What should you pack for a wild camping adventure? The answer will of course depend on your specific interests and level of minimalism / maximalism, but there are quite a few basics that everyone should take.
This is the wild camping checklist I use. You can download it as a PDF or WORD file (the latter of which might be useful if you want to customise it for your own needs). This list is tailored around a solo wild camp. If you’re camping with a friend or partner, you’ll probably only need one camping stove, first aid kit, etc, so you’ll want to think about how to divide the load.
Download the Wild Camping Checklist here: PDF | WORD
Wild Camping Checklist
Pack
- Backpack / rucksack (I use an Osprey Ariel 65L pack)
- Hydration bladder
- Walking poles
Clothes
- Hiking trousers
- Base layer top
- Base layer bottom
- Wicking underwear
- Socks
- Liner socks
- Shorts
- Midlayer / fleece
- Down jacket
- Hat
- Gloves
- Glove liners
- Buff / snood
- Waterproof trousers
- Waterproof jacket
- Gaiters
- Sunglasses
Camping gear
- Ultralight Tent (I use an MSR Hubba NX for solo trips and my 2-person Big Agnes Copper Hotel for camping with a friend / partner)
- Sleeping mattress (I love my Thermarest NeoAir)
- Sleeping bag
Electronics
- Headlamp
- Tent lamp
- Mobile phone
- Camera
- Selfie stick
- Spare batteries
- USB charger
- Charging cable
Camp Kitchen
- Camp stove (can’t go wrong with a Jetboil but I also love my MSR Pocket Rocket)
- Gas for camp stove
- Spork
- Folding knife
- Cooking pot(s)
- Coffee press / V60
- Bowl
- Mug
- Lighter / matches
- Water filter
- Water purification tablets
- Water bottle
- Sponge / cleaning towel
- Multi-use soap
- Thermos / hot drink flask
Navigation
- Map
- Compass
- Waterproof map case
Health and safety
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Multi-use soap
- Antibacterial gel
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Quick dry towel
- Medication
- Shovel
- Sun block
- Bug spray
- First Aid Kit
- Tenacious tape
- Emergency shelter
Personal items
- Journal
- Pen
- Book
- Binoculars
Sweet Potato Brownies