Camping Checklist

“It always rains on tents. Rainstorms will travel thousands of miles, against prevailing winds for the opportunity to rain on a tent.”
-Dave Barry

We have an extensive camping checklist when we go camping (which is very often!) Print out this list and check off the items as you go. Careful, your packing list may become larger than your car.

A tent is a must! Make sure to get a good quality one. I prefer Coleman brand but have had luck with Ozark Trail. Make sure to properly stake your tent to the ground as a gust can take your tent for little joy ride. When it rains, your tent will become your best friend! Tighten the rain fly with para-cord – always double check to make sure the waterproofing is still intact before leaving for a camping trip. If you will be camping on hard dry ground, remember to bring a mallet to drive the stakes in. Find one with a hook at the end so you can take them out again. Finally, duct tape is useful for a whole host of things, from fixing a sprained ankle from holes in tents.

I highly recommend purchasing a small cook stove. I prefer the JetBoil because of how quick it is. A Coleman propane stove would work just as well though. With the JetBoil you can boil water in less than a minute. Works great for any Mountainhouse freeze dried product.

A comfortable and high functioning camp chair is a must. Harbor Freights is highly underrated for camp gear, but they have the best camp chair for only $20.00. It comes with a little side table and multiple pockets for your various camping items.