The Complete All Season Camping Checklist. Close your eyes for a moment. What do you imagine when you hear the words “camping” or “campsite”? We bet you picture a juicy meadow or a green forest flooded with midsummer sun rays. But get this: camping is wonderful all year round. Why not set off on a camping adventure in other seasons? According to Caleb Hartung, CEO of Campspot, camping can be a rewarding experience no matter the season, if you are well-equipped and prepared. And we can’t disagree. Really, there’s no reason that you have to miss out on all the wonders of nature during late fall, early spring or winter. Typically crowded camping spots and trails are more likely to be untouched by other travelers and instead coated in a sparkling coat of fresh snow. Totally mesmerising, isn’t it? If the beauty and peacefulness of cold weather camping sounds like a marvellous idea to you, stay with us. We’ve prepared the most detailed checklist that will help you get ready for your camping trip in any season.
Table of Contents
Campsite
Tent
It’s a no-brainer that a tent that is good for the summer won’t be able to shield you against snow, frost and high winds. That’s why choose one of the reliable double-layered 4 season tents that can be used all year round. However, they may get too hot in the summer. To avoid getting hot, follow these two basic rules:
- set up your tent in a shaded area
- leave the entrance and windows open for a while before bedtime (don’t forget about mosquito nets).
Sleeping bag
Choose a sleeping bag that has a 10 degrees Fahrenheit lower rating than the expected night temperature at your camping destination. Sleeping bags come in multiple designs – that’s up to you. However, pay attention to the filling. Synthetic filled sleeping bags are easier to clean, they don’t lose their insulation properties when wet and are less expensive than down. On the other hand, down-filled sleeping bags are lighter, and usually have a longer user life.
Sleeping pad
Sleeping pads perform two key functions for getting a peaceful night’s sleep in the outdoors: cushioning and insulation. Pick one from the great variety of air pads or foam roll mats to stay warm on cold winter nights.
Light source
Finally, get a headlamp or a flashlight for each camper, and a lantern to put it in a tent. Don’t forget about extra batteries.
Optionals
- camping pillow
- camp table
- camp chairs
- cots
- sleeping bag liners
Kitchen
Stove and fuel
Camp stoves are quick to set up, it’s just like cooking on the stove at home. Using a camp stove is far better for beginners as well as for experienced campers than cooking over a fire. The fire is longer to set up, it usually leaves your pots dark and hard to clean. To top it off, it’s more difficult to control and regulate heat while cooking over a fire, and there are more chances of burning food or your hands.
A must-have list
- Lighter and waterproof matches
- Stainless steel pots
- Frying pan
- Lid for pots and frying pan
- Pan gripper
- Frying pan spatula
- Eating utensils
- Plates and bowls
- Cooking utensils
- Cutting board
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- Mugs
- Dishwashing basin
- Sponge
- Dish soap
- Dish towel
- Trash bags
Optionals
- Kettle
- Camp grill
- Marshmallow/hot dog roasting forks
- Food-storage containers
Food
A great way to stock the camping kitchen is to take foods that don’t require refrigeration. There are plenty of items you can include in your camping food list that won’t spoil. Plus, your food should be rich in proteins and carbohydrates to give you energy. The choice of food heavily depends on your personal preferences, however, here’s a good list to follow.
- Coffee, tea and hot chocolate
- Bread, cereal, pasta and rice
- Energy bars
- Crackers
- Chocolate
- Canned meat
- Canned fish
- Salami
- Canned vegetables
- Eggs
- Dry instant soups
- Cooking oil or spray
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Salt and pepper
- Sugar
- Spice kit
- Your favourite sauce
- Jam
- Peanut butter
Water
It’s highly important to stay hydrated during your camping trip. Of course it’s best when you can bring the necessary amount of water to the campsite. However, if it’s a long trip, you can use water from creeks of melt snow. Remember that it’s crucial for your safety to purify water. That’s why don’t forget to bring water filters and purify water by boiling it.
Tools & Repair Items
- Duct tape
- Multi-tool
- Cord
- Tent pole repair kit
- Pad repair kit
- Hammer
- Ax
- Small broom and dustpan
Clothing and Footwear
Obviously, your clothes and footwear will be different for different seasons. Also, take into account how long your adventure will last. Even if it’s an overnight camping trip, take at least two sets of clothing, the other one for sleeping. Your clothes can get wet during the day, and you might feel uncomfortable and cold sleeping in them.
Clothes and footwear for warm weather camping
- Moisture-wicking T-shirts and long sleeve shirts
- Moisture-wicking underwear
- Quick-drying pants and shorts
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Boots or shoes suited for the terrain
- Pair of flip-flops
- Waterproof jacket
- Raincoat
- Quick-drying socks
Optionals
- Swimsuit
- Water sandals
- Bandana
Clothes and footwear for cold weather camping
To stay warm, the easiest way is to wear layers. The clothing works best if several light layers are worn to start the day, and one or two layers are removed as the day progresses. Layers can be put back on at night as the temperature lowers and activity decreases.
- Wool cap or synthetic ski cap that covers the ears
- Two sets of thermal underwear
- Warm long sleeve shirt
- Warm sweater
- Windproof jacket (ski jacket or parka)
- Warm water-resistant pants
- Snow pants or ski pants to wear over regular pants
- Several pairs of wool or synthetic socks
- Waterproof boots
- Several pairs of mittens or gloves
Health and Hygiene
First aid kit
- Roll-on band-aid
- Blister prevention and relief products
- D-Panthenol
- Sanitizers
- Antipyretics
- Anti-diarrheal medicines
- Headache remedies
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics
- Skin burn remedies
- Eyewash drops
- Strong painkillers
- Bleeding control kit
- Any prescriptions
- Scissors
Personal hygiene
- Recyclable toilet paper
- Paper tissues
- Wet wipes
- Soap in a soapbox
- Towel
- Feminine pads
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush in a container
- Hand cream
- Protective wind and weather cream for face and neck
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
Optionals
- Urinary products
- Sanitation trowel
- Antiseptic wipes
- Mirror
- Brush or comb
- Cosmetics
- Spare eyeglasses and/or contact lens supplies
- Eye shades for sleeping
- Earplugs
- Insect repellent
Personal Items
- Identity document
- Credit card and cash
- Mobile phone
- Powerbank(s)
- Campsite reservation confirmation (if required)
Campsite Extras
Here’s a list of items that can make your camping experience even more fun.
- Navigation gear for hiking
- Binoculars
- Night sky identifier
- Books and magazines
- Guitar
- Frisbee and balls
- Bikes
- Watersports gear
- Skis
- Paper and art supplies
- Music player
- Camera
- Board games
To Sum Up
Camping can be fun in any season; everything depends on how well you are prepared. While the choice of food and cooking utensils is a question of your taste and cooking creativity, there are still a couple of must-haves.
You can discover the pleasures of all year round camping with reliable cold weather tents and sleeping bags. We hope our checklist will help you get ready for your exciting outdoor adventure.
