Are you planning a camping trip in North Carolina or beyond this fall?

From backyard camping to long distance backpacking, we have customers walk through our doors on a regular basis wanting to know how they can prepare for their next camping adventure. Determining what you do and do not need to bring can be an overwhelming task.

In our first blog post in a WHILE, we are sharing our quick-hitter checklist of 20 Basic Camping Essentials for you to consider. There is obviously A LOT more we can say about each of the items on this list, but this should get you started on what your needs will be for an overnight camping trip. In our opinion, you do not want to leave home without considering this must-have camping gear.

Basic Camping Equipment Checklist (and suggested products):

1: Tent - Eureka Tetragon NX 4 Person Tent

2: Bedding (air mattress, blankets, pillows, ground mats, sleeping bags, etc) - Kelty Biggie Blanket

3: Light source (lantern, flashlights, head lamps, solar rope lights) - Nebo Poppy Lantern

4: Food storage (cooler, ice) - Ice Mule Pro X-Large 33L

5: Cooking (camping stove or grill) - Eureka Ignite Camp Stove

6: Cookware (pots, pans, and utensils) - Coghlan's Hard Anodized Family Cook Set

7: First aid kit - Trek II First Aid Kit

8: Insect repellent

9: Sun protection - Sun Guardian Hat

10: Knife or multi-use tool - True Utility DAWG 14-1 Multi-Tool

11: Fire starter - Coghlan's Fire Disc - review local fire regulations beforehand

12: Firewood - review local fire regulations beforehand

13: Biodegradable or reusable plates and utensils - Kavu Utensil Pouch

14: Paper towels, cloths, trash bags

15: Weather appropriate clothing Kuhl Lea Pullover

16: Weather appropriate footwear Salomon Men's Ultra Glide 2

17: Map or GPS

18: Reusable water bottles Hydroflask 21 Oz Lightweight Waterbottle

19: Food and water

20: Necessary personal items (medications, toiletries, etc)

Do you have any questions or need one-on-one help? Come visit our store in Pittsboro, NC and any of our outdoor enthusiasts will be able to help you prepare and offer suggestions on camping gear. We have options for ALL of the items on this basic camping checklist available in our store (sans firewood) and a great selection on our website as well. We can help prepare you for a weekend at Shakori Hills with kids in tow where comfort is king AND help you maximize space in your backpack for that bucket list Appalachian trail through-hike. Lastly, we know camping gear is an investment! We also can offer personalized tips and tricks to help you determine what you do and don't need based on the adventure you are embarking on.

Stay tuned for Part 2 where we will delve deeper into some of the more advanced technical gear for tents and other shelter options.

Do you have any off the wall or unique camping essentials not listed?! Let us know in the comments.

Go Play Chatham,

Your Friends at Chatham Outfitters