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Campsite

These are essential items for overnight camping:

• ​Tent (with footprint and stakes)​ ​​

  • Rule of thumb: Bigger is better. Think 6 person tent and up. Enough room to stand up, change, store some gear, fit two cots, etc. ​ For first-time campers, especially for car camping, opt for an "Instant" tent. These tents set up like opening an umbrella, requiring just one person and taking less than five minutes. While they occupy more storage space, the convenience is worth it. Consider your space needs, not just for sleeping but also for storing items. Remember, the tent's "capacity" refers to how many people can lie side by side, not its storage space.  

  • Luxury option: Gazelle T8 Hub Tent​

  • Budget friendly option: Core Instant Cabin Tent

  • Footprint option that would fit either tent: 8 x 14 tarp​

• Cots

  • ​Sleeping directly on the ground isn't ideal. Beach camps have uneven sand, and places like Calico or Joshua Tree can be rocky. There are a few solutions for this. Use a cot with a sleeping pad. 

  • Another option instead of sleeping directly on the ground is an air mattress. They're effective and provide more cushioning than a mat or pad, eliminating the need for a cot. They're also more compact when stored compared to a cot and pad. However, there are downsides. Children may want their own, leading you to choose between two smaller ones or a larger shared one. Sharing a bigger mattress means disturbances when one person moves. If you opt for an air mattress, a portable pump is essential. Coleman offers a battery-powered option. You could use a manual pump, but they're larger and less efficient.

  • Mid-range option: Coleman Trailhead II

• Sleeping pad (use with cot)​

  • ​There's a wide variety of sleeping pads available. The less expensive ones offer minimal comfort, while mid-range pads can feel like compact inflatable mattresses. The premium choices combine memory foam with inflation. When inflated, they usually range from 2'' to 4'' in thickness. They offer a softer feel than a bare cot and less of the synthetic touch of an air mattress. Some campers use them directly on the ground, providing at least some comfort. Ultimately, your choice depends on your comfort preference.

  • For a good balance of weight, comfort and reliability: Therm-a-rest BaseCamp XL

• ​Fitted sheets (for cot mattress provided in cabin camps)

• Sleeping bags (weather appropriate)​

  • ​Amazon options

  • Youth recommendation: REI Co-op Kindercone

• Camping pillows

  • Compact, easy to clean and fits in a standard mummy bag​

  • Best brand for pillows and sleeping pads: Therm-a-rest

• Fleece blankets

• Headlamps/flashlights (extra batteries)

• Camp chairs

  • ​Chances are, you already have a suitable chair at home. But if not, you'll want one for campfire gatherings or beach relaxation. Many opt for captains or directors chairs, while others favor brands like Tommy Bahama for low-sitting beach chairs. Just keep in mind how comfortable you'll be sitting low to the ground when everyone is sitting a foot or two taller.

• Camp table (if there's no picnic table)

• Lantern (fuel/batteries/charged)

  • ​When it comes to lighting, you're spoiled for choice. If you're considering a headlamp, look for one with a red light feature. It offers illumination without blinding anyone you're speaking to. REI stocks Black Diamond headlamps which, though on the pricier side, come fully-featured. If you're in the market for a flashlight or lantern, go for versatile options. Choose something that can illuminate a tent hands-free and guide you during nighttime restroom trips. Ensure your son has a light source too, especially since some campsites lack any lighting.

• Tent welcome mat (or some turf, old mat etc to keep the sand and dirt out)

 

 

Optional:

• Sunshade, tarp, or screen house

• Sleeping bag liners

• Camp rug

• Tablecloth with clips/tape

 

 

 

Tools & Repair Items

• Tools & Repairs:

• Multi-tool (leatherman etc)

• Duct tape

• Pad/Mattress repair kit

• Mallet/hammer

• Saw/axe

• Small broom and dustpan

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Camp Kitchen:

Many camping spots have drinkable water. If not, come prepared.

• Stove (with fuel)

• Matches/light/firestarter

• Cook pots (and holder)

• Frying pan

• Eating utensils

• Cooking utensils

• S'mores sticks

• Openers: bottle, corkscrew

• Plates, bowls, mugs/cups

• Cutting board

• Cooler (with ice or substitutes)

  • ​You likely have this item at home already. But if you're considering a purchase specifically for camping, there's a lot to think about. A wheeled cooler is convenient for carrying large amounts of food/drinks, or for expedition meals. For lighter loads, backpack coolers are great as they can be taken on hikes or to the beach. Some campers use Yeti coolers, which are a luxury but not a must-have.

• Water bottles

  • (hot and cold. Something that can roll around and keep the spout clean is ideal)

• Cleaning: camp sink/wash bins, biodegradable soap, pot scrubber, trash/recycling bags, dish towel

• Camp grill and or griddle with enough fuel

• Coffee/tea makers

• Storage: containers, bags, foil

• Large water jugs (good for rinsing)

• Storage for used kitchen gear

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Food items:

Extra emphasis: Coordinate with your circle and check the event info before packing/planning.​​

• Enough food and beverages to cover any unplanned meals + 1 extra meal per day​.

  • ​Do not forget lots of water and or juices. The 4th meal will typically be for late night grilling (steak, sausage, chicken, etc)​

• Personal beverages

  • Speak to your circle leader about personal beverage containers, "coffee cups" etc

• Personal snacks 

  • ​This is for in-between scheduled meals and picky eaters.​ (jerky, popcorn, chips, granola bars, trail mix)

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Additional Campsite Items:

• Portable power options (solar, battery etc)

  • Personal battery back up: Jackery Explorer 240

  • Larger capacity for sharing: Jackery Explorer 1500

• Phone charger

• Binoculars

• Games, books, etc for entertainment (keep the video games at home)

• Balls, Frisbee etc

• Bikes+helmets

• Storage: dry bags, stuff sacks, bins

  • Get a mobile storage chest. These are large, have wheels and are weather resistant. Most or all of your gear should fit in here

  • Large capacity: Dewalt Tough Chest

  • Large Stuff sack: M-Tac Military Compression Stuff Sack

  • Small and Medium Stuff Sacks: Frelaxy Compression Sack

• Backpacks / daypacks​

• Fishing poles (check event page)

  • Adults:​ PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Set

    • Fishing line​

  • Kids: PLUSINNO Kids Pole combo set

• Collapsable cart (for whatever doesn't fit in your mobile storage chest)​

  • 110lbs capacity: Folding hand truck​

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Clothing & Footwear:

• Circle vests for campfire ceremony

  • If you glue instead of sew patches: Fabri-tac Adhesive​

• Coup sticks for awards

• Moisture-wicking items: underwear, T-shirts

• Quick-dry pants/shorts

• Protective: long-sleeve shirts, lightweight fleece/jacket

• Terrain-suited footwear

• Synthetic/wool socks

• Sleepwear

• For cold/rainy weather: rainwear, long underwear, warm layers, gloves

• Beanie (pack this all year round. Wear on cold nights/mornings and while sleeping)

• Swimwear

• Water shoes

• Camp sandals

• Bandanas

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Health & Personal Care:

• Basics: toilet paper, hand sanitizer, dental care, toiletries, quick-dry towel, prescribed meds

• First-aid: kit/supplies (every dad - make sure you have first-aid available)

• Protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, lip balm, insect repellents

• Water wipes

• Brush/comb

• Sleep aids: eyeshades, earplugs, melatonin

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Now that you made it to the bottom of this list, remember: Coordinate inventory with your circle!