What Should You Bring on a Camping Trip

Key Takeaways

• You should always bring your survival essentials on a camping trip: food, water, and warmth/shelter.
• Protect yourself from the elements with lightweight, layerable clothing and durable footwear with great traction.
• Camping gear ideas include shelter, a camping stove and cookware, flashlights, and first aid.

Planning your next outdoor adventure? While there aren’t any camping “rules,” there are a few items you need for safety and comfort. After all, no one wants to get caught unprepared in the great outdoors! 

Use these camping gear ideas as a starting point for creating your personalized packing list. Every camping trip is different – from frontcountry camping to backcountry camping, survival camping, and more – and requires its own unique set of essentials. Weather, season, and terrain can also vary, changing what you must pack. Keep reading to learn more!

Shelter and Bedding

Unless you’re “glamping,” you’ll need proper shelter and bedding to sleep as safely and comfortably as possible. Your tent is essentially your home for your entire trip – don’t forget to bring it. You’ll also need stakes to stabilize your tent. Alternatively, you can bring a camping hammock to sleep under the stars. Bonus: Hammocks save weight and space in your military bag! More shelter/bedding camping gear ideas include:

• Military sleeping bag for warmth 
• Sleeping pad for cushioning
• Canvas tarps for ground cover

Weather-Appropriate Clothes

Make sure you bring weather-appropriate military clothing and footwear on your trip. It's helpful to check the forecast for rain, heavy winds, or extreme heat before packing to ensure you’re prepared. You should also consider any activities you’re planning, such as swimming or hiking. Here’s what you should generally bring on a camping trip:

• Thermal clothes for layering
• Army fatigue pants or shorts
• Army surplus boots or shoes with great traction and support
• BDU shirts/lightweight shirts (short and long sleeve)
• Military poncho and poncho liners (in case of rain)
• (Optional) Military hat for sun protection 

Pocket Knife or Multi-Tool

Pocket knives and multi-tools are also valuable camping gear ideas. They have the versatility and ability to handle just about anything, from food preparation to making a shelter. This eliminates the need to bring separate tools for each task, lightening your load. 

Cooking Supplies

Since you’ll likely be preparing all of your own food (there’s no delivery in the wilderness!), cooking supplies are crucial camping equipment. Some camping gear ideas include:

• Camping stove + cooking fuel
• Cooking grate
• Utensils
• Cookware
• Tongs
• Tin foil
• Can opener
• Knife (Your multi-purpose tool or pocket knife can be a great substitute)
• Plates and cups

You’ll want to be selective of what you bring on a backcountry camping trip. These supplies can add significant weight to your bag, while others may not fit at all. Bring your essentials only!

Food & Water

You should bring food on your camping trip – even if you plan on fishing. This ensures you have energy and sustenance, no matter what conditions you encounter. A few great camping gear ideas are dry foods like rice and pasta, MREs or other freeze-dried meals, jerky, and nuts. These add minimal weight to your bag and are easy to prepare. You can also include canned goods if you have the space and weight in your camping bag.

Water is another survival essential. If you’re camping in a more remote location, bring a refillable water bottle or canteen, along with a water filtration system for safe drinking from nearby lakes.

First Aid

It is always advisable to bring a first aid kit when camping. They allow you to quickly treat common camping injuries like minor scrapes and burns so you can continue enjoying your trip. They also prevent injuries from worsening. Grab a ready-to-use kit or pack your own with first aid supplies like bandages, gauze and tape, antiseptic wipes, burn cream, and tweezers. Customize your kit based on your needs, camp location, and potential risks involved.

Fire Starter

Our list of camping gear ideas wouldn’t be complete without fire starters. These handy tools ensure you’ll have fire to stay warm, cook your food, or even signal for help in case of an emergency.  Bring a few types to be prepared for anything that comes your way. This could include matches, flint strikers, or your Zippo lighter.

Navigational Tools

Wondering what else you should bring on a camping trip? We suggest packing navigational tools, such as compasses and/or maps. Phones can be unreliable in the backcountry or wilderness. Navigational tools don’t rely on technology, ensuring a safe trip in these remote locations.  This camping gear idea is also helpful for your hikes!

Flashlights

You may have your fire starters, but it’s still smart to bring flashlights and lanterns. They illuminate trails and areas around your campsite, making it easy to move around safely at night. Plus, they can help avoid hazards and wildlife, and can be used to signal for help in emergency situations.

Personal Items

You may also want to consider bringing personal hygiene/care items for additional comfort. Some camping gear ideas include:

• Toilet paper
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Hand sanitizer
• Toiletries – soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
• Prescription medications
• Wash basin + biodegradable soap for cookware
• Trash bags to keep your campsite clean – leave no trace!

Camping Gear Ideas for Every Adventurer

Whether you’re headed to a national park or the backcountry, use our list to determine what you should bring on a camping trip. These essentials will help ensure you’re safe, comfortable, and ready for anything. Shop high-quality and affordable military camping gear at Army Surplus World to prepare for your next adventure. We carry a unique product selection that includes sleeping bags and pads, clothing and footwear, survival gear, and more!