If you are going camping there are items you will need to take to ensure the best experience. 

You will need the following personal equipment: backpack or duffel bag for clothing and other gear, raincoat or poncho depending on the weather, a jacket or sweatshirt in cold weather.

You will also need the following personal gear: headgear for hot or cold weather, long pants or blue jeans/shorts, t-shirts or long-sleeved shirts (dependent on weather), underwear, socks and bed clothes. 

Also needed are shoes: tennis shoes and hiking boots, a bath towel (if showers are available), face cloth, soap, toothbrush & paste, deodorant, comb or hair brush.

You will also need a tent, ground cloth for under the tent, a sleeping bag, a cot, air mattress or padding, a pillow and folding camp stool or chair.  You should bring a flashlight, batteries, a personal first aid kit, pocket knife, mosquito lotion (if weather appropriate), a mess kit (knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup) if not supplied by someone else in your group.

Finally,you should  bring a canteen or water bottle, three trash bags for dirty or wet clothes, personal trash and recycling items, matches, sun block (if weather appropriate) and emergency toilet paper.

You might also wish to take heavy-duty work gloves, a camera, a cell-phone, compass, hiking stick and hand-warmers (if weather appropriate). 

Note: the quantity of specific items (clothing, for example) may vary depending on the length of your trip.  You will need ice chests to store food and drink, too. Additionally, someone in your group will need to provide cooking equipment for meal preparation.  

Equipment needed for food preparation will vary according to the rules currently in place at your specific camping location and may even vary according to the time of year.  Do your homework and call the campgrounds ahead of time so you will know what to bring for your meals. 

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia