What to Pack? A list for the casual camper...

Over the past few months, in my conversations on camping, people ask me what they need to have or need to bring in order to camp.  It is hard to answer right off the top of your head.  I decided to take a little time and go over what we do.  

If you know me, you know that I try my hardest to keep things as simple and efficient as possible...camping is no exception.  I don't want to spend a lot of money buying supplies.  I don't want to spend lots of time packing (I hate packing).  I want to have a fair amount of inexpensive supplies that stay in the camper so we are able to leave on short notice.

For me, the most daunting part of camping is packing.  I have never been a good packer.  Honestly, I always take too much.  When Kelly and I began camping we used a checklist, and that made us feel much more comfortable about our first outing.  Now I feel like we have been enough that I can make a list of the essentials that we always have.

Many of the items on the list are "if you need them."  We didn't start out with everything on this list, it is just what we currently pack when we go.   

I would NOT go out and buy everything all at once.  I suggest making a list of things and go YARD SALE-ING'!  Find a cheap coffee maker and things like that, that you can leave in the camper.  It shortens the amount of time you have to pack a great deal.

Here is a link to download your own list to make the changes you need!

I included a Meal Planner w/ a shopping/packing list.

May need to click Web Version on the bottom...The chart doesn't work well with mobile

Huffman Camper Checklist

Kitchen Stuff	Bed and Bathroom Stuff
__Cups (I like Tervis or Yeti) __Coffee Mugs __Lighter (long one) __Pots, Pans w/lids __Skillet (cast iron=stove and campfire) __Coffee Maker __Crockpot (put on, go play, eat) __Sponge, Scrubber, Rag __Dish Soap __Cutlery (start with plastic) __Steak Knives (want to be able to cut meat) __Paper Plates __Paper Towles __Coffee Filters __Tin Foil (most campfire treats need it) __Trash Bags __Broom	__Bedding __Pillows __Blankets (bed and outside) __Clock __Electic Heater (already paying for electric) __Toilet Paper __Tissues __Toothbrush/Toothpaste __Hand Soap __Deoderant __Sunscreen __Glasses/Contacts (I always forget) __Towels __Shampoo/Soap __First Aid Kit (Bandaids and Bandaids)
Random Stuff	Camper Stuff
__Cellphones/Chargers __Books/eReader __Walkie Talkies (our kids love them) __Radio (Bluetooth tailgater) __Hiking Equipment (I really enjoy trails) __Ball Gloves/Kickball __Bocce Ball/Lawn Darts/Etc __Bikes __Beach Towels __Rope (dog tie out) __Camp Chairs __Fire Starter __Table Cloth __Door Mat (lots of dirty feet) __Sun Glasses __Hand Sanitizer	__Wheel Chocks __Extension Cord __Sewer Hose/90 degree elbow __Pressure Regulator ( for a full hookup) __Dispoable Gloves (for dumping waste) __Small outdoor grill __Small toolkit (bike repair)