Spring is that time of year where you want to start the summer activities, yet still want to savor the last bits of winter ones. But it’s not too bad of a life if you have to choose between shredding the slush and camping under the stars.

While spring fever is about to hit hard, we have to remember that spring camping – especially in Utah- still calls for low night temps, so we need to be prepared.

While it’s important to know what you need in general, it’s also important to recognize what kind of camping you are going to be doing in order to determine how you need to pack. Car camping is great because it allows you to bring just a little more than your average backpacking trip, but we also still need to be conscious of space when going with a group of people in a single car.

It’s also vital to figure out the length of your camping trip. If you are only going one two nights, then one pair of long pants might work, but if you’re extending it to three or four, you might want to add another pair.

To be totally honest, I under pack apparel so my clothes will be completely dirty after a trip. Generally, the only things I will over pack are food and water.

So once we figured out that we were car camping for a long weekend in Southern Utah for a Klymit company retreat, I was in charge of compiling a comprehensive list for my coworkers. While the company is stock full of camping extraordinaires , it’s still nice to reference complete list in your back pocket… and because we know that even when you think you remembered everything, sometimes you don’t (may or may not have left all of these items at home before).

 

*Please note that this list focuses on general items, rather than specific brands or products, but if you would like specific suggestions, please feel free to check out some picks here or contact me. *

Apparel and Footwear 

Short-sleeved top : 1 for each day 

Long-sleeved top: 1 

Mid-layer: 1

Jacket: 1 

Long pants: 2

Shorts: 1 for each day

Sleep outfit: 1

Underwear : 1 pair for each day

Socks: 1 pair for each day + 1 extra 

Brimmed hat 

Beanie 

Hiking shoes/boots 

Sunglasses 

 

Toiletries 

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Deodorant 

Soap bar 

Toilet paper

Sunscreen – face and body

Bug Repellent 

Lotion 

Brush/comb

Hair Ties

 

Electronics 

Flashlight/Headlamp 

Phone

Cell phone charging cord and car adapter

Water 

2 liters per day per person 

Or water filter, if going somewhere with known water sources

 

Food 

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner 

Snacks

Camping Gear

Sleeping pad 

Sleeping bag 

Pillow 

Tent 

Tarp 

Gear Bag 

Day pack 

Hydration bladder/ reusable water bottle

Kitchen Items

Paper towels 

Fire kindling

Firewood 

Lighter 

Garbage bags

Reusable plate 

Reusable bowl 

Reusable utensils 

Cooking stove 

Propane 

Camping table

Small camp chair

Misc.

Swim suit 

Gloves

Sandals/Slip-on shoes

Baby wipes

Camera + SD Card

Microfiber towel

Playing cards

Fire wood

Roasting sticks

Wallet/ ID 

 

 

Did I forget anything you like to bring? Let me know!

 

Your nacforadventurer and (sorta) pro-packer,

AJ