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Bring the Kitchen Sink
A Packing Checklist for Car-Supported Camping
Author: Tanya Christensen
what you'll read in this article:
- Shelter, Sleeping, Backpack
- Emergency, Repair, Tools
- Kitchen Gear
- Hygiene
- Personal
- Clothing
- Optional
Shelter, Sleeping, Backpack
- Tent, footprint or hammock with no-see-um net
- Sleeping bag (synthetic or down) and/or blankets
- Air mattress and pump
- Sleeping pad, or cot
- Regular pillow or stowable camping pillow
- Tarp, sun shade, or screen house
- Camp chairs
- Daypack (10-40L) with water bladder
- 40-60ft rope or parachute cord, large sack, and ‘biner (anti-bear hang system) or Bear canister (if in bear country)
Emergency, Repair, Tools
- Map and/or compass
- Whistle and/or mirror
- Headlamp, flashlight, or lantern
- Spare batteries or solar power charger
- First aid kit
- Clothing repair kit
- Tent repair kit
- Nylon cord or rope
- Duct tape
- Multi-tool or pocket knife
- Axe, saw, or hatchet
Kitchen Gear
- Two-burner stove/stove and windscreen, if compatible, grill rack, or Dutch oven
- Charcoal, lighter fuel (if grilling)
- Firewood, kindling (if allowed)
- Long-handle lighter or matches
- Water jug (5 gallon)
- Cooler, ice
- Kitchen storage bin
- Pots, pans
- Pot holders, hot pads
- Coffee pot, tea kettle, or coffee or tea press kit
- Plates, bowls, cups, and mugs
- Eating utensils (spoons, knives, forks)
- Cooking utensils (kitchen knife, spatula, serving spoon, tongs, peeler, skewers)
- Can, bottle, and wine openers
- Cutting board(s)
- Large mixing bowl(s)
- Measuring cups
- Dishwashing bins (2) or collapsible sink
- Dish soap, towels, sponge, scraper
- Food storage bin(s)
- Paper towels
- Aluminum foil
- Trash bags, resealable bags
Hygiene
- Toiletry bag
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
- Shampoo, conditioner
- Camp soap, baby wipes, hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper in re-sealable bag
- Face towel
- Bath towel or pack towel
- Brush or comb
- Lotion
- Deodorant
- Razor and shaving cream
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent
Personal
- Wallet (ID, debit, credit, cash)
- Quarters for pay showers
- Watch
- Alarm clock
- Cell phone and charger
- Key (house, car)
- Camping reservation info
- Sunglasses and sunglasses case
Clothing
Depending on climate and length of trip:
- Synthetic or merino underwear
- Synthetic or merino socks
- Sleeping socks and pajamas
- Synthetic or merino T-shirts
- Synthetic or merino bottoms and long-sleeve shirts
- Hoodie sweatshirt, sweater, or fleece jacket
- Hiking pants/convertible pants, and/or shorts
- Hiking boots or trail shoes
- Rain or wind jacket and pants
- Down or synthetic vest or jacket
- Sun hat, beanie, or bandana
- Camp shoes or flip-flops
- Synthetic or merino underwear
- Sports bras or casual bras
- Synthetic or merino socks
- Sleeping socks and pajamas
- Synthetic or merino T-shirts
- Synthetic or merino bottoms and long-sleeve shirts
- Hoodie sweatshirt, sweater, or fleece jacket
- Hiking pants/convertible pants and/or shorts
- Hiking boots or trail shoes
- Rain or wind jacket and pants
- Down or synthetic vest or jacket
- Sun hat, beanie, or bandana
- Camp shoes or flip-flops
Optional
Depending on space, trip length, and nearby amenities and geography:
- Water purifier or water filtration system
- Collapsible kitchen or stove table(s)
- Trekking poles or walking staff
- Sun shower
- Binoculars or monocular
- “Novelty flying disc”
- Mountain bike and mountain bike gear
- Climbing gear or slackline setup
- Fly fishing gear or reel fishing gear
- Kayak, surfboard, or stand-up paddleboard
- Mosquito nets
- Small broom (for sweeping out tent)
- Work gloves
- Men’s and women's swimsuits
- Beach towels
- Windshirt
- Video camera or camera with spare battery and memory card
- Guidebooks
- Travel board games or cards
- Travel radio or MP3 player with speakers
- Reading material and/or journal
- Pen or pencil
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