What To Pack Camping (Weekend Checklist)

Here’s an expanded Google Doc of the camping packing list from the video. As I mentioned, this is for a weekend car camping trip and I’ve tried to make it comprehensive, so if you think something is missing on this list, let me know and I can update it for future viewers. Happy camping :)
docs.google.com/document/d/1-...

[@luvtoolearn]

Nice list, as a long time camper, I also like to condense down, prep in advance and bring items that have multiple use...an example, I chop all my veggies and prep the food in advance and carry it in ziplocks in a cooler. Also, instead of bringing large spice containers, I use a pill container (the square ones that have a spot for each day of the week and put a different spice in each section, so like salt in monday, italian seasoning in tuesday, etc. so that it minimizes having to bring multiple containers. It has also been extremely helpful to bring a few beach towels. It can be great if someone falls in water, swimming, gets wet, for cooking and also can be used under the sleeping bags for added padding or even in the evening as extra layers. I also bring a small hatchet or saw for firewood, a whistle in case someone gets lost, extra batteries. Always bring extra water even if a campsite says there is water available.

[@OurGoldRoad]

We like to prep our food before our trip so we can spend more time relaxing.

[@Skittl1321]

@@OurGoldRoad I never prepped food because I usually brought scouts camping and it would keep them busy if it took forever to prepare meals!

[@jefurait3191]

@@OurGoldRoad it depends on. i used to consider camp cooking as a sort of enjoyment. 😎

[@tlsnana9539]

I know this may sound like overkill, but, this year, I’m dehydrating precooked pasta - saves time and fuel when cooking at campsite.

[@Itsmelavonde]

Thanks for the added information. Going on my very first solo camping trip this weekend...

[@bryanabingart7362]

We freeze tap water in empty milk jugs. Prevents us from having wet melted ice everywhere, and provides drinking water as it melts since most of the places my family goes don’t have running water or facilities.

[@littlecampfires]

Nice - that’s a good tip.

[@jennikj225]

I went camping for the first time this week, and for extra peace of mind about being alone, I got a small $15 bike alarm. The alarm is triggered when it gets moved (there are different sensitivity settings), so I attached it to a sturdy lawn chair and I put it right in front of my tent door and armed it when I was ready to go to sleep, or when I went on long afternoon hikes. Never a bad idea to have a little extra security, especially if you're alone.

[@mayapapayuh]

This is such an amazing idea, thank you for sharing this!

[@kimberlyc84]

I thought about our unused TSA locks or $tree padlocks for our tent zippers when we're on a hike & away from the site. (By connecting the outer to the inner zipper so no matter what is unzipped, it's still a solid panel. I know someone could just basically pull/cut it to get inside, but it's our first time after becoming empty nesters and we're set for a national park site. At least it would be some kind of deterrent to others. Maybe, maybe not. Then again, they might think there's that much more valuable stuff inside...(I'd still hate to have our foam floormat and my bunny slippers swiped 🙄 that's all I've got.)

[@Jennifer-vw1yb]

A collapsible bucket is a must. Practice campfire safety by keeping a bucket of water accessible to, 1) put your fire out when you're done and 2) in case there are errant sparks that can ignite outside a fire ring. I fill mine to clean dishes, hands, or utensils while cooking then put the bucket with that water near the fire pit. As a former USDA National Forest, Forestry Technician it amazes me how many people don't fully extinguish their campfires or keep water nearby in case something goes wrong. Even in a metal ring pit all those embers need is a good breeze to become airborne and start smoking. As tinder dry as many of our forests are in the summer it's so important to practice campfire safety. I keep a gallon of non-potable water in my car just for the water bucket. When it's dirty, just dump it in the waste water area or throw it a good distance away from your campsite.

[@ivanalvarado7698]

Yup as a firefighter I always keep my tent as far as possible from the fire pit, have a 5 gallon water container and a bucket, every night make sure to throw water on the fire pit no matter if it seems like the fire is out

[@phyllojoe5346]

It really is surprising how comfortable people are with fires. Growing up in California, having water ready was a rule at many campsites, and buckets were even provided to fill and have near the ring. All it takes is one poorly maintained campfire to burn thousands of acres :(

[@sonyaw.1040]

Great thanks

[@talmadgemew5400]

I have one: paper towels. For quick clean ups and small spills. Also, add some of your cooking oil to one to help start a campfire (especially with damp materials). The oil will burn for a while to help get the rest going.

[@MrsSmith1968]

Towels - old bath towels or shop towels, for drying things off if it rains, cleaning up spills, etc. Leave them in the truck until needed. I also have a small tool bag that holds my hatchet, a small hack saw, multi-tool/knife, small plyers, 2 screw drivers (st/ph), small can of WD-40, duct tape, binder clips, couple carabiners, etc. This also stays in truck until needed.

[@BlueCoati]

I would suggest, instead of just regular dishsoap, use Camp Suds! It is biodegradeable soap which is way better for the environment if you need to dump out the soapy water on the ground after dishes! I'm pretty sure you can also wash your hands with it, and you usually only need like a drop cause it goes a long way!

[@littlecampfires]

Nice one - I’ve used Camp Suds. Whether I use it or not depends on where I’m camping. If I’m at a campsite with a sink at the toilet/shower house, then I’ll just dump the dish water in that sink. Making any type of dish soap fine. But to your point, if you need to dump the water on the ground, then it’s much better to use something biodegradable.

[@BlueCoati]

@@littlecampfires oh yeah that's true! I didn't think of that! 👍

[@ivanalvarado7698]

Also guys for those in bear contry , always always keep all food inside your vehicle , get rid of garbage every night or put it side the vehicle , no snacks in the tent and bear spray close by !

[@usererror5247]

THE GOOGLE DOC IS AMAZING. thank you so much!! going camping for my first time and I'm nervous!

[@justpain365]

Thank you for taking the time to go through so much detail, it's really nice to know there's people like you out there that can be thoughtful for other people's needs. When you mentioned cards it made me think of my Domino's I bring LOL. Good video

[@littlecampfires]

Thanks - I love camping and like the idea of helping other people get started with it. Cheers.

[@cuddlybare]

Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh2²

[@cuddlybare]

🥲

[@tlsnana9539]

When my kids were young, I started packing in milk crates. Perfect for kiddie stools but could also stack a couple sideways to make shelves.

[@LastRites47]

As a completely beginner camper I appreciate your content so much. Hope the channel continues to grow and gets the attention it deserves!!

[@littlecampfires]

Thanks, Dave!

[@Itsmelavonde]

I second that!! 😊

[@uwinwin2]

As a new camper, I'm very appreciative of your videos. Thanks!

[@expressivepets1]

Excellent vid. Thank you. Women / Moms might want to consider taking a whistle. Whistles are easy to use to alert to danger of an attack. Some wildlife can be scared away using a whistle; giving the camper time to make an escape. I also give each of the kids a whistle to use to alert if they need help. I use instant light charcoal, instead of fire starters. I buy the tiny, manageable bag at Target. I use just a few brickets; lights instantly, super fast and effortless. I have wood piled on top...easy-peasy.

[@redoak3809]

Great list! Some additional items... extra tent stakes and/or different types for different conditioins, 5-6 nesting dish pans for a system of washing, rinsing, and storing dishes, extra batteries for headlamp and extra flashlight, tourniquet, folding saw, whistle, shoes/flip flops for camp in addition to hiking shoes, can opener, pop-up tarp, plastic table cloth with clips for picnic table, frisbee, fishing pole and gear, water pistols

[@frugalmum7943]

In Australia, car camping refers to sleeping in your car, the car replaces the need for a tent. Camping near the car so you don't have to carry items far, is generally the default. So 'camping'. Hiking to location is called backpacking or overnight or multinight hiking.

[@vlvchii]

The only thing I could think of that you missed was a small manual can opener. I like the ones that have a bottle opener on the other side but if I am going light weight I will take a GI can opener. Canned foods are something I use a lot camping cause it is just easier for me. The only down side is the time I had forgot a can opener and had to stab a can with my knife which dulled up the knife and it was just bad lol. But over all this was a great video! I'm taking my kids camping this weekend for the first time ever and I am weirdly nervous about it, but this video helped me to create my camp packing list. THANKS SO MUCH!

[@littlecampfires]

Glad you liked the video - and have fun camping! For the can opener, I often will just rely on my Swiss Army Knife, which has a can opener tool.

[@96flash1]

You have such an under rated channel. Lots of great information here!

[@littlecampfires]

Thanks - so nice of you to say!

[@malcoexclamation]

Thanks Jon - Great video. Even though I reckon I'm an experienced camper, I always look at these videos for tips and ideas to add to my list. I'm glad to see that just about every item mentioned I take along on my camps - plus extra stuff I need for hiking. One item you mentioned will now go on my list - a hatchet to replace my tent peg hammer. Definitely a multi-purpose tool. One essential I think is missing is simply a notebook and pen. Whenever I realize I'm missing something, or I get an idea to improve my comfort, or I see someone else's great idea, I jot it down for my next trip.

[@OurGoldRoad]

I agree. Even us experienced campers can learn a thing or two.

[@destinationchanging2180]

I won a free weekend of camping at an Indiana State Park. Going weekend of July 10. I've honestly never been camping before. This video is excellent for noobs like me. PS - Who's the DB that clicked on Dislike?! What?!

[@littlecampfires]

Awesome - I made the video for folks just like you. Have fun camping, and check out my “camping for beginners” playlist if you have other questions. You’ll probably find something that covers it there.

[@6myra6]

I am going camping tomorrow for the first time and this list was so useful! Thanks so much.

[@littlecampfires]

Thanks Myra - that’s great to hear. When I made these videos I was hoping to help people like you who are just getting started. Have fun on your adventure!

[@Jax4umalta]

Just found your channel... cant wait to binge watch your stuff. Like what I see so far.

[@ColeChance]

Thanks so much for sharing this list! So helpful. We’re going to use it for our first-ever camping trip as soon as it’s warm enough!

[@bethanyfarrington6851]

Thank you so much. I am going camping this weekend for the first time in a long time and should have planned farther in advance. Thank you for the great tips.

[@mahirajsinhrathod1523]

Impressive in depth video of things you wouldn’t think of normally. Great work and thank you man. Saved me so much trouble haha💯

[@emaleemyer7521]

This was the most helpful video ever! I’m just getting into camping and really needed a starting point. Thanks so much!

[@chirogirl67550]

Hey, thanks for the list…you just made my first camping trip a whole lot easier. Good video…such a nice personality.

[@JP34668]

I have a campsite camping trip this February here in New Port Richey Florida. First Timer Here. Thanks for this video.

[@traceyfreda5197]

Wow! What a great comprehensive video and list! Thank you so much. I feel much more confident about my trip.

[@littlecampfires]

Awesome! Glad it helped!

[@codyrawiri-pettit5526]

This is a good video. I'm glad I came across this! I might add that having wet wipes for an emergency or hygiene works also if you do not have a shower available, and an E-shovel for makeshift sink/bathroom.

[@dishavictor5220]

I went for camping for the first time last weekend and your videos helped me a lot in so many aspects. Thank you so much!

[@marieknight4254]

How did it go? I'd love to go camping but am apprehensive - I dont know why!

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Good job mate. My personal observations from doing a lot of camping is.... 1. I have never found myself thinking "I brought too many small plastic bags and trash bags" 2. I always regret not taking a racing spoon (a plastic spoon tied around my neck for quick and easy eating when someone offers you food) 3. I ALWAYS take a Swiss Army Knife. A can becomes a cooker, a stick becomes a tent peg, that bottle of wine gets opened. Everything is better with a SAK. 4. Wet Wipes. Contact lenses, covid, needing a tent wash .... a packet is heavier than you think, but worth the 300-500grammes weight. You can do an astronaut-bath in your tent, sterilise stuff because wuhan-flu, and if you might be in the cradle of filth, but you can still safely deal with contact lenses with a bit of care and a packet of wet wipes. I travel a LOT lighter than you .... but I will admit that I am jealous of your cot.

[@snickerzzzb.m9276]

You forgot sunscreen ;) loved your list, and I'll add something else.. Take a hola hoop, sew a towel around- you'll know what to do with it, when you'll need it 😉

[@Yakarash]

Thats quite smart

[@JesusistheonetrueGod]

Uh, what do you do when you need it? I couldn't figure it out.

[@lindsaybartels3055]

@@JesusistheonetrueGodto change your clothes or privacy if there is a bucket for relieving yourself!

[@JesusistheonetrueGod]

@@lindsaybartels3055 Ah, thank you. I'm a city boy with little applicable knowledge.

[@vanessac3885]

Great video!!! I’m going camping for the first time and this was really helpful

[@caseywallace2240]

CAN OPENER!! Ive forgot it more times than i care to say..

[@harleycarousel5060]

If I may second that great idea: one (or 2) of those little military can openers. I keep one on my keychain and a few times came to the rescue when someone didn't bring, or couldn't find their can opener.

[@kratino]

I'm going to try to buy only cans with pop-tops.

[@ivanalvarado7698]

Great list, always make sure to put your tent as far as possible from the fire pit as your campsite will allow, always put water on that fire every night , here in Alberta gets cold at night even in summer so proper sleeling bag is a must and extra blanket. I always bring my Oodie ( wearable blanket) and good sleeping bag and that does the trick. But no not just put your sleeping bag on the ground, it gets cold .. always have a layer in between. Hapoy camping guys !

[@andreawilson81]

New subscriber here. Thanks for covering many areas! I appreciate all the details!

[@XxdipstcklovrxX]

im going camping for the first time in october. love your videos!! thank you for these!

[@mariaagelonitis465]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful Camping List. Much appreciated 🌹

[@alathenasidericus]

You can leave a lot of those things at home if you « prepare » your food first (like cutting the carrots and putting them in ziplocks)

[@littlecampfires]

True - I could imagine that being a smart way to prepare. Personally though, prepping and cooking is part of the camp experience to me.

[@alathenasidericus]

For me it’s mostly a necessity. My car is too small to put all that stuff in it. ;)

[@plugg440]

Awesome! Thanks for for sharing the list.

[@erinnutt1220]

Great list!!! Thank you for sharing

[@ladybugmom10]

Definitely a cot! I’m 50 and refuse to sleep on the ground anymore. Just can’t do it at my age.

[@aaronpat123]

For hammer use a roofing hammer.The backside is flat so you can use to dislodge stakes or pull up.

[@bigwoody660]

Brilliant video...I'm a newbie..and this has been very helpful... fantastic 👍

[@KJ-yq5gm]

Great video, you did an amazing job!

[@maddybru621]

Thinking about camping and it’s so much to buy, but I guess it is worth it, one time fee and a bunch of fun afterwards

[@littlecampfires]

Consider borrowing some of the gear to get started. For example, you might know somebody who wouldn’t mind you borrowing their tent and stove for a weekend. Good luck!

[@sonyaw.1040]

Sounds expensive starting out😅 but once you got it, you got it. My sister brings a ton of stuff so I show up with cash to donate to the cause😅.

[@monicajay2406]

Be creative. Most items can be found in your home. Add to your collection as needed.

[@kratino]

Goodwill and Facebook Marketplace! It's fun bargain-hunting.

[@lifepresent3183]

🙂Good music. I always loved camping

[@michaeldejesus7418]

Cheers mate. Very very helpful content

[@habituallinestepper8839]

Very Thorough , nice job.

[@kristinasmith6633]

Wow! So helpful! Thank you!

[@linneathomas7118]

This was a great video👍🏻

[@smallpotato1282]

Take a fan if it is summer

[@habituallinestepper8839]

Make sure to use biodegradable soap suds or something. Or properly dispose of your gray water but nice list. 👍😁

[@haniape]

Thanks a lot! You're awesome!

[@michawitkowski5576]

Thank you for this video!

[@junglejota2]

Great list

[@JayFan97]

Very helpful thank you!

[@kevinwisdom6283]

LOL, I always take Harbor Freight knee pads for setting up tent.

[@musicalmarion]

Don't forget the Dog Food and bowls/Pet equipment !

[@henrygarcia6078]

Very informative, thank you

[@JakeB0079]

The toilet paper and hand sanitizer make a great fire starter if everything is soaked outside. Take a wad of the toilet paper and stuff it into the tube, leaving some paper on the roll still. Dump the sanitizer in the tube and light it from the bottom. It'll go like a rocket but without lift off 😂😂😂

[@kimberlyc84]

I would also suggest to have a tarp to put between the ground and your tent. You can try and clear away as much debris as possible, but I still like the idea of a tarp or two that spans the underside of my tent especially if it rains then the underside of your tent does not get soaked and consequently soak up what's on the ground.

[@lisaacevedo6949]

Thank you! I go camping maybe once a year but my family is growing and my mom brain makes me forget what to pack so this was a great refresher!

[@morganash6358]

appreciate it!! very helpful!

[@debbiesurman7166]

Great video Thanks now subscribed love frm Scotland xx

[@saetmusic]

Very helpful video! If you're washing or taking a shower, did you mention bringing a bath towel and a hand towel?

[@littlecampfires]

A towel can be good to bring. I sometimes bring one and sometimes not. I typically won’t shower for a short weekend trip (if you shower on Friday before leaving and again when you get home on Sunday, you’re only missing one day). However, if I’m going to the beach or I know I’m going to get really dirty, I usually will bring shower stuff, including a towel.

[@jenniferyoo8672]

Thanks!

[@garykieffer5400]

Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelfondaw6752]

I was already enjoying the vibe, the list got the sub and alerts, you got the thumb for reminding me to pack the TP! I just stumbled across your content, do you do any *non-sponsered* equipment reviews?

[@littlecampfires]

Hey Michael - thanks! And yep, you might like the non-sponsored tent reviews I’ve done this summer. You can find them in my “tent reviews” playlist. I’m also working on a camping chair round up (also non sponsored) which should come out in the next couple weeks. Cheers!

[@markkingsley7439]

Dude your awesome 😃

[@DennisTurbay]

Cool! Thanks a lot!

[@ThatWhichISee]

Where did you find your small Coleman stove? I have never seen it before.... I thought, no my mom thought I brought along too much gear for my weekend trip. Well I brought just enough if I compare my gear to your. Thanks for the check list.

[@Kwood10]

When I go on a weekend camping for food I bring beef jerky/protein bars /bananas/chips/nuts ,gives me a break from cooking

[@littlecampfires]

I have eaten all of those things on camping/backpacking trips. And now it’s making me hungry :) Happy camping!

[@ashleycampbell2266]

Yes!! This is camping ❤️

[@manie54321]

Thank You 🙏🏽 😊

[@anonymouse960]

You are helpful😊👍

[@frankhupp1572]

Add dish drawer and 2 plastic tubs,1 for washing dishes and 1 for rinsing.

[@dadcochran852]

Enjoying your videos. I use to camp and camp a lot when I was younger. Even on the creek bank using a log as a fire. Then I got married and had kids and our camping went to a few times a year. Now that the kids are 17 and 20 and wife and I are a bit older now. This weekend it will be just the wife and I in a rented cabin at the lake. So looking forward to sipping coffee by the fire listening to the coyotes. Granted mid November in western kansas does get chilly, but we are no strangers being out in horrible weather.

[@littlecampfires]

Howdy! Thanks for watching the channel, and enjoy your time at the cabin!

[@joselavoy8591]

again i like this vid my friend

[@ashleycampbell2266]

Dang a whole kitchen for a weekend lol

[@beaulieuc8910]

Take duck tape, elastic bands, torch, batteries, radio, personal safety alarm, distinctive fairy lights so you can find your tent at night,

[@Skittl1321]

Do you have a video about packing up your car? My husband and I used to backpack, and now with 2 young kids it seems like this style of camping needs so much stuff we can barely fit it all!

[@littlecampfires]

Ah - unfortunately, I don’t, but there’s a good video from Amanda Outside that covers some storage tips. I can’t remember the exact title, but it might have just been Camping Hacks. Hope that helps!

[@marilynrowe794]

ty soooo much!!!! right now this old old lady is trying to conquer solar!!! lol

[@ronaldhoppus9015]

Dude wipes! 😎

[@radagastbrown9001]

Music 🎶 instruments! Frisbee! I downloaded your list.

[@littlecampfires]

Nice - hope the list helps!

[@Skittl1321]

Frisbees are awesome because they double as plates.

[@matthewjacobs141]

FYI...Ghee Butter doesn't need to be kept in the cooler

[@mrmiddlefing3r626]

I hope toilet paper will be on the list or is that just exchangeable with paper towels. I love quilted northern

[@lisapurvis9237]

Location app - What 3 Words - is amazing

[@chelseariffic]

And if you live in California, you might not be allowed to have fires in the summer/fall 😅

[@alext8204]

As someone who has never been camping, I need to know how to wash dishes on a camping site lmao

[@vicabersold9549]

What are the green bags you’re using for clothing?

[@devinm524]

Bring a Book (and if you're able) a hammock with tree safe straps, I grew up reading while camping and it's still one of the best things ever can you tell me what that firepit is please?

[@littlecampfires]

Hey Devin - sorry, I don’t remember the brand of the fire pit. It’s a cheap one from Wal-Mart though, and it’s only a couple of years old, so I bet they still sell it there.

[@MrAbs1994]

What kind of compression bag cubicles u use ? Can I know the link where u bought from or brand name please

[@jacquelynvaldivia5573]

Paper towels in a zip lock bag!

[@monie5490]

What's the name of the green bags that has your clothes inside called and where can I purchase them?

[@AlexAlexBoBalex]

This video is nice for covering a lot of topics, but it's so funny compared to how me and my college friends went camping...which involved maybe like 20% of what this guy brings and way more alcohol

[@maglardyful]

Can i ask what tent model is that and size?

[@user-sx8kd5tl1g]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@babyln1]

Do you have a link or a brand for that dry bag set you have? Thanks 😊

[@AntwanG]

I have the same question. What is the neon green bag/sack/dry bag used in the video. Have you found one that you like?

[@sarahfinnigan7002]

Where are you from? Every time “thang” comes up it seems to stick out! I’m curious about where that’s coming from.