# Most and least useful things to pack when camping. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 10, 2017, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142 "2017-04-10T01:04:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![CurtC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce73a5/32.png) [@CurtC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CurtC)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/41 "2017-04-10T16:38:12Z")
> [@Turble](#): > > Hiking boots are out, trail runners are in – you want light weight, good traction, and stability, not several pounds of unnecessary weight on your feet. Can someone explain the pros of hiking boots vs. trail shoes? I have a good pair of boots, and did a backcountry trip in Colorado with them, but it would have been nice to have lightweight shoes instead. What’s the advantage of boots? ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/42 "2017-04-10T16:53:51Z")
> [@CurtC](#): > > Can someone explain the pros of hiking boots vs. trail shoes? I have a good pair of boots, and did a backcountry trip in Colorado with them, but it would have been nice to have lightweight shoes instead. What’s the advantage of boots? If the fit and the traction are equally good: Ankle protection from impact/bruising Ankle support – less chance of twisted ankle (possibly the biggest advantage) Less chance – often significantly less – for pebbles to enter Likewise less chance for water entry if crossing shallow stream Possibly sturdier platform, analogous to truck chassis being stouter than car chassis * * * Of course lightweight shoes will be lighter than lightweight boots, but I’d lean towards lightweight boots. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/43 "2017-04-10T16:58:50Z")
> [@Bone](#): > > Costco has fold up wagons that can take a lot of weight, for like $40. I just checked and they were more like $60. Hold 100 lbs (45 kg). ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/44 "2017-04-10T17:02:12Z")
> [@Gary\_T](#): > > I absolutely disagree. Even in mild weather the ground is a **HUGE** heat sink and can leave you chilly in a matter of minutes. The thermal insulation of proper ground pad is not something to dismiss lightly. > > So burying rocks (from the campfire you shouldn’t build?😕) and sleeping over them –which means waiting to pitch your tent until the rocks are hot, or not using a tent – is a better strategy than carrying a ground pad? Not in my book, and not for the vast majority of recreational campers I’d wager. I’m not recommending sleeping on bare ground in cold temperatures, but in any modestly forested area it is trivial to find insulating materials that you can lay under a light ground tarp. You’ll note I did not argue against using a campfire, and you can heat a rock bed with a modest sized long fire. I wouldn’t pitch a tent over such a bed, and in fact, I generally don’t carry a tent except in very windy or cold weather; a bivy sack or insect net and/or a lightweight tarp is sufficient for most conditions to keep out the inclement weather. If you want to carry the bulk of a ground pad then that is your option but it is not necessary for an experienced hiker, and I have a dim view of inflatables based on experience. > [@Turble](#): > > Forget the first aid kit – there will be plenty of those around in your situation. Maybe take a few band aids. A first aid kit is one of those things you almost never need until you do, and you never know what someone else may or may not have in their kit. Better to build your own with the gear you know how to use. I have one I carry for solo hiking that is no larger than a thick paperback novel with everything I need to treat minor through moderately serious injuries including scratches, serious cuts, burns, sprains, dislocations, simple broken limbs, common illnesses, and non-neurotoxic stings and bites. But you also need [the training to use it properly](https://www.nols.edu/en/coursefinder/courses/wilderness-first-responder-WFR/), which you won’t get by just picking up a prepackaged kit from REI and tossing it in the bottom of your pack. > [@Turble](#): > > Buy your shoes now and break them in. Hiking boots are out, trail runners are in – you want light weight, good traction, and stability, not several pounds of unnecessary weight on your feet. The selection of footwear depends on terrain, activity, pack weight, and personal preference. Trail runners are fine for ultralight hiking in temperate weather, but are wholly inadequate for hiking in mud, snow, rock scrabbling, mountaineering, and canyoneering, each of which really requires footwear appropriate to the conditions (heavy lugged boots, insulated snow boots, approach shoes, mountaineering boots, and self-draining shoes, respectively). Even if you are hiking in flat prairie conditions in good weather, if you are carrying a heavy pack or need additional protection for poorly groomed trails, trail running shoes are really insufficient. Those “several pounds of unnecessary weight” have saved me from likely severe injury on multiple occasions that a light trail shoe would not have. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/45 "2017-04-10T17:17:57Z")
Flint firestarter\*, whistle, small knife or mutlitool, tiny led flashlight, tiny first aid kit (two wound wipes, a packet of neo, two medium and one largish bandaids), a bandanna and a mini packet of tissues. Carry these with you at all times. A small axe or machete or big knife or saw- not one per person but at least one per camp. One more pair of sock then you think you need. - the one with magnesium for tinder is easiest. and buy three, and use one up practicing. ---
**Author:** ![Tranquilis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tranquilis/32/3639_2.png) [@Tranquilis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tranquilis)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/46 "2017-04-10T17:34:16Z")
Most of it’s been covered, but packing is idiosyncratic and varies by the individual. My list will varry from yours, etc. etc. Here is the basic list of useful crap that comes to mind. I’d adjust it for destination and season. Shelter - Could be as basic as a tarp, groundcloth, and blanket, but _something_ to keep the weather off and the heat in at night. Seriously consider a foam ground pad - they’re bulky, but weight little. Back-up warm clothing. Layers are where it’s at - you can always pack the layers you don’t need, but you can’t add the layers you don’t have. Bring extra. Rain protection. Ponchos are bets, IMO, but _something_ that will shed the rain is necessary - Being wet and cold is _miserable._ Paracord. A thousand uses. Mylar ‘survival’ blankets. More uses than you’d expect - everything from advertised use, to reflecting fire warmth, to mild windbreak, to waterproofing a shelter roof, and beyond. They take up almost no space, and weigh about nothing. Take three or four - you may never need ‘em, but if you do, they’re godsend. Camp hatchet - OR - a heavy camp knife that can serve the same purpose. Seriously. You only need one for the group and may not ever use it, but again, if you need it, you really DO need it. Glassine bags. Hundreds of uses - from holding bait, to storing food, to making a water-resistant seal on a wound dressing, to keeping your spare socks dry (!!), to packing out your trash (and feces, if you’re that level of purist), and beyond. Mirror & whistle. If you’re lost, these can literally save you. Spare Socks. More than you think you’re going to need. Then double it again. Blisters _suck_. Speaking of which - A fairly basic first aid kit that is able to handle blister care. Toilet paper. A small trowel or camp shovel. A thousand… Well, OK, a _hundred_ uses, from latrine pits to getting rocks out of your sleeping spot, to digging a proper firepit (if you’re going that route) to trenching around your sleeping spot to keep the rain from running through, and more. Yeah, I can hear the purists’ teeth grinding. Too bad. DEET, as noted. Ferrite rod. Again, may not be needed, but is very low weight & bulk, and if you _do_ need a fire, you NEED a fire. Might piss off the snobs, but hypothermia _is_ a thing. Collapsable stove & fuel tabs. Most often, more reliable than cooking over a campfire. _I_ can cook over a campfire, but how many people learn that skill, anymore? Source of fire. Various kinds, but whatever you choose, double it, and wrap it watertight - See ‘glassine bags.’ Collapsable water flasks & water purification tablets. Water is life. Packable flasks roll up and take very little space, weigh almost nothing. Soap. Trust me - nothing will be so embarassing as having to cut your trip short because you let a scratch start to go bad on you. Mess kit, including cooking vessel and utensils. Need not be complicated - a simple pot and cup is really all you _need_. Walking stick. A good walking stick is a wonderful companion. A brimmed hat. Sunburn sucks. ---
**Author:** ![Bone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bone/32/407_2.png) [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/47 "2017-04-10T17:42:40Z")
> [@Gary\_T](#): > > I just checked and they were more like $60. Hold 100 lbs (45 kg). Wow, they raised the price! I know I’ve put more than 100 lbs in that thing - I’ve used it to move firewood, and children (not together). ---
**Author:** ![Whiskey\_Dickens](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/9fc348/32.png) [@Whiskey\_Dickens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whiskey_Dickens)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/48 "2017-04-10T18:00:58Z")
Good water filtration system. Even when car camping (opposed to backpacking), this has come in handy. I used to bring it as a backup, assuming that the campgrounds had potable water. I couldn’t believe what some of them were passing off as drinkable. One of them had so much silt, you could stand a spoon in it. Now I bring the filter regardless of the circumstances. I use the Katadyn Hiker Pro and it’s served me well. ---
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/49 "2017-04-10T18:39:47Z")
> [@Bone](#): > > Wow, they raised the price! I know I’ve put more than 100 lbs in that thing - I’ve used it to move firewood, and children (not together). Online prices for Costco include shipping so they are often a bit more expensive than in the store. That might account for the difference. I think for this type of camping trip the wagon is a good suggestion, especially if you need to haul water. The OP might want to check with the campground first, though, to make sure the path is suitable. For group camping I usually put together a shared doc with a list of equipment, food, etc., so you don’t end up bringing extraneous stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Turble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8dc957/32.png) [@Turble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turble)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/50 "2017-04-10T18:45:10Z")
> [@CurtC](#): > > Can someone explain the pros of hiking boots vs. trail shoes? I have a good pair of boots, and did a backcountry trip in Colorado with them, but it would have been nice to have lightweight shoes instead. What’s the advantage of boots? Around experienced hikers the saying goes “A pound of weight on your feet equals five pounds on your back.” On a two mile hike you’re gonna lift those boots over 3,000 times. Ankle support – only if they go well above the ankles and lace tightly, like combat boots – otherwise they just add another place for irritation and blisters to develop. Waterproof – if it rains your feet are gonna get wet – if you wear truly waterproof boots, your feet will get wet from the inside with sweat. Stuff like Gore-Tex may be waterproof but the claimed breathability is highly over-rated (probably under 10% when new) and the pores in the material will very quickly clog up with dust and crud in shoes or boots. Better to wear mesh type shoes that will dry out quickly when they do get wet. Most of the experienced hikers I see (I live very near the Appalachian Trail and hike it frequently) are wearing trail runners these days; it’s mostly old die-hards and day hiker weekend warriors from Jersey who are wearing boots. You ain’t gonna climb any mountains or trudge through snow in Minnesota in July – lightweight footwear is in order. And please, don’t even think about taking stereo speakers to blast into neighboring campsites. ---
**Author:** ![Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/channing_idaho_banks/32/250_2.png) [@Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Channing_Idaho_Banks)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/51 "2017-04-10T18:46:42Z")
An elephant. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/52 "2017-04-10T18:51:33Z")
> [@Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](#): > > An elephant. Why not? He has his own trunk. ---
**Author:** ![Tranquilis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tranquilis/32/3639_2.png) [@Tranquilis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tranquilis)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/53 "2017-04-10T18:58:47Z")
> [@Gary\_T](#): > > I just checked and they were more like $60. Hold 100 lbs (45 kg). Sky’s the limit on those: [http://dixonrollerpack.com/](http://dixonrollerpack.com/) This is something I’d put on the ‘don’t need’ list.’ Not unless you’re a hardcore expidition hiker, anyway. Really, if you need more gear than you can confortably carry on your person, you probably should be choosing a less challenging camping site until you _are_ able to carry more. ---
**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/54 "2017-04-10T19:05:02Z")
“Camping” is too broad a term for me to make recommendations. If I’m “car camping”, I’ll bring our two-room mansion of a tent, a steel cooler full of beer and steaks, a couple of Coleman lanterns, etc, etc. If I’m backpacking, I bring these things (copied directly from my pack weight spreadsheet): Hammock & tarp OR Tent GoLite 75L pack NF 40° Bag or 20° bag Sleeping pad Hiker Pro water filter Pocket rocket stove Small fuel canister (x2) Spork Bic lighter – mini Heine Pot Stuff sack Plastic water bottle 2L bladder First aid/ survival kit Spf lip balm Sunblock Bug repellent Trash bag -heavy duty Teethbrush Teethpaste Towel Paracord 60ft Light – Mini LED headlamp Light – Chinese LED flashlight AAA batteries (3) LMF Scout firesteel Flash UL stuffsack/daypack Compass Compact binoculars (optional) Hair/body soap Knife – CRKT Koji Ichi Purell sanitizer Microfiber towels (2) LL Bean anorak Balaclava Extra socks (2 pair) Bandanna Synthetic shirt LS Field jacket liner Extra shirt ---
**Author:** ![CurtC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce73a5/32.png) [@CurtC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CurtC)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/55 "2017-04-10T22:07:43Z")
Good to see you plan on brushing more than one tooth. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/56 "2017-04-10T22:23:37Z")
> [@K2500](#): > > Socks. Good socks, with plenty extra packed to stay dry. This is what I was going to say, and I’ve been in the Army. Also, having been in the Army, I’d suggest chucking everything, and taking a map of nearby motels. 😃 Take you phone, and if you have an extra charger for it, take that too. You may not have cell service out in the woods, but sometimes, if it’s a regulated camping site, you do. And according to my husband, who does more of this than I do, sometimes you can text even when you can’t talk. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/57 "2017-04-10T23:18:30Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > You don’t need the most advanced tent or the lightest sleeping bag True of course, but not to be discounted either. Lightweight items have a huge number of cascading effects, from not needing as much backpack (lighter yet!) to getting away with less beefy shoes. The anorak you cited is 350 grams, which is huge. It’s probably worth it if you expect significant rain. But if you just want some protection from an unexpected downpour, go with the 30-gram disposable poncho instead. I’d never bring a hatchet. A backpacking partner of mine always brings one and basically never uses it. The small stuff can be broken by hand; the larger branches can be burned incrementally. I try to keep my pack weight under 25 lbs. One item I consider surprisingly indispensable is an inflatable pillow. Yes, in principle I can ball up my spare clothes and such, but in practice having a decently soft and non-lumpy pillow does wonders for my sleep. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2017, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/58 "2017-04-11T00:07:02Z")
> [@Xema](#): > > File this under “Curious latrine habits - best not to inquire”. I know a person who makes his living teaching people how, among other wilderness skills, to wipe their themselves with a stick. (He’s runs a wilderness adventure program, and yes, when you think about how much food and gear you will bring when you will be out of touch from anyone or anything for a couple of weeks or more, it makes sense to use a stick.) ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2017, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/59 "2017-04-11T00:52:12Z")
> [@kambuckta](#): > > You’re camping, you’re meant to stink. No. No, no, no, no, no. Nooooooooooooooo. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2017, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142/60 "2017-04-11T02:51:39Z")
I take several square feet of gaff tape on my Crazy Creek chair. I’ve used it to repair tents, shoes, parkas, hats, etc. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-and-least-useful-things-to-pack-when-camping/784142.md?page=4)