Non-exhaustive. Just because you don’t see something here doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack it.
People
Shelter
- Something to keep the elements off – vehicle, tent, or hammock – make sure it has a rain fly
Sleeping Pad
- One of the most important elements of your kit. Equally as important for staying warm as your bag. Inflatable ones work until they don’t.
Sleeping Bag
- The lower the rating the better. You can always open the bag up and vent heat but it’s hard to get a bag warmer than its rated.
Camp Chair
Rain Gear
- Frogg Toggs work fine but a poncho is typically quicker to don and doff in a sudden downpour, and can be used as a ground cloth, emergency shelter, rain catchment, and more.
Leather Gloves
- Protect your hands from cuts and scrapes while setting up camp or doing other manual tasks. Small cuts can easily get dirty and infected in the outdoors – better to just avoid them altogether.
Waterproof Footwear
- Leather is breathable and can be re-treated. Avoid Gore-Tex for warm weather gear.
Camp Shoes
- Chacos, Birkenstocks, Crocs, Moccasins, whatever, just something easy and comfortable to wear around camp
Camp Knife
- Razor sharp and cheap in case you lose it
Tooth Brush and Paste + Additional Toiletries
Head Light
- AKA Hippe Mace
Hand Light
Mess Kit
- At a minimum, a bowl, cup, and spork.
Wide Brim Hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses/Case
Camelbak/Daypack
Towel
- Superabsorbent camp towels pack down into a small package but still get the job done
Washcloth
Canteen
- Nalgenes are more popular these days, but surplus Army 1qt canteens can be found for very cheap
Warm Jacket
Light Jacket/Windbreaker
Camp Pillow
- Inflatable pillows work OK until they don’t. Trying to sleep on the ground without a pillow is a good recipe for a bad night’s sleep. Usually I just bunch up my puffy jacket into one of its pockets and use that.
Beanie
Note Pad
- You never know when you’ll need to write something down – happens more often in the outdoors then you’d expect.
Swimsuit
Woobie/Camp Blanket
- Your best friend around the campfire. GI spec “Poncho Liners” will interface with the rain poncho to create a warm-weather (50°+) sleeping bag.
Baby Wipes
- For when you need to take a shower but can’t.
Outerwear
- Plan to dress in layers so that you can don and doff clothing with the temperature. Try to avoid cotton as much as possible – it gets wet and heavy and can chill you to hypothermic temperatures even on a warm day.
Underwear
- Wool Socks
- We wear wool in the outdoors for 3 reasons. First, unlike cotton, it stays warm while wet. Second, it wicks moisture away from the body to keep you dry. Third, it is naturally anti-microbial which helps prevent infections and odors. Merino minimizes the “itchy scratchy” feel many associate with wool. Bring extra pairs. Always change your socks at night before bed. Hang-dry ONLY.
- Base Layer
- I’m a fan of wearing a lightweight “second skin” base layer top even in the summer. The bottoms work great as PJs at night. Merino wicks water to keep you cool and has naturally anti-microbial properties that prevent infections and odors.
Dogs
Buckle Collar
- With ID and rabies tags
Training Collar
- For tethering and active training/handling only
Leash
Longe Line
Tether
- Aluminum or steel cable or chain
Food Bowl
Dog Mat or Cot
Flea/Tick Collar, medicine, or spray
- DO NOT use DEET on a dog. Permetherin is OK.
Stake
- Corkscrew-style for tying out
Poo Bags
Grooming Brush