Everything You Need for Your First Weekend Trail Camp

So you’ve decided to try your first weekend trail camp. First of all, welcome—you’re about to discover the perfect blend of dirt, sore legs, and instant coffee that tastes way better when you’re sitting under the stars. But before you go full wilderness warrior, let’s cover the essentials.

1. A Backpack (Yes, I’m Biased)

This one’s obvious, but it matters. Your pack is your portable home, fridge, and junk drawer all in one. Don’t bring that old high school Jansport or a duffle bag. Get something that fits, has decent support, and won’t shred itself after one muddy hike. If only there were a company that made affordable, bombproof packs…

2. Shelter 

Tent, hammock, tarp, whatever, just make sure it’s something you know how to set up before you hit the trail. Nothing humbles a person faster than wrestling a tent in the dark while your buddy already has their campfire going.

3. Sleeping Bag & Pad

Yes, you need both. The bag keeps you warm, and the pad keeps you from realizing the ground is basically a rock-hard ice cube at 2 a.m. Trust me, your back will thank you.

4. Food & Cooking Gear

Rule of thumb: If it looks good on the shelf, it’ll taste like gourmet cuisine after 10 miles of hiking. Bring a small stove, fuel, a pot, and don’t forget the spork. Pro tip: hot instant ramen outdoors will taste better than the best steak you’ve ever had indoors.

5. Water Filtration

Because drinking straight from the creek is not the kind of adventure you want. Grab a filter, tablets, or something simple to make sure your “refreshing mountain stream” isn’t secretly full of regrets.

6. The Little Stuff (That’s Not Little at All)

Headlamp, lighter, first-aid kit, extra socks. Don’t skip these. Nothing ruins a weekend faster than hiking in soggy socks or realizing you forgot a way to start a fire.

7. The Attitude

Gear matters, but the real secret is showing up with a sense of humor. Things will go wrong, your noodles might spill, it might rain, or you might forget the marshmallows (rookie mistake). Laugh it off, enjoy the quiet, and remember: half the fun of trail camping is telling the story afterward.

Your first weekend out doesn’t need to be complicated or cost a fortune. Pack smart, don’t overthink it, and remember that nature doesn’t care how fancy your gear is. It just wants you to get out there and enjoy it.