You’ve picked your spot and you’re ready to head out camping. As you probably know, finding the perfect place to camp is only half the battle — now you need to figure out what to pack! Start creating your camping checklist with this quick guide that will take you through the most common equipment and items you need to pack to make sure your camping trip is a success. Everything linked in the blog is on sale from April 3 to 11, so don’t be afraid to click “Add to Cart”! 

Camping clothing

Were you already thinking of tents? Not so fast; first, you need to make sure you have all the apparel you need to keep you comfortable during the trip. 

A great place to start is with a waterproof, windproof jacket (like these ones from Helly Hansen) to get you through a variety of weather conditions. Even if the forecast calls for sun, you want to be prepared. Plus, if you start getting cold, you can layer your windbreaker over a wool layer to help trap even more heat. 

If you still need some basics like long sleeve shirts, vests or hiking pants, you can start by perusing our featured sale items from Columbia. 

Tip: Remember, once you’re out in the wilderness, you won’t have access to your closet. Pack for the forecast and other weather surprises. 

Packing for activities 

Planning to hit the trail while you’re out there? You’ll want something more supportive than typical sneakers, so it’s always a good idea to bring along a pair of hiking boots or trail running shoes. Right now, we have deals on Salomon and Merrell! 

Then another key item you’ll need is a small daypack, like our Osprey Daylite Packs, to bring on your adventure to stow items like snacks, flashlights, bear mace and extra layers in case the temperature quickly changes. 

Many camping sites also have water near them, so if you’re planning on taking a dip add a bathing suit to your checklist, too. 

Lastly, don’t forget your water bottle! The Yeti Rambler or Hydro Flask insulated bottle will keep your beverage of choice cold (or hot) all day long! 

Tip: If you’re an all-weather camper, or know you’ll be hiking across/through rivers, consider investing in waterproof hiking boots like these ones by Keen. 

Load the car with this camping gear

Your bags are packed and now it’s time to make sure you have the camping essentials. First off you’ll need a good tent. If you have a family or some pets joining you, the Coleman Sundome six-person tent is a great place to start. You will also need sleeping bags and an air mattress if you want to avoid sleeping on the hard ground. Plus, air mattresses also help keep you warmer since the ground will get cold at night.

Next, you need some chairs for around the fire, like our Coleman Broadband Quad Mesh Chair, and a cooler to keep all of your food and drinks at the perfect temperature. 

Want to go big? Check out the Coleman Instant Screen House Shelter — it will help protect you from the sun and pesky bugs so you can sit outside all day and enjoy nature. 

Ready to hit the road? Shop our Sporting Days sale from April 3 to 11 and get in on all of the savings!