

no cotton, which gets wet and stays wet), including a sun shirt and hat to protect your arms or face. You want breathable, sweat-wicking clothes for the day (i.e. It's even smart to overpack (assuming you're not backpacking) in order to bring just-in-case items like a rain jacket or thermal layers. That means you need to focus on practical gear. Even in the summer, the desert and mountains can be blistering hot during the day but down in the 30s and 40s at night. You need to be protected from the elements, which may be drastically different from day to night. Packing for camping is not like packing for any other trip. If you'll be hiking, break in your hiking boots before and have trail maps on hand.
Rei camping checklist for family portable#
If you're camping with friends, bring a deck of cards or other easily portable games. If you're headed to a river where fishing is permitted, throw in a fishing rod and a tackle box. What do you plan on doing?įinally, don't forget to think about the activities you'll want to do. Packing an extra pair of socks and spare blankets won't hurt either.

If you plan on camping in the winter, or somewhere that still has snow, you'll want to add items like snow pants, gaiters, and warm gloves to your list. That means you won't be able to have a campfire at night. In the summer, check the fire restrictions where you're headed since most places in the west and the Rocky Mountains have fire bans most of the summer to prevent wildfires. Most casual campers generally go during warmer months when lighter layers and less heavy-duty gear are preferable. The season and weather also make a world of difference when it comes to what you're packing. It's also smart to plan out meals and snacks ahead of time to make sure your food needs are covered no matter how long you're gone. If it's the latter, you'll want to factor that in when making decisions like how extensive your first aid kit should be. Will the campsite have running water or will you need to bring your own jugs of water? Is it off a main road or deeper into the backcountry where cell service may be nonexistent? The type of campsite you'll visit and how long you plan to camp are both vital considerations. If you're heading out on a solo experience, a medium one-person tent works just fine, or an alternative like hammock camping. If it's a family camping trip, you may want a four-person tent or two separate tents so adults and kids can have their own spaces. This list is a great starting point for car campers and tent-pitching newbies but you'll want to make sure you create your own specific pack list based on several key factors.įirst, think about how many people you're going with.
Rei camping checklist for family for free#
Dispersed camping is available for free on most Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or United States Forest Service (USFS) land check out their websites for how free dispersed camping works. If you're a seasoned camper and want to try your hand at free camping, you'll have to look beyond national parks and developed campgrounds. And if you're eager to bring your four-legged friends with you, be sure to check out our tips for camping with dogs. We also have you covered with a list of less-known places to check for last-minute camping reservations, including private campsites. If you're looking for a campsite to enjoy, consider starting with our list of the best campsites across the US. Here's what to keep in mind while planning.

What you need for a car camping trip depends entirely on who's joining you, where you're going, when you're going, and for how long. Planning a camping trip comes in two parts: picking your campsite and deciding what to pack. Check out our ultralight backpacking guide. While each trip is different and requires its own specific gear, it's important to always pack the essentials.īelow is everything you absolutely need for an overnight or multi-day trip, as well as a few nice-to-haves that make sleeping on the ground far more fun.įor backpacking, you'll need a lighter, more heavy-duty packing list. We would know: Our writers, Hannah Freedman and Rachael Schultz, have spent countless days on every kind of camping trip over the years. We're all for new faces at the campgrounds - a weekend away allows you to take a break from your phone and enjoy nature and its many benefits. And more are joining the trend: A quarter of North Americans who camped in 2020 said it was their first time, and nearly two-thirds said they plan to go again, according to a report from Kampgrounds of America. Sitting around a campfire and stargazing from a cozy sleeping bag has long been a favorite pastime of many Americans.
