If you're going camping there are items you'll need to take to ensure the best experience. These items include the following.

You'll need a backpack for clothing and other protective gear such as raincoat or poncho depending on the weather, and a jacket or sweatshirt in cold weather. You'll also need weather-appropriate clothing such as headgear, blue jeans or shorts and t-shirts or long-sleeved shirts. Underwear, socks and even bed clothes are also essentials, even though you will be sleeping in a bag.

Depending on the amount of walking, you will also need tennis shoes or hiking boots. For cleanliness you'll need a towel (if showers are available), face cloth, soap, toothbrush and paste, deodorant, comb or brush. Yes, it is still possible to maintain healthy hygiene. Spending the night will require a ground cloth for under the tent and a sleeping bag. You may also want a cot, an air mattress or padding, as well as a pillow and folding camp chair.

You should bring a flashlight with fresh batteries, a first aid kit, pocket knife, mosquito lotion (if weather appropriate) and a mess kit (knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup) if not supplied by someone else in your group. Finally, bring a canteen or water bottle, three trash bags for dirty or wet clothes, personal trash and recycling items, matches, sun block (if weather appropriate) and emergency toilet paper.

Optional items you might wish to take are a camera, a cell-phone, a compass and hiking stick. Note: the quantity of specific items (clothing, for example) may vary depending on the length of your trip. You will need ice chests to store food and drink, too. Additionally, someone in your group will need to provide cooking equipment for meal preparation.

Equipment needed for food preparation will vary according to the rules currently in place at your specific camping location and may even vary according to the time of year.