Camping Supply List Must-Haves
Create your camping supply list in advance so that you don’t have to call in reinforcements at the last minute
Any smart camper puts together a camping supply list before their trip. When you’re a dad who’s coming to Dads & Kids Camping Weekend with a few little ones, it’s even more important. Kids are unpredictable and many aren’t easily entertained, so it’s best to keep these things in mind when you’re making a camping supply list before the trip.
Remember, when you’re out with a group of other dads and kids, calling mom to bring the hamburgers is off limits!
A cheat sheet for your camping supply list
Pack for the season
Your camping supply list should reflect what season of the year the camping trip is planned for. If it’s the middle of March in New England, you’re not going to need a bathing suit. What you will need are warm jackets, pants, socks, shoes and probably warm boots. Bring extra layers, even in the summer. You never know when it’s going to rain.
Likewise, a trip in the middle of summer definitely needs to have bug spray on the camping supply list so that the kids do not get attacked by mosquitos and other flying pests.
Pack the activities
The next thing to consider when putting a camping supply list together is the type of equipment you need for the trip. Are you fishing and camping with the kids? Can you share a tent with one of the other dads? Do you need a few tents for a bigger group of kids?
What about off-road vehicles, will those be needed too? Is this camping trip going to involve getting the kids to accomplish certain tasks throughout the duration? If so, will they need specific equipment, like hatchets or rope that may not be provided otherwise? Do you need an air mattress?
Pack the menu
Lastly, you will need to include food in the camping supply list. How many people are you responsible for feeding? How many meals will you need to eat during the trip? Will you need treats or snacks for the kids during the trip? Is there anything that the kids cannot eat or anything that the kids are allergic to?
One recommendation for coming up with a camping supply list is to start early. Drawing up the list at the last minute is about as useful as not making one at all. If you give yourself at least a week to make the list, you’ll have time to remember the fine details that you won’t piece together when you plan in a rush.
If you want to learn more about how to keep kids entertained and start your own Dads & Kids Camping Weekend, check out my 45-page Dads & Kids Camping Handbook.