Making a Camping Checklist

Every year when we go camping, we make a camping checklist so that we don't anything important. Usually we still miss something, but because of our camping checklist, whatever we miss tends not to be of dire importance.

The camping checklist makes everything easier when you're tired or stressed trying to get everything ready. Ideally, the camping checklist should be made a couple of weeks prior to leaving so that you have a lot of time to think about what you need to bring and add things as you come up with them.

I remember one group camping trip that I was on that should have used a camping checklist. We had already been paddling for about 5 hours when one of the leaders in the other canoe suddenly says, "Oh No! I forgot the salt...and the pepper...and the sugar." Everyone groaned, but then thought the day was at least partially saved when the sterns man in my canoe blurted out. "That's O.K. I've got honey..." but then he paused for a moment and continued, "...in my truck." Needless to say, we had a rather bland camping trip. Red River cereal (basically flax porridge) sweetened with chocolate chips just didn't do it somehow.

So, the moral of this story is not only to make a camping checklist, but to use it for every transfer of equipment you make. Each loose item should be listed on the camping checklist, ready to check off as the item is stowed in it's proper location.

photo credit: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1021795

This is the equipment that is likely to be shared.

• tent
• canoe
• paddles
• Life Jackets
• Fishing equipment
• first aid kit
• bicycles
• firewood- please check local laws before bringing firewood
• metal detector
• matches
• firestarter
• tarps
• TP (Toilet Paper)
• Sunscreen
• Insect Repellent
• Small or folding shovel
• Daypack- a small pack that you can take essentials out on day trips.
• Cards
• camping permit
• garbage bags
• maps
• compass
• Rope
• Duct Tape
• Swimming accessories- pool noodles, boogie boards etc.
• netting hat and coat
• snorkeling equipment
• portable table
• folding lawn chairs
• tools -screwdriver, pliers, hammer
• wood saw
• flashlight
• glow sticks
• hand sanitizer
• cooler
• pen and paper or notebook
• insect coil - these are good for burning outside the tent to keep the bugs from the door

This is a checklist of things that will be required by each person

• Warm shirts
• t-shirts
• jeans/long pants
• sweat pants (good for sleeping in)
• underwear
• socks
• hat
• bathing suit
• towel and facecloth
• toothpaste
• toothbrush
• soap
• feminine products
• comb or brush and hair elastics
• shampoo
• book/ reading material
• hiking boots
• extra shoes
• water shoes
• Fanny Pack
• sleeping bag
• extra blanket
• air mattress or foam
• rain suit
• rubber boots

Camping without eating isn't much fun. Don't forget these things.

• Pots and pans - either a camp kit or old pots
• Food pack- enough for each person on the trip. Don't forget snacks
• Plastic bowls and plates for everyone in the group
• knives forks and spoons for everyone in the group
• Sharp knife
• can opener if you're bringing cans
• cutting board
• bottle opener
• ziplock baggies in various sizes
• recipes
• edible plant identification guide
• water filter or purifier
• oven mitts
• corkscrew
• paper towels
• tin foil
• salt, pepper and sugar
• camp stove and fuel
• grill

These books are full of ideas for projects to do while camping.

Camping with kids is great. Just be sure you bring lots of stuff for them to do.

• sand toys
• bag of toys
• colouring book
• crayons or markers
• bike or trike
• kite
• magnifying glass
• net
• rubber boots
• bottle
• diapers
• soother
• playpen
• comfort toy

Here's a printable list of equipment that is likely to be shared with all the members of the camping trip.

Have you had an experience where you headed into the bush and discovered that something rather essential was missing? Share it with us.