelter, and safety equipment before considering comfort items. There's a saying in the prepper/bushcraft community: "Two is one, and one is none." It's always better to be slightly overprepared with essentials than to discover you're missing something important once you're miles from home.
With careful planning and a well-organized packing list, you'll enjoy a safer, more comfortable camping experience while avoiding the hassle of carrying unnecessary gear.
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