Camping in Canada is an exciting experience you would want to have. Imagine the thrills you get when you go camping. Your comfort and luxury are dependent on your camping checklist, camping site, duration and season of the year. Some individuals go camping with their luxury RVs and other exotic items. While this is a good choice, there are essential items you’ll need for camping. Are you planning a camping trip soon? Do you have an idea of what you’ll need for your trip? Here is a comprehensive list of over 100 camping gear required for your trip.
List of Camping Gear
Reservations and Documentations
- Safety kit
- Weather forecast
- Boating license
- Fishing permit
- ID
- Cash/credit card
Packing
This checklist encompasses various packs and bags, which creates convenience and versatility. The items allow for easy packing and transport. Let’s consider the packing items:
- Hiking backpack
With your bag strapped to your back, you can easily climb cliffs or scramble up a trail with your hands. Hiking backpacks have been around for years, and they’re the go-to for your travels.
- Dry bags
Suitable for outdoor activities, dry bags are light, flexible backpacks that can withstand sudden impacts and wears. They’re pretty easier to carry than plastic storage containers.
- Bear-resistant bag/canister
Are you visiting the woods? A bear-resistant bag might come in handy. You can hang your food or basic needs like toothpaste, towel, etc., on it. Have it hanged 10 to 15 feet high so bears and critters won’t gain access to it.
- Cooler or ice packs
If you enjoy eating fresh foods on camping trips, you will find cooler useful. Using ice or cold packs, you can preserve perishable foods and keep drinks cool.
- Food barrel and harness
Are you going on a hiking or canoeing trip for a long time with no access to a vehicle? You might want to consider a food barrel. Food barrels are water resistant and bear-resistant, allowing ample storage of food. Compared to bear bags, they’re usually left on the ground at least 200 feet from your campsite or hard surfaces.
Navigation
- Phone
Ensure your phone is GPS enabled for easy navigation when you’re lost in the woods.
- Waterproof phone case
Your phone can get exposed to elements that can alter its functions, hence use a waterproof phone case. You’ll need your phone for navigation, research and reaching your contacts.
- Flashlight
You never can tell when you’ll have to search for your pyjamas or find your way at night hence the importance of a flashlight.
- Maps/Guides
Get the correct map for directions. Ask park information centres or outfitters for an informative map.
- Headlamp
This promotes convenience as you won’t need to hold a light source as you move around. There are various headlamps on the market. Choose the right one.
- Trekking poles
These help in exercising the upper body and protecting the knees as you walk downhill. They promote stability on rough and slippery trails.
- Power Bank
If your campsite doesn’t receive adequate electricity and you’ll be there for a given time, you should consider a backup power source for your phone when the battery life is down.
- Lantern
Are you looking for a large energy source? A lantern will be an ideal option. Unlike flashlights and headlamps, a lantern is best suited for playing games at the table at night. It can also be hanged on a tree to give light to the campsite.
- Apps
Download apps for hiking trails and topographic maps. This will enable you to navigate through the campsite.
Shelter
- Camping tent
Are you hiking, camping or paddling? You’ll need a tent. According to the rule of thumb, tent size should accommodate one more person besides the actual number of adults. The camping tent should also be well ventilated for convenience and comfort.
- Ground Sheet/Doormat
Most tents are lined underneath with tarp-like materials. Due to its durable feature, the groundsheet prevents scraping and puncturing in tents.
- Camping table and chair
Suitable for eating, cooking, doing the laundry and playing games.
- Clothesline and pegs
Clothesline makes it easy to set up a line between trees. Though you can use a rope, it’s pretty difficult to set it up as you’ll need to learn how to knot. Secure your tarp or tent with pegs.
Sleeping
- Sleeping Bag
Except it’s a smooth surface, a sleeping bag makes a huge difference. It provides comfort, insulates your body against cold and keeps you cozy at night.
- Sheets/blankets
Are you car camping? Why not bring sheets and blankets for comfort and coziness.
Other Important camping gear
- Camping hammock
- Glasses and contacts
- Hat
- Bathing suit
- Short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts
- Jacket
- Rain jacket
- Pants
- Shorts
- Pyjamas
- Socks
- Shoes
- Underwear
- Hiking boots
- Sandals
- Rain boots
- Gloves
- Paddling gloves
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Dental floss
- Soap
- Portable shower
- Shampoo
- Razor/shaving cream
- Comb
- Nail clippers
- First aid
- Thermometer
- Medication and ointment
- Earplug
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Dry towel
- Bear spray
- Moisturizer/lip balm
- Mirror
- Facial wipes
- Camping stove
- Biodegradable bags
- Firewood/charcoal
- Fuel
- Firestarter
- Campfire grill grate
- Pots and pans with lids
- Corkscrew
- Grater
- Cutting board
- Cooking utensils
- Tableware
- Napkins
- Cooking oil
- Condiments
- Spices
- Coffee maker
- Kettle
- Biodegradable dish soap
- Dishcloth
- Drying rack
- Dishpan
- Life jackets
- Rope/twine
- Bungee cords
- Garbage bags
- Duct tape
- Aluminum foil
- Sewing kit
- Safety pins
- Mallet
- Axe
- Dustpan and broom
- Water bottles
- Water jug
- Camera
- Camera case
- Camera batteries
- Batteries
- Memory cards
- Fishing rod
- Bikes and helmets
- Binoculars
- Beach umbrella
- Sports equipment
- Games
- Portable speaker
- Books
- Musical instrument
- Radio
What’s your favourite camping gear? Did we miss any equipment? Do let us know in the comments.