Camping packing list: Everything you need for a night in the backcountry (or just your yard)

Whether we're sitting by bonfires at a drive-up campground or backcountry cooking by a remote stream, for most of us camping is usually fun in proportion to how well prepared we are. That's why when you set out into the forest it's important to have thought through your camping packing list.

Make smart choices without hours of googling. Subscribe to The Checklist newsletter for expert product advice and recommendations.  

Not every camping packing list should be the same. Car camping usually means room for more amenities and heavier gear, whereas overnight backpacking trips might call for packs pared down to essentials only. Some people look for ultralight specialty equipment, while some people like to camp in something a little more chic.

Check out our picks for the gear you'll need in your camping packing list. Whether you're shopping for you or for a gift, we've got the gear you'll need for National Camp Day and beyond. Read the full article written by Gabriel Morgan here.

USA Today: Camping packing list: Everything you need for a night in the backcountry (or just your yard)

Orange and gray hiking backpack with water filter, first aid kit, headlamp, and portable camping stove.
Orange and gray hiking backpack with water filter, first aid kit, headlamp, and portable camping stove.

Camping packing list: Everything you need for a night in the backcountry (or just your yard)

Whether we're sitting by bonfires at a drive-up campground or backcountry cooking by a remote stream, for most of us camping is usually fun in proportion to how well prepared we are. That's why when you set out into the forest it's important to have thought through your camping packing list.

Make smart choices without hours of googling. Subscribe to The Checklist newsletter for expert product advice and recommendations.  

Not every camping packing list should be the same. Car camping usually means room for more amenities and heavier gear, whereas overnight backpacking trips might call for packs pared down to essentials only. Some people look for ultralight specialty equipment, while some people like to camp in something a little more chic.

Check out our picks for the gear you'll need in your camping packing list. Whether you're shopping for you or for a gift, we've got the gear you'll need for National Camp Day and beyond. Read the full article written by Gabriel Morgan here.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from USA Today
USA Today
We bring clarity to the news of the day, helping you better understand your world.
Media Mentions

USA Today: Camping packing list: Everything you need for a night in the backcountry (or just your yard)

Orange and gray hiking backpack with water filter, first aid kit, headlamp, and portable camping stove.
Orange and gray hiking backpack with water filter, first aid kit, headlamp, and portable camping stove.

Camping packing list: Everything you need for a night in the backcountry (or just your yard)

Whether we're sitting by bonfires at a drive-up campground or backcountry cooking by a remote stream, for most of us camping is usually fun in proportion to how well prepared we are. That's why when you set out into the forest it's important to have thought through your camping packing list.

Make smart choices without hours of googling. Subscribe to The Checklist newsletter for expert product advice and recommendations.  

Not every camping packing list should be the same. Car camping usually means room for more amenities and heavier gear, whereas overnight backpacking trips might call for packs pared down to essentials only. Some people look for ultralight specialty equipment, while some people like to camp in something a little more chic.

Check out our picks for the gear you'll need in your camping packing list. Whether you're shopping for you or for a gift, we've got the gear you'll need for National Camp Day and beyond. Read the full article written by Gabriel Morgan here.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from USA Today
USA Today
We bring clarity to the news of the day, helping you better understand your world.
Media Mentions
browse all articles
Here at Sawyer

Recent mentions

Media Mentions
June 8, 2026
The Trek: New Gear, Who Dis?
A review of the gear that DanceOff P. carries.
View post
Media Mentions
June 8, 2026
The Trek: Appalachian Trail Gear Regrets: 8 Things I Would Do Differently and 4 I Wouldn’t Change
Everyone has to start somewhere, but if I was starting over, here’s a breakdown of what I did and what I’d do differently with my gear.
View post
Media Mentions
June 8, 2026
NBC News: What’s Bikepacking? I Found Out By Riding Over 100 Miles And Camping With Strangers
I did it all in two days, carrying everything I needed on my bike. Here are the essentials beginners should always have.
View post
Media Mentions
June 8, 2026
The People's Pharmacy: How to Keep Mosquitoes from Biting You
With the rise of mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S., Americans are more motivated than ever to keep mosquitoes from biting.
View post
Media Mentions
June 8, 2026
The Mercury News: What Is The Best Insect Repellent?
To prevent bites and diseases, make sure to use an effective insect repellent.
View post