camping · camping checklist · camping essentials · Sep 19, 2024

Clyde's Ultimate Guide to Camping Essentials

By Clyde A. Sasquatch

Last updated September 19, 2024

Download our Camping Essentials Checklist

As a creature that lives in nature, I know my fair share about outdoor essentials. I’ve seen people have to sleep out on the cold, hard floor after forgetting their sleeping bag; turn red as a tomato because they left the sunscreen at home; or eat with their hands because someone forgot to pack the forks (Why not eat with your hands to begin with? It is much more convenient and creates fewer dishes!). The list is endless of mistakes I’ve seen humans make when camping. Consider me your #1 guide for all things outdoors. I’m here to help you be prepared for your next camping adventure with my ultimate guide to camping essentials!

Campsite

To start, you obviously need a sturdy camping tent, and don’t forget the stakes! A camping tent is a key item alongside other camping necessities, so make sure your tent is up to the weather conditions; a little preparation goes a long way. To accompany your tent, you will need a sleeping bag, paired with a pillow and additional blankets if necessary.

Away from all the city lights, it can get pretty dark at night, so it is crucial that you are equipped with a good light source. But don’t fret, Sasquatch Outdoor has got you covered! Check out our Sasquatch Galaxy Tripod Light - it’s solar-powered and can light up your whole campsite with just a click. Along with our tripod light, we have two handheld lanterns - the Rope Lantern and the Bluetooth Speaker Lantern. The Sasquatch Rope Lantern is a simple, durable, and dimmable option. If you want a little music with your light, try the Sasquatch Bluetooth Speaker Lantern. It’s a rechargeable LED light with a built-in speaker so you can enjoy your favorite tunes around the campfire.

To be able to enjoy the nice, fresh air you’ll also need some furniture outside of your tent. A simple camping table and chair will do just fine. Our Sasquatch Camping Table and Sasquatch Camping Chair are lightweight, durable, and come with carrying cases for easy transportation and storage.

Camp Kitchen & Camping Stove

Just because I’m a sasquatch doesn’t mean I don’t know how to cook up a mean meal or two. It’s important to fuel up if you plan on spending your whole day in the sun, so your camp kitchen is fundamental. While many campsites have drinkable water, be sure to always bring your own stash of water, just in case.

For meals, you’ll want to stock up on some of the basics. Coffee, oatmeal, and pancake mix are great staples to start your day off. Canned foods like soup and chili can be good sources of fuel on these long days. Dried foods like chips, fruit, and jerky, and energy bars and trail mix are great snacks to bring for long treks. A hotdog, burger, or sandwich is a superb way to end your day. Camping tips for meal planning include preparing ingredients in advance and packing versatile items that can be used in multiple dishes.

In order to cook your grub, you’ll need a camping stove or grill rack for the campfire. Don’t forget your frying pan, cutting board, or spatula, and a can opener for your soup.

You’ll also need some utensils—plates, bowls, mugs or cups, forks, spoons, knives, and some paper towels or napkins. Trust me, it’s much easier to enjoy your meal with the right tools.

For food storage, a cooler with ice is essential. Consider getting a food container that’s resistant to bears and rodents (and sasquatch-proof because I often go looking for a midnight snack) if you’re camping in an area with wildlife. Ziplock baggies are handy for keeping things fresh.

And don’t forget a large trash bin and bags to dispose of your waste properly - keeping the wilderness clean helps everyone, including us big guys.

Clothing

You’ll probably spend most of your time exploring nature, so it’s important to be suited and booted with appropriate clothing. Wear something that you’re comfortable in and don’t mind getting a little dirty. A moisture-wicking tee shirt and quick drying pants/shorts are simple, yet effective pieces of clothing for being outside all day. A long-sleeve shirt is also a good way to shield from the sun or pesky bugs. For a slight breeze or cool evenings, a lightweight jacket can help. Also choose nice pair of hiking boots that are suitable for the terrain you’ll be exploring, as they provide durability and comfort during hiking activities. Additionally, you’ll need socks, undergarments, sleepwear, a hat, and sunglasses.

If you’re camping in rainy/colder weather, you’ll want rainwear jackets and pants, a warmer and insulated jacket, gloves, and a beanie. Some optional clothing items you may want to pack are swimsuits and water shoes, just in case you want to take a quick dip.

Health & Hygiene

It’s important to take care of yourself, so health and hygiene should be priorities while camping. Since you’ll be soaking up the sun all day, it’s best to pack a good amount of sunscreen, and remember to reapply throughout the day. I know those annoying insects can be a real nuisance. A good can of bug spray can do just the trick. Your outdoor adventures will often be accompanied by a few scrapes and bruises. A first aid kit packed with bandages, antibacterial ointment, burn gel, medical tape, and tweezers can be a lifesaver for times like these. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Regarding hygiene, you need to pack your toothbrush and some toothpaste (As a sasquatch, I shouldn’t have better smelling breath than you!). It’s also smart to pack biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, and baby wipes. If your campsite has a shower, be sure to bring a towel. You’ll also want to pack toilet paper in case your campsite doesn’t have any public restrooms. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. And if you are on any prescription medications, don’t forget to bring those along, too.

Tools & Camping Gear

In order for your trip to go smoothly, you need to pack some essential tools. You’ll also need a hammer to pound those stakes into the ground. Extra batteries are always a necessity. There’s nothing worse than your headlamp dying when you need it most. Speaking of, headlamps are a perfect, hands-free lightsource. Campfires are one of the best parts of camping, so firewood, an axe to cut up the wood, and firestarter are needed to keep those flames glowing and the campfire songs comin’ all night long. For your safety, bear spray can be a lifesaver (literally) in those rare occurrences (If we happen to cross paths, please don’t mistake me for a bear. It’s happened before and it really hurts my eyes and my ego.). Duct tape can come in handy for those annoying rips and tears in your gear and tools. And don’t forget a safety whistle - it’s a handy tool to have if you need to signal for help or alert others. Oh! And how could I forget a power station? My pals and I at Sasquatch Outdoor have four different options coming your way very, very, soon!

Personal Items & Extras

Even while in the wilderness, there are some personal essentials you still should have on you and some little nick nacks to pass the time and have fun. You don’t want to forget your ID and credit or debit card - or cash if you prefer. For any reservations you may have, be sure to bring proof of those reservations on your device and print them if necessary. You may have a lot of downtime here in my neck of the woods, so some items to pass the time will do you good. A deck of cards or other games are a great way to spend time with your fellow campers. A good book can never do you wrong. You may be curious about the world around you, field guides can help you learn more about the plants and animals in your area. Nothing beats the beautiful starry nights out in the wood. Star charts and binoculars are great for stargazing. And if you’re musically gifted (I feel in my bones that I am, but they don’t seem to make any instruments big enough for me), packing your guitar or ukulele will make it the ultimate camping experience.

You're Ready!

And just like that, you are prepared for your next adventure! Your camping checklist might be ever evolving because, as you become more of an expert at the outdoors, you will discover other essentials that you can’t live without in the wilderness. Keep in mind, depending on the climate and weather you are settling in, your list will need to adapt with it.

For those new to camping, having a comprehensive list of camping essentials for beginners is crucial. This includes key equipment and supplies necessary for different styles of camping, such as tent, car, RV, hammock, and backpacking. A well-prepared checklist or packing list ensures that beginners are ready for their outdoor adventures.

So be sure to do your research before you set off on your next expedition. Happy camping, and remember, leave no trace!

Your pal, Clyde

Download our Camping Essentials Checklist