What are the essential supplies to bring on a camping trip?

Question

Me and my boyfriend are going camping for the first time and don't really know what to bring. We're going this Friday and Saturday and time is ticking away. I've already purchased sleeping bags and flashlights. I need to know what else to bring so I can come up with a list for him to follow.

Answer 1

When you purchase items for camping, the most dependable merchandise comes from a company called Coleman.
They have been around for many, many years and really know what they are doing when manufacturing their items.

Check them out while shopping and do some research online.
They should carry just about any type of camping equipment you might need.

Answer 2

First of all, bring food (I suggest marshmallows, but bring "real" food too). Also bring the essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, clothes, an extra pair of socks, and a Swiss army knife, if you have one. Be sure to bring a cell phone, in case you get separated somehow. If you really are roughin' it, bring a little gas cooking thingy and whatever other stuff you find at a camping or sporting goods store.

Answer 3

Depends on where you are going and how much you plan on "roughing" it.

I would definately start off with the TENT, sleeping bags, flashlights, air mattress if you want one, bug sprays, sunblock (basically the basics), as well as matches or lighters, and firestarters to help with the campfire.

I grew up camping. My dad always brought with us several small propane tanks, a propane stove, camping cookingware (pots, pans, coffeemaker), plenty of silverware, cups, coolers full of ice and plenty to drink (water, soda's, juice), and a cooler with ice with our food.
If you have a nice outdoor store (like Cabella's or Bass Pro Shop) near you, I HIGHLY suggest going to them and asking a pro. They can point you in the best direction as far as camping gear. Same goes with if you have a Dick's Sporting Goods or Sports Authority. Any outdoor type store can help you figure out what's best to start with for camping.
Make sure you pick up biodegradeable soaps for washing your dishes if you need to, plan on how to dispose of your trash (do you have access to dumpsters?), plan on buying biodegradeable toilet paper for bathroom breaks too.

If you are just going for a quick weekend "KOA" type campout, where they provide a nice spot already made for a tent, and a shower/bathroom house, and store, then I wouldn't worry too much about bringing tons of gear with you. But, if you are going out into the absolute wilderness, make sure you do your research for the area, find any park ranger buildings, nearest hospital, stuff like that.

Good luck on your camping trip. I hope my answer helped to point you at least in the right direction as far as what you'll need!

Answer 4

If you are going for a camping trip with trekking activites, below is my recommendation:

Things to do before you leave

To do for most trips

Wash the dishes
Shave
Pet Care
Memorize PIN codes to credit cards
Tape up your feet
Check out what hospitals are covered by your health insurance
Install or recharge batteries
Get maps
Clothes

Unisex clothes

Underwear
Shirts
T-shirts
Shorts
Socks
Trousers ( Pants, Jeans )
Cap ( Hat )
Clothes for women

Bra
Skirt
Sarong
Tights
Stockings
Clothes for men

Tie
Shoes

Walking shoes
Sandals ( Flip-flops )
Optional clothes

Belt
Scarf
Beach pants
Jewelry
Clothes for Cold weather

Jacket ( Wind breaker )
Sweater
Gloves
Mittens
Long underwear
Knitted (woolen) cap
Money and documents

Basic documents

Insurance certificate ( Health Insurance card )
Cash
Credit/ATM cards ( Visa, Eurocard/Mastercard, American Express etc )
Driver's license
ID card
Address list (with phone numbers and email addresses)
Optional documents

International Student Identification Card ( ISIC )
Tourist organization certificate
Phone card
Membership cards
For carrying money and documents

Wallet
Paper folder
Maps

Small scale map
Large scale map
Books

Novels
Guidebook
Equipment

Things for packing

Backpack ( Rucksack )
Small extra backpack ( Knap sack, Day pack )
Small box
Things for sleeping

Sleeping bag
Tent
Sheets ( Bed covers )
Pillowcase
Sleeping mattress
Cooking equipment

Stove
Extra fuel
Can opener
Eating utensils ( Cutlery )
Drinking cup
Eating equipment

Cork screw
Thermos
Miscellaneous equipment

Compass
Pens
Candle
Earplugs
Lighter ( Matches )
Sunglasses
Keys
Extra car keys
Hygiene

Hygiene

Toilet bag ( Bathroom bag, Necessaire )
Razor
Shaving gel ( Shaving foam )
Electric shaver
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Soap
Soap box
Liquid soap
Shampoo
Styling gel ( Hair gel )
Toilet paper
Deodorant
Towel
Sunblock lotion
Extra glasses
Hygiene (women only)

Make-up
Tampons
Medication against yeast infection
Hygiene (optional)

Comb
Hair brush
Moisturizer
Health

General health items

Prescription medicine
Condoms
Sore tape ( Adhesive tape )
Insect repellent
Water bottle
Water purifying filter
Pills, tablets and medicines

Water purifying tablets
Motion sickness tablets
Contraceptive tablets
Fever tablets
Pain relievers
Allergy pills ( Anti-histamines )
Electrical stuff

General electrical items

Cell Phone ( Mobile Phone, Cellular Phone )
Charger to Cell Phone
Computer
PDA
Watch
Flashlight ( Torch )
Batteries
GPS
Camera equipment

Camera
Film
One-Use camera
Generic photo equipment

Camera bag
Music items

Music player ( Cassette, CD, MiniDisc, MP3 )
Headphones
Music media ( Music cassettes, CDs )
Mountain equipment

Hiking equipment

Hiking trousers
Long sleeve shirt
Hiking Boots
Woolen socks
Trekking poles
Aspirin

Hope the above information is useful. For a comprehensive packing list, you can refer to http://upl.codeq.info/.