Before You Leave Home
What to Pack?!
Ever stuck with that brain fog and panic moment - asking yourself, 'What do I pack'?!
Petruth Paddocks to the rescue!!
Do check out the other pages in our Useful Stuff section on this website and our full online guidebook here.
If you have camped before, you will know that in fact, you need scant amounts of equipment to enjoy camping. But there are some essentials that will help you to max out on the fun!
If you are a newbie, you may want to beg, ‘rent’ or borrow some of these things and perhaps add them to your Christmas list if you get the bug!
This is a super detailed list! We don't anticipate that you will want or need to bring along everything :-) - pack what's right for you!
So here we go with a handy camping packing list! -
The ‘must have’s’ unless you prefer to sleep under the stars! :
- Tent (and footprint, stakes)
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pads
- Camping pillow
- Headlamps or flashlights (and extra batteries)
- Camp chairs
- Camp table (if no picnic table)
- Lantern (and mantles and fuel/batteries if needed)
- Sunshade, tarp or screen house
- Hammock
- Cot(s)
- Sleeping bag liners
- Camp rug
- Tablecloth and clips (or tape)
- Clothesline with clips
The ‘must have’s’ unless you prefer to sleep under the stars! :
- Multi-tool
- Duct tape
- Extra cord
- Tent-pole repair sleeve
- Pad/Mattress repair kit
- Mallet or hammer (for hammering tent stakes)
- Saw or axe (for cutting firewood)
- Small broom and dustpan
- Sunshade, tarp or screen house
- Hammock
- Cot(s)
- Sleeping bag liners
- Camp rug
- Tablecloth and clips (or tape)
- Clotheslinewith clips
Please note - We provide drinkable, clean water on tap!
- Stove and fuel
- Matches/light/firestarter
- Cook pots (and pot holder)
- Frying pan
- Eating utensils
- Cooking utensils
- Bottle opener, can opener, corkscrew
- Sharp knife
- Plates/bowls
- Mugs/cups
- Cutting board
- Cooler
- Ice or ice substitutes
- Water bottles
- Camp sinkor wash bins
- Biodegradable soap
- Pot scrubber/sponge(s)
- Trash/recycling bags
- Dish towel
- Camp grill and fuel
- Grill rack
- Griddle
- Dutch oven
- Charcoal
- Portable coffee/tea maker
- Rolling ice cream maker
- Marshmallow/hot dog roasting forks
- Small food-storage containers/bags/foil
- Large water jugs
- Large, clear plastic bins to store kitchen gear
Please note - We provide drinkable, clean water on tap!
- Moisture-wicking underwear
- Moisture-wicking T-shirts
- Quick-drying pants/shorts
- Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)
- Lightweight fleece or jacket
- Boots or shoes suited to terrain
- Socks (synthetic or wool)
- Sleepwear
- Rainwear (jacket and pants)
- Long underwear
- Warm insulated jacket or vest
- Fleece pants
- Gloves or mittens
- Warm hat
- Swimsuits
- Water sandals
- In-camp sandals or booties
- Bandanas
Please note - We provide drinkable, clean water on tap!
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toiletry kit
- Quick-dry towel
- Menstrual products
- Prescription medications
- First-aid kit or first-aid supplies (see First-Aid Checklist)
- Urinary products
- Baby wipes
- Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
- Mirror
- Brush/comb
- Cosmetics
- Spare eyeglasses/contact lens supplies
- Eyeshades
- Earplugs
Most of the following items are optional, navigation tools such as a map, compass and/or GPS are good if you are planning a hike!
- Credit card and/or cash
- ID
- Cellphone
- Campsite reservation confirmation (if required)*
- Sunshade, tarp or screen house
- Hammock
- Cot(s)
- Sleeping bag liners
- Camp rug
- Tablecloth and clips (or tape)
- Clotheslinewith clips