The Ultimate Camping Packing List
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
We tested tents, grills, chairs, and more to find the best gear for life in the great outdoors.
Travel + Leisure / David Hattan
Whether to spend quality time with family and friends or just be immersed in nature, camping is a popular pastime for many. Going camping looks different for everyone, from stays in roof-top tents to drive-in campsites and backcountry expeditions, the options abound.
Regardless of your camping style and experience level, packing for an overnight or more in nature takes planning. From waterproof apparel to tents and cooking equipment, we’ve tested and vetted these camping products firsthand so you can prepare for your trip with confidence.
Packing Checklist for a Camping Trip
Whether you’re new to camping or a more experienced camper looking to fine-tune their packing, this camping checklist is a great place to get started. We’ve compiled our top picks for essential camping apparel, footwear, gear, and accessories to enjoy the great outdoors.
Shoes and Apparel
Best Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab 3 Mid
Best Hiking Sandals: Bedrock Cairn Adventure Sandals
Best Water Shoes: DLGJPA Quick-drying Water Shoes
Best Pants: Patagonia Quandry Pants
Best Shirt: REI Co-op Sahara T-shirt
Best Rain Jacket: Marmot Men’s PreCip Eco Jacket
Campsite Essentials
Best Six-person Tent: Marmot Limestone 6-person Tent
Best Four-person Tent: Nemo Aurora Highrise 4-person
Best Two-person Tent: Nemo Dagger Osmo 2
Best Grill: Weber Q12 Gas Grill
Best Chair: Kijaro Dual Lock Chair
Best Lightweight Chair: REI Co-op Flexlite Air
Best Reclining Chair: GCI Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair
Best Cooler: Yeti Roadie 60 Wheeled Cooler
Best Sleeping Bag: Marmot Sawtooth 15
Best Air Mattress: Alps Mountaineering Vertex Queen
Best Cot: Osage River Standard Folding Camping Cot
Best Lantern: LuminAID 2-in-1 Power Lantern
Best First Aid Kit: Breakwater Supply Waterproof Marine First Aid Kit
Accessories
Best Daypack: Gregory Swift 22 H20 Backpack
Best Bug Spray: Off! Active Insect Repellent
Best Sunscreen: Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+
Best Car Roof Carrier: Thule Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Best Duffel Bag: Yeti Crossroads 60L
Best Coffee Maker: Bestargot Titanium French Press
Best Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
T+L's Top Picks and Tips
Apparel and Shoes
The climate and seasonality of your camping trip will help determine what types of apparel and footwear to bring. As a general rule of thumb, preparing for the worst-case scenarios (e.g., unexpected rain or cooler weather) can help salvage your camping trip if things don’t go as planned. “People often focus on the forecast and forget how fickle conditions can be in the great outdoors”, says Julien Heron, Co-founder of Outdoors Generations. Heron recommends packing for both the best and worst weather campers could experience in their neck of the woods. The environment can change quickly, notes Heron, especially when camping in the desert and other arid regions. “Even the hottest and driest places can get precipitation and cold at night, so packing waterproof and warm layers is essential,” says Heron.
The duration of your camping trip and the activities you plan on doing should also factor into what you plan to pack. If you plan to hike or do water sports, packing active footwear and quick-drying shoes, respectively, will come in handy for your trip. For longer camping trips, bringing clothes that are lightweight, packable, and quick-drying can save on space and be worn multiple times.
Best Hiking Boots: Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot achieves an ideal balance of breathability and protection for exploring the outdoors. The boot’s sole is fitted with 5-millimeter lugs for extra grip on wet surfaces and difficult terrain. We love how the boots offer excellent stability and arch support for a secure, comfortable fit. The Kinetic Fit insole contours to the shape of your foot, so there’s hardly any break-in time required with these boots. We were pleasantly surprised how well the Moab 3 Mid kept out moisture and debris on the trail. For bonus points, the boot’s lining and laces are made with recycled materials, helping reduce your environmental footprint.
Price at time of publish: $120
Best Hiking Sandals: Bedrock Sandals Cairn Adventure Sandals
The minimalist Bedrock Cairn Adventure Sandals are tougher and sturdier than they appear at first glance. At 14 millimeters thick, the Vibram XS Trek soles protect the feet from rocks underfoot but are thin enough to stay lightweight and flexible. While their traction is best suited for dry terrain, we found they performed well in wet conditions, too. The Adventure Sandals are equipped with a three-way strap system to achieve a secure fit and reduce pressure points and chafing. For an optimal fit, we recommend sizing up a half-size and then adjusting with the three-point straps. After breaking the straps in, we hardly felt like the sandals were on — a design that Bedrock Cairn has coined as “freedom footwear.”
Price at time of publish: $115
Best Water Shoes: DLGJPA Women’s Quick-Drying Water Shoes
If your camping trip will involve water activities, a reliable pair of water shoes is a must. The DLGJPA Quick-drying Water Shoes have the look and support of a running shoe, but they’re designed with breathable, quick-drying materials to keep your feet comfortable while submerged in water. The rubber outsole has tiny drainage holes interspersed around anti-slip grippers, adding enhanced drying capabilities and stability on wet surfaces. We loved how simple it was to adjust these shoes with a single pull of the elastic shoelace. They come in over 30 colors and are available in a wide range of sizes, from a women’s size 6 to a men’s size 14.
Price at time of publish: $26
Related: The 7 Best Women’s Water Shoes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Lightweight Pants: Patagonia Quandary Pants
Available in both women’s and men’s, these featherweight pants are designed with stretch-woven nylon and spandex for extra mobility while exploring the outdoors. The DWR finish repels water, wicks away sweat, and provides 50+ UPF sun protection. With a weight of 10 ounces and wrinkle-resistant materials, these pants are easy to pack. Both versions of these pants have two front pockets, two back drop-in pockets, and a zippered thick pocket for storing essentials. The Patagonia Quandry Pants are available in sizes 0-22 in women’s and with 28-40-inch waist measurements in men’s.
Price at time of publish: $89
Best Moisture-wicking Shirt: REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt
Constructed with 92 percent polyester and 8 percent spandex, this T-shirt (also available in men’s) is breathable and stretchy for optimal comfort while working up a sweat. Besides wicking away moisture, this shirt offers UPF 30 sun protection so you can spend more time kayaking, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors with less exposure to harmful UV rays. The quick-drying materials also receive antimicrobial treatment to reduce bacteria growth and odor.
Price at time of publish: $21
Best Rain Jacket: Marmot Men’s PreCip Jacket
While most campers hope to avoid rain, it’s a good idea to add a packable rain jacket to your camping checklist just in case. This jacket, which is also available in a women’s cut, weighs a mere 10 ounces and folds into its own pocket for easy transport. Designed with a PFC-free NanoPro membrane and 100 percent recycled ripstop nylon fabric, this jacket delivers rain protection in an eco-friendly fashion. It’s also easy to modify the jacket based on weather conditions — underarm zippers provide ventilation and an adjustable hood folds out of the jacket collar if needed.
Price at time of publish: $90
Related: The 14 Best Women's Rain Jackets of 2023
Campsite Essentials
No matter your camping experience level, being away from home is less familiar territory, and it’s important to decide which campsite essentials you’ll need for a safe and satisfying trip. Whether car camping or exploring backcountry trails, factoring in comfort, durability, and performance is key when choosing gear. Finding an ideal balance will mean that you’ll have gear that’s comfortable enough to enjoy your getaway, will keep you safe from the elements, and can last for many more camping adventures to come.
Besides tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment, camping essentials include items that’ll keep you entertained, help you explore the outdoors, or even provide some creature comforts. If camping with friends, packing waterproof speakers and games can up the fun factor. Other campers may prefer gear to immerse themselves more in nature, such as inflatable kayaks or stand-up paddle boards.
Best Six-person Tent: Marmot Limestone 6-person Tent
If you’re looking to bring the whole gang camping, the Marmot Limestone 6-person Tent has you covered. The floor area spans 82.9 square feet and the vestibule provides another 40.9 square feet of storage area, making for a roomy camping experience. We love that this high-capacity tent is extremely portable and packable in its thin drawstring duffle bag. We also found that the Limestone 6-person is easy to assemble thanks to its color-coded “easy pitch” clips and poles. The pre-bent pole design forms vertical walls for more sleeping area and headroom, which reaches 76 inches at the tent’s peak height. The removable rain fly is vented for airflow — a major plus for preventing a stuffy tent when packed with a half dozen campers. The seam-sealed construction provides assurance that moisture won’t creep inside the Limestone. Given the six-person capacity, the addition of two wide, D-shaped doors is superb for easy in-and-out.
Price at time of publish: $529
Best Four-person Tent: Nemo Aurora Highrise 4 Person Camping Tent
The Nemo Aurora Highrise 4-person is a spacious, well-equipped tent that’s easy to pitch and disassemble. Near-vertical side walls and a peak height of 72 inches help create an expansive interior that’s ideal for camping as a family or making space for pets and gear. To that end, the Aurora Highrise has multiple gear pockets to keep belongings organized, plus Nightlight Pockets that transform your headlamp into a more atmospheric glow by blocking out the blue light. Two large doors fitted with vestibules and door clips make it easy to go in and out at night and stash extra gear. We were impressed by how well the Aurora Highrise held up well against wind despite its height, even without the guylines set up.
Price at time of publish: $500
Best Two-person Tent: Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P Tent
Lightweight, durable, and user-friendly, the Nemo Dagger Osmo 2 provides ample space for camping duos and reliable protection from the elements. It’s made from recycled fabric that avoids the use of PFCs and PFAS in its water-repellent construction. The Dagger Osmo 2 is fitted with two large doors and vestibules on each side, making it easy to store gear separately and get up to use the bathroom at night without disturbing others. There are also interior pockets and loops for stashing belongings and hanging a lantern. Between the expansive mesh canopy and the clips for holding the doors open, the tent has excellent ventilation, even with the rain fly attached. Thanks to color-coded poles, clips, and loops, setting up the Dagger Osmo 2 is a fast and straightforward process. The tent comes with a Divvy Cube rectangular stuff sack, which helps campers divide the tent components and share the weight in an organized fashion.
Price at time of publish: $530
Related: The Best Backpacking Tents for Every Budget and Adventure, Tested
Best Grill: Weber Q 1200 Portable Gas Grill
The portable, compact design and solid performance of the Weber Q1200 Gas Grill lets you bring the comforts of a homemade meal to your campsite. The grill features a porcelain-enameled cast iron grate that retains heat and provides ample cooking space. We love that the Q1200 Gas Grill is designed with a burner that spans all the way around the cooking surface for even heat disbursement. It’s also convenient and easy to use thanks to folding side tables, an integrated lid thermometer, electric ignition, and a removable catch pan for grease. We found the temperature knobs to be very responsive and precise in adjusting the cooking surface temperature, which reached up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit during our testing.
Price at time of publish: $259
Best Chair: Kijaro Dual Lock Chair
The Kijaro Dual Lock Camping Chair delivers campsite comfort and convenience with its over-sized design and numerous amenities. Its dual lock allows the seat to stay securely folded up for easy transport and lock open when in use. The durable ripstop fabric seat remains taut and supportive, while the mesh seatback ensures air flow so campers can sit comfortably for hours around the fire. Together, these features make the Dual Lock Chair incredibly sturdy, with a max weight capacity of 300 pounds. The highly supportive chair also includes two cup holders in the armrests, a zippered pocket for stashing valuables, and a mesh cell phone pouch.
Price at time of publish: $45
Related: The Best Camping Chairs of 2023, Tested by Outdoor Experts
Best Lightweight Chair: REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair
If you need to haul your gear or prefer minimalist travel, the REI Co-op Flexlite Air’s 1-pound design is hard to beat. Though the seating position is a bit low to the ground, it delivers a comfortable seat by cradling the sit bones and lower back without feeling too rigid. It’s made with an aluminum frame and a water-repellent ripstop nylon that supports a 250-pound max weight capacity. The Flexlite Air is intuitive to set up. Simply connect the legs and frame like you would with tent poles before slipping the seat over and securing the pole ends into the built-in pockets. Note that the ultralight design comes at the cost of convenience-oriented features like cup holders.
Price at time of publish: $100
Best Reclining Chair: GCI Outdoors Zero Gravity Recliner
The GCI Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair offers versatile seating options for ultimate relaxation while taking in the outdoors. The mesh backrest and seat provide excellent airflow and allow the Zero Gravity Chair to quickly dry out if it downpours. The adjustable, padded headrest and armrests mean that your whole body stays supported while lounging. The Zero Gravity Chair has two seating modes: Freeform and Zero Gravity. The former functions like a recliner, using a handle to raise and lower the legs, whereas Zero Gravity Mode lets the chair recline further to a weightless position. In either mode, the chair locks into place for safety once you’ve dialed in the ideal position. The chair comes with cup holders and a phone pocket, making it easy to stay in reclined comfort longer. Keep in mind that with a weight of 17.5 pounds and no carry strap, the Zero Gravity Chair may not be the best option if you have to haul gear some distance to your camping site.
Price at time of publish: $110
Best Cooler: Yeti Roadie 60 Wheeled Cooler
Choosing a cooler that keeps provisions both fresh and safe from wildlife is essential. The Yeti Roadie 60 Wheeled Cooler is a durable, highly insulated model that’s up to the task. The hard-sided cooler is designed with puncture-resistant materials, twin latches, and insulation that can hold ice for days. The Roadie is capable of holding 53 cans with ice, making it a great option for large groups and extended camping trips. There’s also a dry goods basket to safely stow provisions that you don’t want to get wet as ice melts. Though it has an unpacked weight of 29 pounds, we found the cooler to be incredibly mobile, even on challenging terrain, thanks to its Telescoping Periscope handle and NeverFlat wheels.
Price at time of publish: $500
Related: The 11 Best Coolers for Every Occasion
Best Sleeping Bag: Marmot Sawtooth 15 Sleeping Bag
The Marmot Sawtooth 15 is packed with smart features to enhance camping comfort and stay warm in the outdoors. The 650-fill-power down traps your body heat and kept us plenty warm during five nights of mid-40s temperatures. The Sawtooth 15’s dual-side half zippers allow excellent temperature control, and when fully unzipped, function more like a blanket in place of a mummy-style sleeping bag. We love how comfort is prioritized throughout the design, including wider areas at the shoulders and hips plus a footbox zipper for extra space. The multi-season sleeping bag can handle temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. (This level of performance may not be the most cost-effective if you're camping exclusively in warmer climates. Check out more of our favorite sleeping bags for heat-friendly options.)
Price at time of publish: $299
Best Air Mattress: ALPS Mountaineering Vertex Queen Air Bed
The Alps Mountaineering Vertex Queen is portable, easy to set up, and plush enough to make you forget you’re sleeping on the ground. The queen mattress weighs just 6.4 pounds and includes its own carrying case for convenient transport. Inflating and deflating the Alps mattress takes just a few minutes due to its powerful pump, which can run on its internal rechargeable battery or a car or wall outlet. It is designed with air coils to evenly support weight and avoid pressure on contact points. We were impressed that the mattress showed no signs of air loss after a night’s sleep. This, plus the durable polyester exterior, gave us confidence that the Alps mattress will last for years to come.
Price at time of publish: $180
Best Cot: Osage River Standard Folding Camping Cot
If roughing it on the ground isn’t your thing, leveling up to a camping cot can improve your comfort and support. The Osage River Standard Folding Camping Cot features heavy-duty 600D PVC-coated polyester, carbon steel legs, and flat plastic feet for a durable, sturdy design that won’t sink into the ground. It measures 28 x 75 inches and rises 18.5 inches off the ground, providing a sizable sleeping surface and space below for stowing gear and belongings. We love how easy it is to transport the cot in its carry bag, which packs up to roughly the size of a folding chair.
Price at time of publish: $63
Related: The 9 Best Camping Air Mattresses of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Lantern: LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 Power Lantern
Leave the batteries at home — this solar-powered lantern can charge itself and any of your USB-compatible devices. There are five brightness settings, with the highest (turbo) emitting 150 lumens of bright LED light and low mode providing up to 50 hours of illumination. The lantern is made with durable, waterproof materials that are 100 percent PVC-free. Adjustable straps make it easy to hang the PackLite lantern on a branch or in your tent. When inflated, the cubic lantern measures six inches in all directions and packs down to just an inch tall for easy transport. Recharging from an empty battery takes 12 to 14 hours of direct outdoor sunlight or under two hours by traditional outlet via the USB cord.
Price at time of publish: $50
Best First Aid Kit: Breakwater Supply Waterproof Marine First Aid Kit
Preparing for the unexpected is a good rule of thumb when camping. The Breakwater Supply Waterproof Marine First Aid Kit packs the necessary supplies for treating minor cuts to more serious trauma, as well as staying safe in on-the-water emergencies. The kit is safely stored in a waterproof dry bag, providing peace of mind that supplies will withstand a capsize and the elements. The Waterproof Marine First Aid Kit is designed with a bright red exterior, making it easy to find among your camp gear.
Price at time of publish: $40
Accessories
In addition to the apparel and camping essentials outlined above, you’ll also want to make room for accessories. Items like sunscreen and bug spray are critical to stay safe and protected when you’re outside. Some campers may also want a daypack for offsite adventures, or a car roof carrier to pack gear and essentials when traveling with multiple passengers.
Best Daypack: Gregory Women's Swift 22 H20 Backpack
The Gregory Swift 22 H20 Backpack is an optimal size for stashing essentials and provisions for long-lasting comfort on a day trip. We love the backpack’s generous padding along the back panel and straps as well as the adjustable straps. It includes trekking pole loops for technical trail hikes and a front panel bungee system for stashing an extra layer in case of rain. The H20 Backpack comes with a 3D Hydro reservoir (hence the H20) to stay hydrated on the trail. When you’re not exploring the outdoors, the backpack’s hydration compartment can double as a laptop sleeve to convert it to a weekend or commuter bag.
Price at time of publish: $130
Best Bug Spray: Off! Active Insect Repellent
While summer offers ideal weather for camping, it’s also when we need to be most proactive against bugs like mosquitoes and ticks. Packing an effective bug spray like Off! Active Insect Repellent is your best bet to ward off harmful bugs and pests. Made with DEET, this aerosol spray protects against mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats, ticks, chiggers, and fleas. We love how it absorbs into the skin easily without leaving a residue or chemical scent.
Price at time of publish: $53 for pack of 12
Best Sunscreen: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Sunscreen SPF 50 +
The lightweight formula of Bioré's UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence makes it a great choice for all skin types. It absorbs easily without leaving a white cast, and, most importantly, it's reliable for preventing sunburn. It’s worth noting that this ultra-smooth sunscreen does contain octinoxate, which is banned from use in Hawaii and some other coastal destinations due to its impact on coral reefs.
Price at time of publish: $10
Related: The 9 Best Bug Sprays of 2023
Best Car Roof Carrier: Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier
The Thule Rooftop Cargo Carrier offers a spacious and secure location to store camping supplies as well as skis and winter sports gear the other half of the year. It employs a contoured, aerodynamic design that’s both visually pleasing and practical. Assembling the carrier is intuitive and straightforward — it only took us 20 minutes to set up. Both the PowerClick mounting system and SideLock lid closure audibly click to let you know it’s securely locked in place. And the carrier’s forward position on the car roof ensures that the trunk door can open without obstruction.
Price at time of publish: $1,050
Best Duffel Bag: Yeti Crossroads 60L Duffel Bag
Unless you’re planning to traverse backcountry trails, a backpack isn’t the only option for packing up camping gear. The Yeti Crossroads 60L provides handy organization, multiple straps, and a durable, structured design that make it perfect for camping trips. The bag exterior is made with 700D nylon that is both water-resistant and abrasion-resistant. The Crossroads 60L incorporates two divider panels to form three sections for separating gear and apparel, plus smaller pockets for valuables and smaller items. It’s incredibly portable, with three handles and a detachable shoulder strap for carrying.
Price at time of publish: $250
Best Coffee Maker: Bestargot Titanium Camping French Press
The Bestargot Titanium French Press is a durable and versatile appliance for preparing morning coffee. The press’s titanium design allows it to be placed directly over a heat source to bring water to a boil, cutting down on equipment needed to make a cup of joe. This means it can be used to heat up other liquids, such as soup or water for rice. It also forgoes the need to bring measuring cups, as the side of the three-cup is engraved with measuring marks.
Price at time of publish: $35
Best Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
Headlamps offer a hands-free way to see in the dark, which comes in handy when doing camp chores and spotting tree roots on nighttime bathroom runs. The Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp delivers excellent brightness (400 lumens), waterproof construction, and a range of brightness settings suited for camping. Proximity mode produces a softer beam for up-close tasks, while the spot and red light settings illuminate the trail ahead and help maintain night vision, respectively. On low, the Spot 400 lasts up to 200 hours, making it great for multi-day trips. And weighing in at 2.7 ounces with batteries, it’s comfortable to wear and easy to transport.
Price at time of publish: $50
What to Know Before You Pack for a Camping Trip
Research environmental risks
Being mindful of environmental risks, such as wildlife and natural hazards, is key when packing for camping and setting up camp. If camping in an area with bears, a secure cooler is a must to safeguard your provisions and yourself. In terms of weather-related risks, packing a waterproof tent, extra layers of clothing, and an insulated sleeping bag is recommended to protect yourself from the elements.
Carefully check campground regulations
Campsites often have regulations about what you can bring and the activities you can do. For example, sites in areas prone to wildfires may prohibit campfires, so packing a camp stove or grill will be required for cooking. Campgrounds may also institute bans on generators or quiet hours that limit their use, so being prepared with battery chargers and packing equipment that can run without power may be necessary.
Leave no trace
As we enjoy the outdoors, it’s important to be conscious of where we set up camp and our impact on the environment. Cutting down on the number of disposable items you pack can help minimize waste and the risk that anything gets left behind. Setting up your tent and campsite on durable surfaces where there’s no vegetation is another best practice to avoid harming ecosystems and species that can take years to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I not pack for camping?
Some things are better left at home when you go camping. “Finding the balance between overpacking and underpacking while also being prepared for whatever conditions you might face during your camping trip is a skill that takes time to develop,” notes Heron.
Electronics and valuables that could be easily damaged or lost will be safer at home. Campgrounds may also restrict certain items, like drones or fireworks, so it’s best to check regulations beforehand. Overpacking is also a common mistake that even applies to camping essentials, as this can add extra time and effort to transport, especially on backpacking camping trips.
What are the best places to go camping?
There’s no shortage of scenic places to go camping, but the best places to go camping will depend on your personal preferences. For instance, whether you want to kayak, go rock climbing, or simply sit back and enjoy natural beauty is something to consider. Additionally, the types of amenities offered like bathrooms, potable water, and electricity vary by campsite.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Kevin Brouillard is a contributing writer at T+L, specializing in outdoor gear and apparel. His work has been published in TripSavvy, Jetsetter, and Oyster, and he served in the Peace Corps in Cambodia for two years. He used his experience with outdoor adventure as well as thorough research and tips from experts in compiling this list of what to pack for a camping trip.
Related: The Best Backpacking Backpacks for Every Adventurer
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
