Heading off to the wilderness of Maine for 4 days is a nightmare for some people and paradise for others. While packing for our trip, I made multiple lists of everything we could possibly need for three nights of camping in the woods with no car at site.
I have put together a couple of lists to help you with your future camping trip.
FYI, our site was a 900 ft steep trek through the woods away from our car. Luckily, we were able to canoe everything to site. There were also no bathhouses, electricity or running water. Camping involves much preparation, but the relaxation is so worth it!
Gear List
- Ax
- Big Cooler for Food
- Blow up Bed (make sure you have pump)
- Blow up Raft water fun*
- Bucket for dishes
- Bug Spray
- Bungee Cords
- Chairs
- Citronella Candles
- Compass (if hiking)
- Day Backpack
- Duct Tape*
- First Aid Kit
- Flashlights
- Games
- Hammock*
- Head Lamp
- Lantern (LED)
- Lighter
- Pillows
- Rope (hanging tarps, food or trash away from animals)
- Sheets
- Sleeping Bags
- Small Cooler for Ice
- Speaker (play music quietly, you are in nature)
- Sponge
- Sun Shower (or just wash up in lake)*
- Sunblock
- Table Cloth
- Tailgate Tent (great to covering picnic table, but heavy)*
- Tarp (put below tent or string up over picnic table)
- Tent (don’t forget rainfly & stakes – open ahead of time to make sure your tent is in good shape)
- Towels
- USB Charging Port to recharge camera
- Water Jug for Handwashing/Rinsing
- Whistle
- Yoga Mats (to zen out with)*
*Less necessary items but nice if you have room or will have your car at site
Cooking Items
- Biodegradable Soap (Dr. Bronners)
- Cook Stove
- Cutting Board
- Foil
- French Press
- Olive Oil
- Paper Towels
- Plastic Bowl with Lid
- Plastic Tupperware
- Plate/Bowls/Cups/Straws
- Pot/Pan/Cast Iron Pan
- Salt and Pepper
- Sharp Knives
- Utensils
Plan your meals out ahead of time so that you don’t bring too much food. Also try to use items that will go bad faster during the beginning of your trip. Block ice works great for keeping items cold for longer (make your own by freezing water in a rectangular plastic container and then wrapping in plastic bag.)
Personal Items
- Baby Wipes
- Biodegradable shampoo/conditioner/body wash
- Face Wipes
- Hiking Sneakers
- LL Bean Slippers
- Raincoat
- Small mirror
- Toilet Paper
- Warm Cozy Clothes for Cold Nights (including socks!)
(Obviously I did not include every personal item that I brought, but included a few that might be helpful.)
Good luck with packing. Each trip will be different depending on location and duration so keep that in mind!
Xo Korina
Korina Linda 