AMPS CAMPS Gear List

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

Tooth Brush and Paste + Additional Toiletries

Head Light

Hand Light

Mess Kit

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

Stake

Poo Bags

Grooming Brush

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