Having a camping checklist is going to save you time and a boat load of frustration. No one wants to get to their camping destination, start setting up, and realize that they forgot to pack something.
Living in the Pacific Northwest can make it hard to build one size fits all list, but you can create a basic camping checklist and build from it to fit any occasion.
Keep reading to find out what to do before starting a camping list.
Before Making Your Camping List
Your checklist will vary depending on 4 critical things; season, location, how you’re camping, and what activities you will be doing during your trip.
1. When are you camping?
The PNW is full of fun all year long but preparing a proper checklist will depend on the season you’re camping in.
Anyone living in the Pacific Northwest will tell you that the weather can be unpredictable at times.
For example, your essential camping checklist will be different if you’re camping in the springtime versus if you’re camping in the fall.
2. Where you’re camping?
Where are you going to camp? The beach? In the woods? Will there be water?
The location of your camping trip will determine if there are additional items to pack.
3. How you’re camping?
Your list will also be different depending on how you are camping as well. Are you in an RV? A campground? Or are you backpacking into an area?
4. What activities will you be doing?
You will need to pack for your activities too.
Will you be fishing? Swimming? Hiking? Climbing?
Making A Checklist For Camping
Once you have determined the when, where, how, and what (above) you will be in a better position to make your list.
It’s best to start with major categories and then fill them in.
For example, shelter, sleep, toiletries, cooking utilities, food, camping supplies, and your activity(s) are great starter categories!
It’s also a good idea to throw a miscellaneous category in there for those items that don’t really have a category but are still essential.
Checklist Tip.
Keep a list of the basics you bring every time you go camping. This will make your list making faster for the next trip!
While making your checklist for camping, check out our free printable camping checklist to make sure you have the basics or you can build upon the image above.
Feeling Prepared With Your Camping Checklist
Camping is great for getting “away” from the hustle and bustle of life, and there’s no doubt that the Pacific Northwest is one of the best places to accomplish that.
Whether you’re in a RV, tent, or in a sleeping bag under the stars, you can’t go wrong if you’re properly prepared and having a customized camping checklist for your trip is essential to its success!
