Packing List
The core list plus add-ons for beach, cold, and day events. Go bigger on the tent than you think. Everybody says this. Everybody is right.
Core campout gear
Every campout, no exceptions
- Tent — 6-, 8- or 10-person; two people in a 4-person tent is a fight. Plus rainfly, sturdy stakes, mallet
- Tarp for under the tent — smaller footprint than the tent so rain runs off, not under
- Sleeping bags for both of you, rated 20°F or warmer
- Sleeping pads, air mattress, or cots — the ground is hard unless it’s sand
- Battery air pump (not the kind that plugs into the car)
- Pillows and extra blankets — they go to campfire too
- Two camp chairs — one for you, one for her
- Headlamp or flashlight each, spare batteries
- Refillable water bottles
- Cooler with snacks and drinks
- Toiletries, sunscreen, chapstick, any medications
- Warm PJs for her, something soft for you
- The special friend — stuffed animal, blanket. Even for dads.
- Her vest, if she has one — patches get handed out at camp
Clothes
Two of everything, then one more pair of socks
- Two full changes of clothes each
- Sweater and jacket — both, for both of you
- Beanie and gloves — campfire gets cold even in September
- Warm socks, more pairs than seems reasonable
- Tennis shoes or hiking shoes, broken in
- Expedition or circle shirt — Saturday is shirt day
- Hat and sunglasses
Day events
Magic Castle, the dance
- Expedition shirt (or the dress code on the event page)
- Water bottle
- Cash for raffles and snacks
- Camera. Phone counts.
Beach & water add-ons
San Clemente, Newport Dunes, Catalina, Hurkey Creek
- Two swimsuits each, so one is always dry
- Beach towels
- Water shoes or strapped sandals — not flip-flops
- Rash guard for sun
- Dry bag for phone and keys
- Beach canopy or umbrella
- Sand toys. Yes, still.
Cold-weather add-ons
Pine Summit, and any mountain campout
- Insulated jacket
- Thermal base layers
- Wool socks, sleep in a fresh pair
- Cold-rated sleeping bag, 20°F or warmer
- Hand warmers
- Snow boots, snow pants, waterproof gloves
- Sled
Circle kitchen
Usually split across the circle — ask your leader
- Camp stove and fuel
- Pots, pans, spatula, tongs, can opener
- Plates, cups, utensils, paper towels
- Dish tub, soap, sponge, trash bags
- Folding table
- Marshmallows. Graham crackers. Chocolate. In that order of importance.
Dad tips from the Y’s Survival Guide
Pitch the tent in your backyard once before the first campout. Practice the rainfly. Find out which pole is broken at home, not in the dark.
Keep a “camp bin” packed year-round — stove, lantern, headlamps, kitchen kit — so Friday is just food, clothes, and go.
A sturdy tarp, sturdy stakes, and a bigger tent than you think are the three purchases nobody regrets.