Pack for your trip, not someone else's.
A working checklist for car camping and backpacking. Tell us what your trip provides, then make the list your own.
For non-winter overnight trips of 1–7 nights. This is an editable starting point, not a completeness or safety check. Confirm destination rules, weather and individual needs. How the checklist works.
Your packing checklist
Car camping · 2 campers · 2 nights
Water: confirmed drinking-water tap; toilet: available; meals: stove; cool nights: no; rain expected: no; food storage: carry approved system.
Group quantities, not per-person quantities. Edit names and counts, check items as you pack, and remove what does not fit your trip.
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Shelter & sleep
Shared system for 2 campers: adjust the count to your actual usable capacity; include poles, stakes and required guylines.
One per camper. Select for the expected overnight conditions and your needs; this tool does not choose a temperature rating.
One per camper. Ground insulation matters as well as comfort; check suitability for the overnight conditions.
Keep each camper's bedding dry during transport and at camp; an existing sealed bag may do the job.
Clothing
One per camper as a starting point. Match layers to the coldest credible conditions, including delays.
One per camper. Keep accessible even when the forecast looks settled; check the actual route exposure.
Editorial starting point: campers × the smaller of (nights + 1) and 3. Adjust for wet feet, drying options and personal needs; worn socks are extra.
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen or suitable clothing, chosen for each camper and the exposure.
Food & water
Group plan for 2 campers. Count arrival and departure meals explicitly; night count alone cannot determine portions. Record actual food weight if tracking it.
Per-camper reserve for delays. NPS recommends extra food; adapt the amount to route, remoteness and individual needs.
At least one container per camper as a starting point, not a volume recommendation. Plan capacity from route, weather, activity and reliable refill access.
A drinking-water tap is selected. Confirm that it is operating and potable; plan for closures and water needed before you reach it.
One shared system is a starting point; check group capacity, fuel compatibility and current restrictions. Use outdoors away from enclosed shelters; never rely on a campfire for meals.
Match the vessel to the menu and group; test support and usable capacity before packing.
Check stove instructions and local rules; carry a compatible backup ignition method where allowed.
One per camper; choose only the cup, bowl and utensils your menu needs.
Confirm local wildlife-storage requirements before selecting a canister, locker or other permitted system. This tool cannot decide which method is legal at your destination.
Navigation & safety
One accessible light per camper as a starting point. Check charge and a workable power backup.
Shared supplies plus each person's medication and needs. Review contents and skills; do not infer a complete kit from this single line.
Bring a route-appropriate map and tools you can use; download information before reception disappears and keep a physical backup where appropriate.
Leave your route and return time with a trusted person. Select communication for expected coverage; a phone is not guaranteed to connect.
Choose repairs for your shelter, pad and other actual equipment; observe transport and destination rules for tools.
Confirm access, weather, closures, restrictions and overnight permission. Keep necessary documents available without a signal.
Hygiene & camp
Pack out rubbish and hygiene waste; add enough bags for the group and trip length.
Include each camper's needs. Follow local wastewater rules; do not wash directly in a natural water source.
Optional: skip if the site has seating or you are happy without it. Check vehicle space after the essentials fit.
Want to understand the choices? Read the rules, worked examples and limitations.