Spending the night under the stars, sleeping underneath ancient mountains, and being immersed in the forest wilderness are experiences that will humble you and connect you to nature. An overnight camping adventure can seem overwhelming to begin with — How do you sleep comfortably in the elements? What about wild animals? How do you learn about outdoor bathroom etiquette? Well, we all have to start somewhere. This guide will be to help prepare you with an introduction to backpacking and what to pack as your overnight camping essentials.
Please keep in mind that this guide is more focused on warmer weather camping.
You may need to reorganize your backpack or order a bigger literate to accommodate all your overnight gear. I recommend strong shoulder, waist, and chest straps as always comfort is key, but so is saving your back!
An Essential Packing List for Overnight Camping
Research, Planning, and Preparation
It is important to check the camping laws for where you are. They are often different from state to state. I highly recommend checking the park’s website as well and where you can, speaking with a local ranger. This also helps to ensure you acquire any permits that are needed for the specific region, and provides ample time to organize and plan accordingly.
Remember to follow the LNT principles and pitch your tent in the designated areas meant for camping. This is for your safety, the safety of wildlife, and also fragile environments.
Always remember that you shouldn’t hike or camp alone. It’s more fun with a buddy and it is much safer. If this is your first overnight camping experience, I do recommend going with someone who has experience in an overnight backpacking trip.
Be sure that an emergency contact knows where you are, the route you are taking, who you are with, and when to expect your return.
Lastly, check the updated weather conditions. This is also where speaking with a ranger is useful for up-to-date trail and weather conditions. It is important for your safety, and for those in the rescue industry, that you don’t go ahead if the conditions are dangerous for the destination.
Make sure you are familiar with:
- Setting up your personal shelter
- Storing your food properly
- Backcountry bathroom skills
- Backcountry handwashing skills
- Preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses
- Community safety practices
- Hiking and camping with wild animals
Packing
I’m definitely guilty of being the person who is the last-minute cram packer. I have overpacked, carried a monster backpack, and returned with items I never used. I have under-packed, been frozen to the bones, and found myself in changing weather conditions without a plan. Don’t be like me! It is important to test your gear ahead of time. This is to make sure there is nothing that needs repairing or replacing, and that you have all your essentials for survival.
When being mindful of backpack weight distribution, it is important to invest in lightweight, quality gear. This is especially true if this is something you want to continue doing for many years to come.
Packing tip: Remember that there are options to either hire or buy second-hand gear. There is a lot to collect when first starting out. Another great reason to go camping with a buddy is so that you can share some items for even weight distributions (for example, a first-aid kit and bear canister).
Backpack
Let’s spilt the backpack into three package sections:
- The bottom of the pack should be soft items like an extra puffer, your sleeping bag, and a tent. Think things you won’t need until camp.
- The core zone is for heavier items, like a bear canister or any cookware. These should be things you don’t require until setting up camp.
- The top of the pack is for easy access items like your first-aid kit, water purifier, and toilet supplies.
Pocket accessories can include your map, GPS, snacks, ID, cash, bug spray, sunscreen, and lip balm. Don’t forget you can also strap your camera tripod, trekking poles, and a spare drinking bottle to the outside of your pack.
Tent / Shelter
I have a four-season tent that has taken me from the desert to the mountains. I can’t recommend enough having the flexibility of a tent that covers you for all seasons. Ultimately, your shelter is a personal preference. I have friends who prefer a bivy, a hammock, or a mat and a tarp. Whichever suits you, I recommend investing in quality and lightweight equipment.
Sleeping Bag
Everyone sleeps differently. Personally, I am always cold so I opt for a sleeping bag with extra warmth. If needed, I can also add a sleeping bag liner inside.
It is important that you have the right sleeping bag for the environment in which you will be camping. Look for high-quality fill, whether it is synthetic or down. Also, look for one that is compressible to keep it dry and to reduce the weight and space in your pack.
The sleeping bag‘s main job is to reduce the loss of heat from the energy source — you. Choose something that is comfortable for you and accounts for how you sleep. If you tend to toss and turn, a bag that has more wiggle room might be better suited than a mummy bag, which is more comfortable for those who fall asleep and wake in the same spot.
Sleeping Mat
A sleeping mat serves as an extra layer between you and the cool of the ground. It’s adding an extra layer of comfort for your bones. I personally never camp without one. I have both a full-size and half-size mat. However, for the extra space and comfort, I prefer the full-length sleeping mat.
Mosquito Net
To someone like me, who is allergic to mosquitos, I pack a small bug net for use when resting in my hammock or for added protection.
Camping Pillow / Down Jacket
Depending on the length of my camping trip, I will either pack a lightweight air pillow or simply roll my down jacket up at the end of the day and use this as a makeshift pillow. This is a personal preference. For those who love the comfort and don’t want to go without the simple pleasure of having a safe space to rest their head, a lightweight packable camping pillow is the way to go.
Cookware and Utensils
My trusty Jetboil has taken care of me from all over Australia to the Patagonia mountains in Argentina and Chile. A small gas canister for short trips and either a three-ring cutlery set or a simple spork is perfect for eating directly out of the pot and/or dry-freeze bags. This depends entirely on what you like to eat while camping, but remember food is essential.
You can always strap your mug to the outside of your bag. For any bowls or plates, I recommend collapsible items and/ or something that can be used for hot and cold food.
Meals
Thankfully, dehydrated or dry-freeze meals have come a long way. As a vegan camper, I no longer have to miss out on essential nutrients and there is a nice range of comfort and calorie-dense camping food. For snacks, I like to pack Cliff Bars or granola bars, nuts, candy or something sugary.
Important note: Some areas will require the correct storage of your food, snacks, and even your chapstick or any scented items. Please read up on safety in bear country and make sure you are taking all the precautions to prevent any encounters with wild animals.
Water
Personally, a Grayl lightweight bottle is my favorite water purifying system. Although, there are many purifier systems on the market. On any hike, I pack my 3L Camelback and my Grayl for purification on-site. I always leave extra water in the car for my return, alongside a change of fresh clothes. Water is non-negotiable and it is important to stay hydrated at all times and to know where your closest water source is.
Head Lamp, PBL, Navigation and First-Aid Kit
As a photographer, a head lamp is essential for my pack. I am often out at either sunrise or sunset. Carrying a head lamp allows me to keep my hands free for trekking poles, ensuring my footing is stable and for seeing around camp.
A Personal Beacon Locator (PBL) is also a non-negotiable safety item. Regardless of the location I am traveling to or the type of activity, my first-aid kit is also essential. Safety is paramount!
Over the years, I have used various apps for navigation. Personally, I still use Alltrails and Maps.me for research, checking out other people’s photos and comments and, most importantly, for downloading offline maps. With an offline map, you can follow along in the field and make sure you don’t get lost.
Camp Light
This may seem simple, yet it’s easy to overlook. I always recommend an additional light for illuminating your camping grounds or your tent at night.
Trowel
Are you camping in the backcountry? I remember when I first read the word “trowel” I had to google it and its use. A trowel is your outdoor bathroom best friend. It will assist you in correctly creating the appropriate size and depth cat hole to improve the camping experience for the environment and animals. Don’t forget your non-scented hand sanitizers, some toilet paper, or wipes (and to pack out what you pack in!)
Toiletries
Sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste &, bug spray — these are all essentials for camping. Don’t forget your chapstick, earplugs, and sunglasses either.
What Clothing to Pack
Compiling a small list of what to bring with you for comfort and warmth on your overnight camping adventure is key. I take the same things for a day hike as I do for an overnighter, plus some extras. I like to pack additional clothes to sleep in — namely my thermals to keep warm. Don’t forget your additional layers like a mid-weight fleece, a raincoat and down jacket. I also take a few waterproof bags to keep these items nice and dry. The last thing you want is to unpack items for sleeping to find out they are wet or damp.
If your overnight camping adventure is multi-day, be prepared to get used to the campers’ smell. Pack extra socks, but be mindful of the weight of your backpack and pack only what you need. A shower awaits you at home. Life is about embracing the adventure and all it entails.
Trekking poles, your hiking boots, an extra pair of camp shoes, gloves, beanies are all essential as is the right layering system of your clothing.
Optional Extras
If you have the room, consider bringing a book (or Kindle), some playing cards, or a hammock.
Most importantly, there may be few extra safety items that you overlooked — such as a multi-tool or knife, whistle, or some waterproof matches.
Finals Tips to Remember
- The 7 LNP principles apply at all times
- Observe wildlife from a distance, never feed wildlife
- What you pack in, you pack out
- Wash your dishes away from streams using biodegradable soap
Knowing what to pack, how to layer, how to correctly distribute the weight you are carrying, plus the correct storage of food, may seem like a lot when first starting out. Once you get out there and try it, you won’t look back. It may take a couple of tries to get everything right within your comfort levels for overnight camping.
Happy camping, friends!
Article written by Melissa Findley
