After a long work week, it might seem like a daunting task to load up the kids and the car for a weekend camping trip. After collecting all the little things, from sleeping gear to toothbrushes, it can take hours of packing before you’re even ready to leave the house.

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way. Taking the time to gather and pre-pack basic camping gear that can be quickly stowed in the car on Friday afternoon will speed up your transition from work to weekend.

Here at Rock/Creek, our mission is to get you and your family outside as effortlessly as possible. Take a look and find out how R/C Vice President Chad Wykle plans and packs for a kid-friendly camping trip.

How to Build your Kit

Ready to get your kit together? Here’s our checklist, complete with suggested goods:

1. Gather your sleeping essentials to one place:

• Tent (Marmot 6p Tent)
• Tent footprint/ground tarp
• Sleeping Bags
• Sleeping Pads
• Camp chairs

2. Assemble your cooking bin. It may look a little like this:

• Cooler (The Yeti Roadie 20 or Hopper 30)
• Utensils
• Dishes
• Stove
• Paper towels/napkins
• Essential spices
• Tongs/Spatula
• Roasting forks (for hot dogs, s’mores, etc.)
• Dish washing supplies (Soap, scrubber, tubs for washing/rinsing)

3. Collect your “little” items, things like:

• Headlamps/Flashlights/Lanterns
• Extra batteries
• Knife/Multi-tool
• Toilet paper
• First aid kit

4. Take care of yourself

• Sunscreen
• Bug Repellant
• Layers for cool nights

5. Keep your checklist in mind on the way out of town:

• Firewood
• Food/drinks
• Outdoor games like corn hole or can jam

 

Our staff is ready to get you set up with the items that fit your adventures best, so come in to any of our locations for one-on-one advice. Check out our blog for some great places to start camping.

Additional Resources

For our family campers, check out Dawson Wheeler‘s tips on Camping and Hiking with Kids; he’s been hiking, backpacking, and hauling his sons with him since they were little bitty.

Our friends over at RootsRated have the scoop on camping across the country, if you need something specific.