I’ve done it, guys. I’ve finally mastered how to pack for a camping trip without going overboard (or under-board?).
As someone who really enjoys packing minimally (mostly because I hate packing and unpacking a bunch of crap) but also really enjoys being comfy, it was hard to strike that perfect balance. Sometimes I’d over-pack and have a bunch of stuff just taking up space and other times I’d under-pack and end up super bored, or desperately wishing I had packed that bottle of Tylenol.
It took me some time, but at last I’ve created the perfect camp packing list for (what I am now calling) the comfy minimalist! I’ve been adding and removing things from it for a couple years now, but it is ready… at long last.
This is a list of everything you NEED to pack as well as a couple of added items to make the camping trip comfy + enjoyable.
This is the list I use every time I go camping (minus the doggy-related stuff). It takes me less than 30 minutes to get everything packed + loaded up and I am never bored at camp.
Sounds pretty sweet, eh? 🙂
Everything You Need To Pack For Your Comfiest, Best-Ever Camping Trip Lies Ahead… You’re Welcome.
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CAMP KITCHEN
1. JET BOIL
– – Using a jet boil saves you from packing in heavy, canned food and giant coolers
2. MESS KITS + CUPS
– – The UCO Mess Kits (linked above) are the best. You can pack your cups (found here) and utensils inside to make it even more compact!
3. DEHYDRATED MEALS
4. SPICE ROCKET
– – A tiny spice tube to liven up your camp meals!
5. INSTANT COFFEE OR LATTE
6. SNACKS (CHIPS, NUTS, JERKY, ENERGY BARS, ETC.)
7. FRESH WATER
8. CAMP CHAIRS
– – Sometimes I pack them, sometimes I don’t. But I gotta say, they are much more comfortable than sitting on rocks!
9. WATERPROOF MATCHES / FIRESTARTER
10. COLLAPSIBLE KITCHEN “SINK”
– – This is optional, depending on how long your trip will last
CAMP BATHROOM
1. TOILET PAPER
2. SEALABLE BAG TO PUT DIRTY TISSUE/TRASH IN
– – It’s important to pack it out!
3. WIPES (A.K.A. “A LAZY SHOWER”)
– – Again, please pack your stuff out! Many wipes say “compostable” so people think they can just ditch them in the woods. You can’t. These are however a great addition to a minimalist’s gear – they keep your need for toiletries at an absolute minimum and I honestly feel fresh enough to go out in public after using them
4. DRY SHAMPOO + A BRUSH
– – Another “lazy shower” technique.
5. DEODORANT
6. TOOTHBRUSH / BIODEGRADABLE TOOTHPASTE
7. QUICK-DRY TOWELS
– – Nice, light and pack-able.
8. DIVA CUP (IF NEEDED)
SLEEP
NOTE: We own a rooftop tent, which we use on almost all of our adventures (aside from backpacking, obvs). If you don’t have a rooftop tent you’ll need a couple more essentials, such as a sleeping pad and tent.
1. SLEEPING BAGS
2. PILLOWS
3. LANTERN AND/OR HANGING SOLAR STRING LIGHTS
– – I use MPowerd Solar String Lights. If you want more information on them, I actually wrote a full gear review!
4. WATER-RESISTANT CAMPING SLIPPERS
– – Easy to slip on and oh-so comfy!
5. SLEEP MASK
– – K, maybe this isn’t minimalist-worthy – but sometimes I like the small comforts
6. HEADLAMPS
PACKING FOR MEDICAL, SAFETY + COMFORT
1. SUNSCREEN + ALOE
2. BUG SPRAY + AFTERBITE
– – Afterbite is the latest addition to my list – such a lifesaver in the deep woods. Sometimes bug spray doesn’t work!
3. FIRST AID KIT (FOR PEOPLE + PUPS)
4. TYLENOL
– – If you’re prone to morning headaches, this is a must!
5. CHAPSTICK
6. SUNGLASSES
ENTERTAINMENT + ELECTRONICS
NOTE: Depending on how “minimalist” you want to take this, you can eliminate most of the entertainment and electronic items. Personally I like to, at the very least, have a deck of cards on hand.
1. PORTABLE POWER BANK
2. PHONES + PHONE CHARGERS
– – I download off-line listening through Amazon Music – I’m a minimalist, not Amish
3. KINDLE FIRE
– – With Movies + Books loaded up – I’m that kind of camper. Check out my guide on how to watch Netflix shows off-grid!
4. PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER
5. CAMERA
– – For great pics, of course!
6. CARD GAMES
– – Some of our favorites are:
- Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
- Monopoly Deal
- Phase 10
- Skip-Bo
- Farkle (you only need 6 dice to play this one)
OTHER
1. DRY BAGS
2. MULTI-TOOL
3. SMALL PACK – IN CASE YOU WANT TO GO ON A MINI-HIKING ADVENTURE
CLOTHES
This is entirely up to you – I just like to make sure I have plenty of clean and dry socks, a bathing suit (if we’re near a lake or hot spring), and a hoodie/comfy pants combo that I don’t mind smelling like campfire.
HAVE ANY CAMP FAVORITES THAT YOU NEVER PACK UP WITHOUT? DROP IT IN THE COMMENTS!
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Hi Kristen! I just came across your website yesterday. It’s so helpful. My husband and I are just getting started camping and we’re sorta clueless about all the gadgets. I ordered a Kindle Fire from your link. But the Portable Power Bank link is no longer working. I really wanted to see what you recommended for that. Thanks! Judy
Oh no! Thank you so much for the heads up, I’ll have to fix that! Ravpower was the brand I purchased and it has held up really well over the past 2 years, but I just checked and they are sadly not available on Amazon anymore. I’m not sure why. They still sell them on their own website: ravpower.com . I’ve also purchased an Anker brand portable power bank, but I don’t like it quite as much. It doesn’t seem to hold a charge as well. So ultimately, I’d recommend the Ravpower. I can only seem to find it on their website (I can’t link in the comments, but we have the 32000mAh 3-port Power Bank). I hope this helps!!
“Great list! I always bring a good camera. Capturing the stunning landscapes and wildlife is one of my favorite parts of camping.”