Q&A for How to Pack for a Camping Trip

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  • Question
    What is fun about camping?
    Halle Payne
    Hiking & Backpacking Trip Leader
    Halle Payne has been hiking and backpacking in Northern California for over 3 years. She was Trip Leader for Stanford University’s Outdoor Education Program, Hiking Leader for Stanford Sierra Conference Center, and has taught classes in Outdoor Education and Leave No Trace principles.
    Hiking & Backpacking Trip Leader
    Expert Answer
    Campfires are a lot of fun! They're an awesome camping activity to do with friends, especially when it's cold out. Bring some firewood (or buy it at the campsite), a lighter, and maybe a special lighting log to get the fire started. Then you can sit around the fire, chat, and roast some marshmallows.
  • Question
    Are there any necessary food items that should be packed?
    Community Answer
    A bag of chips, some cereal (in a ziplock bag), juice boxes, hot dogs, crackers, marshmallows, bread, and if you're making smores, bring chocolate bars and graham crackers, and anything else that does not need a refrigerator. Also, don't pack any food that will make bugs come into your tent, like jello or candy, but chocolate bars are okay because they can be eaten all at once.
  • Question
    What if I'm camping in my bedroom?
    Community Answer
    If you are camping in your bedroom, bring whatever you want, like your phone, blankets, snacks and drinks, and maybe a friend or two!
  • Question
    How many bags should I bring?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how long your camping trip is going to last. If it's a short trip, one bag should be fine. If it's a longer trip, like a week or more, a second bag will probably be necessary.
  • Question
    What do I need if I am camping the in the backyard?
    Community Answer
    Bring sleeping bag(s), flashlights and pillow(s). If you need more later, you can go inside. If you tend to get hungry, or if this is a party, bring snacks and water. You should also have a cell phone with you.
  • Question
    What should I put in my backpack for camping trips?
    Community Answer
    Matches, rope, a tarp, snacks, a lantern/flashlight, maps and a compass, a pocket knife, and a first aid kit.
  • Question
    What if I am camping in my room?
    Community Answer
    You can bring snacks, a sleeping bag, and pillow.
  • Question
    I am going on a one-week camp. How big should my suitcase be?
    Community Answer
    Large enough to hold all of the clothing, toiletries, footwear, etc. that you'd need, but make sure you are able to carry everything yourself.
  • Question
    What should I bring if I'm camping on an island?
    Community Answer
    Since islands are often warm, you will most likely want to focus on bringing light clothing with a few heavier sleeping items (in case it gets chilly at night). I would also bring a bathing suit, sunscreen, and other beach essentials. Besides that, you can just follow the instructions in this article to pack.
  • Question
    Do I need to work out or exercise before the trip?
    Community Answer
    If you are going for leisure, then you should be fine. If you are going somewhere that is strenuous to get to or plan to hike a lot while you are there, make sure you are in good shape.
  • Question
    What if I don't have a tent or a tarpaulin?
    Community Answer
    Make a tent out of sheets or blankets.
  • Question
    What should I bring if I am camping in a cabin with bunk beds?
    Community Answer
    A pillowcase and sleeping bag. You could also bring a sheet to throw over the mattress to ensure cleanliness, since many people will have lain on the mattress over the years. And a flashlight is good, in case you need to get down at night and visit the bathroom.
  • Question
    What small things would help improve a school camping trip?
    Community Answer
    Maybe some snacks in a resealable bag, a flashlight (torch) and maybe some travel board games or pack of cards to pass the time.
  • Question
    What can I do to take a shower while I am at camp, if I do not have a proper outfit to wear while taking a shower?
    Community Answer
    Wear undergarments or a swim outfit like a bikini or a one piece would also be fine. Anything that covers up the parts you aren't comfortable showing.
  • Question
    What musical instrument can you bring for campfire entertainment?
    Community Answer
    Guitars are a staple of many campfire occasions and are great for playing songs everyone knows well. So, definitely bring a guitar if you can play and it's easy enough to carry with you.
  • Question
    What if I accidentally push my little cousin down a cliff we are camping on? A first aid kit wouldn't be enough.
    Community Answer
    You're right. You'd need an ambulance at that point. You probably should not be going to the edge of a cliff with small children unless there's a protective fence.
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