Nothing says summer quite like a warm campfire, toasty marshmallows, a day spent out on the lake, and bug bites…lots of bug bites. If you are planning a camping trip this summer and are unsure about what you need to pack, don’t worry, we’ve put together a camping essentials checklist, so nothing gets forgotten at home! 

Aside from what you pack in your personal bag, below are some staples you will need for your next camping adventure. If you are missing any of the below items, you can still find what you’re looking for and avoid spending a fortune by browsing great deals on Flipp! 

1. Sleeping Bag 

You want to make sure you are comfy and cozy when the temperature starts to drop throughout the night. There are a few things in particular you should look out for when purchasing a sleeping bag. These include: 

• Fit 
• Temperature ratings
• Weight (the ideal bag combines low weight & high warmth)
• Two-way zips for extra ventilation when necessary
• Shape (mummy-shape for heat retention or rectangular for more space and versatility) 
• Choosing the right fill for you (down-fill is warmer, synthetic fill will still keep you warm and insulated even if it gets wet) 

Check out these sleeping bag deals on Flipp. 

2. Tent 

Unless you are “glamping” in an RV or a yurt, you will need to bring a tent with you on your camping trip (and don’t forget the tent poles). When looking for a tent, it’s important to consider size, weight, durability, and ease of use. Check out MEC’s guide on how to choose a tent for more info. 

Search for tent deals on Flipp. 

3. Water Canteen 

Make sure you bring lots of clean water for your camping trip, and overestimate how much you will need. Our general recommendation is to bring 1 gallon per person, per day, just for drinking. Additionally, bring extra gallons for cooking and cleaning. Make sure to research the camping spot you are going to beforehand to see if there is a water source available and plan accordingly. 

4. Tarp 

You won’t regret packing a tarp if it starts to rain and you want to keep your camping setup dry. Tarps are great to protect your tent and campsite from any less than ideal weather conditions, as well as to provide some extra shade for those who spent a little too much time out in the sun. 

Find tarps on Flipp. 

5. Tool Kit 

A tool kit will prove to be invaluable on your camping trip, whether you need it for hammering a tent peg into solid ground, for fixing something that has snapped or ripped, or chopping some wood for your next campfire. Check out this blog post on how to build the ultimate camping toolkit.

6. First Aid Kit 

As you may know, it is not uncommon for someone in the family to get injured or scraped up during a trip outdoors in the wilderness. You never want to be without a first aid kit, especially if you are far away from a pharmacy or hospital. 

Browse the Flipp pharmacy category for all of your first-aid needs. 

7. Air Mattress and Air Pump 

Who enjoys sleeping on solid ground? Not us! If you want to camp in comfort bring along an air mattress — and don’t forget the air pump. The air pump will also be key to save your breath when blowing up your floaties for a day at the lake! 

8. Coolers 

Keep your food and drinks cold and safely stored with coolers. There are various cooler options you can browse on Flipp to select the one that is right for you and a size that makes sense for the duration of your camping trip. 

9. Cooking Supplies/BBQ Grill 

Make sure you have what you need in terms of cooking supplies for your trip. Our blog, Cooking While Camping: Everything You Should Know and Creative Meal Ideas, specifically outlines the supplies you’ll need to bring if you don’t want to limit yourself to protein bars and canned food. If you need to purchase any of these items ahead of time, browse for deals on Flipp. 

10. Firewood and Lighters 

Don’t forget your campfire essentials such as firewood and lighters, so you don’t have to resort to the old friction technique. Also…if you want to avoid temper tantrums from your kids, do not forget ingredients for s’mores! No camping trip is complete without a toasty marshmallow (or 12). 

11. Lots of Bug Spray and Sunscreen 

Lastly, debatably the most important items to bring on a camping trip…bug spray and sunscreen. And lots of it. We’ve all been there before, coming home unrecognizable from all of your bug bites or from your lobster status sunburn. Protect your skin, and while you’re at it….pack some aloe vera and after bite. 

We hope you make the most of this summer and spend some good old-fashioned fun outdoors, away from the stress and craziness of day-to-day life. It’s amazing how refreshing a weekend of serenity and fresh air can be for the soul!