Don't just sit there, PRINT this list!!

Cooking Essentials

• a cook stove
• pots
• bowls
• cutlery
• a wooden spoon
• a flipper
• a Swiss Army Knife with can opener and knife
• a wash basin
• a water cooler
• a plastic pot scrubber
• a dish rag
• a dish towel
• paper towels
• extra grocery bags (for trash)
• a small bottle of dish detergent (keep in a ziplock bag in case of leakage)
• a mesh sack (for hanging dishes to dry)
• food
• ice packs
• cooler
• salt and pepper

Tenting Essentials

• tarp
• tent
• sleeping mats
• sleeping bag
• pillow case (stuff it full of your extra clothes)
• flashlight
• fleece hat and mitts (if it's going to be cool)

Other Camping Stuff

• firewood
• newspaper
• matches in a waterproof container
• hatchet
• lantern
• deck of cards, book, frisbee etc.
• mosquito repellant
• sunscreen
• hat
• optional: lawnchairs

Here's some tips on camping and camping equipment that you may find useful:

• When you're choosing food to bring, consider instant mashed potatoes, oatmeal, dried fruit and other dehydrated items. They don't weigh much which makes them easy to tote.
• If you're in the market for a cook stove, consider the Trangia stoves that burn alcohol and are tiny and self-contained. In a strong wind they are the most effective stoves we've seen, and you'll never have trouble buying more (cheap) fuel for them.
• When you're choosing a tarp, get one that's slightly larger than the base of your tent. Lay it flat on the ground and place your tent on top of it. This will help ensure that the inside of your tent remains dry.
• If you can, buy cooking utensils that are small enough to fit into your cook stove kit.
• We've found that storing camping equipment in sacks makes packing for future trips a sinch. You'll always know where your camping cutlery is if it's always in a small sack with your lighter, matches, Swiss Army Knife and cooking utensils.
• If you're camping at higher elevations (Yellowstone in August, for example), bring an extra blanket for warmth. Consider a fleece blanket -- they're almost weightless and dry quickly.
• Keep your tent, pillowcase, blankets and clothes in waterproof sacks or plastic bags.
• Before you rush out and buy an air mattress to sleep on, remember that they weigh a ton. Instead, save up and buy a small thermal mat. They roll up to the size of a small thermos and weigh just ounces.
• If you can afford it, consider purchasing a Thinsulate sleeping bag. They roll into a sack the size of a roll of papertowels and weigh just ounces.
• If you're in the market for a new tent, consider getting a tent that's just large enough for you (and your partner, if applicable) and not too tall. A light tent is great for multi-day hiking trips and canoe trips. You can purchase small tents with covered foyers into which you can place your bag of clothes.
• You can buy plastic salt and pepper shakers with snap-on lids that seal against moisture.
• Don't throw your food scraps in the fire pit!
• Don't bring food into your tent!