Guide
What to bring on a weekend camping trip
A no-fluff packing checklist for a two-night car-camping weekend. Print it, screenshot it, or tick items off as you go.
Tip: lay everything out the night before. If you can't fit it in your car comfortably, leave the "nice-to-haves" behind.
Shelter & sleep system
- Tent (with rainfly, stakes, and footprint)
- Sleeping bag rated for the expected overnight low
- Sleeping pad or air mattress
- Pillow (a stuff sack with clothes works in a pinch)
- Tarp or ground cloth
Cooking & food
- Camp stove and fuel (or check whether the trip provides one)
- Lighter and waterproof matches
- Pot, pan, spatula, and tongs
- Plate, bowl, mug, and reusable cutlery
- Sharp knife and small cutting board
- Cooler with ice, plus a dry food bin
- Water bottles (1–2L per person per day)
- Trash bags — pack out everything you bring in
Clothing (layered)
- Base layer: moisture-wicking t-shirt and underwear
- Mid layer: fleece or light puffy for evenings
- Outer layer: waterproof rain jacket
- Sturdy hiking pants and one pair of shorts
- Wool or synthetic socks (two pairs minimum)
- Hiking shoes or boots — broken in, never brand new
- Camp shoes or sandals for around the site
- Hat for sun, beanie for night
Safety & personal
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Insect repellent
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap
- Quick-dry towel
- Personal medications
- Printed copy of the trip details and emergency contacts
Nice-to-haves
- Camp chair
- Portable power bank
- Deck of cards or a small game
- Notebook and pen
- Binoculars or a star chart
- Marshmallows for the campfire
Three rookie mistakes worth avoiding
- Underestimating the cold. Even in summer, nights at altitude or near water drop fast — bring the warmer sleeping bag.
- Brand-new boots. A weekend trip is the worst time to break them in. Wear shoes your feet already trust.
- Forgetting a headlamp. Phone flashlights die fast and ruin your night vision. A real headlamp is non-negotiable.
Skip the planning entirely
Our weekend trips include the campsite, the itinerary, and most of the heavy gear — so all you have to pack is what's on this list.
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