The Eco-Friendly Camper's Checklist: What To Pack & What To Leave Behind

The arrival of spring always reminds me of my first night camping under the stars. Granted, it was in my own (literal) backyard with my mom when I was 6, but it was still a thrill to pitch a tent, live by lamplight, and fall asleep to the sound of the crickets. Many years and a few backpacking trips later, I have an even stronger appreciation for all the wonder, perspective, and joy that a night outdoors can bring. But if there's one thing about that initial camp I long for the most, it's the fact that we didn't have to pack for it.

Packing for camping trips can be a pain, especially in the beginning. To help save you some headaches, we asked three people who spend tons of time outdoors—founder of Latinx Hikers Adriana Garcia, outdoor photographer Kat Carney, and sustainability strategist Meg Haywood Sullivan—about their go-to packing lists.

"The most essential bit of clothing for any backpacking trip, no matter how long, is good socks," Sullivan says, emphasizing that you'll want to bring an extra pair or two. That way, you'll have fresh ones to put on to keep your feet warm at night and dry after a long hike. (Getting blisters in the backcountry is zero fun.)

Even if you're heading out in the height of summer, Sullivan adds that it's also a good idea to pack extra layers. "I always have a compressible down jacket. You never know when you'll need it—especially in the mountains," she says. "You'd be surprised as the weather gets nicer how chilly it still is at night."

First things first, you'll need to make sure you have enough clean water to last you the whole trip, so bring a water treatment tool. (You can find portable filters and tablets in any outdoor retailer.) You can store your H₂O in a hydration bladder, which Carney says is a nice way to save weight and space in your pack. Putting it in a reusable bottle is also an option. Carney and Haywood opt for metal ones because they're durable and plastic-free.

Then comes the fun part, the food! Trail snacks are a must, and you can save on some pesky packaging by making your own ahead of time and storing them in reusable Stasher bags (great for small stuff like nuts) or Beeswax wraps (ideal for sandwiches and cheese). Trail mix with peanut M&Ms, apple slices with aged Gouda, and homemade gluten-free protein brownies are all fuel you'll find in these adventurers' packs. Coffee is optional on the trail for some people, but if you're not one of them, Sullivan says that Canyon Coffee's instant coffee is the best of the best.

Nut butter sandwiches are a great option for lunch, while dinner can be your opportunity to get a little fancier. Garcia notes that while freeze-dried meals are standard camping fare, homemade pre-prepped meals tend to be healthier and tastier, plus they come with less packaging. She'll head to the bulk bin section of her local grocery store to stock up on staples like oats, rice, and dry pasta before a trip. You can load these base ingredients up with nonperishables like nuts, canned fish, freeze-dried vegetables, and spices. Just add boiling water and you have yourself a meal.

Part of the fun of camping is letting yourself get a little dirty so you won't need much in the way of personal care on the trail. The essentials include lip balm, some nontoxic sunscreen, natural bug spray (or the heavy-duty stuff if you're in an area that has ticks), hand cream if you're traversing rough terrain, and maybe a toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap (depending on how much you like your camping mates). Sullivan notes that water-free toothpaste tablets are perfect for the backcountry, while Carney just brings her regular toothpaste in a repurposed moisturizer container. "It has a screw-on lid and a wide top so I can squeeze the toothpaste in really easily," she says of the quick hack.

Whenever you're washing up outdoors, you'll want to use natural toothpaste and biodegradable soap that won't stick around in the environment. Castile soap is a plant-based option that can be used in tons of ways at camp: "I use that for washing my dishes, washing my face, washing my hands, everything," says Garcia.

This list covers the basics of what you'll need at camp to stay cozy, dry, and safe. It's sometimes possible to rent larger items like tents from your local state park network or outdoor retailer. Asking friends if they have gear to lend can also save you some cash. Anything you do end up buying, you can consider an investment piece. "Think of them as future heirloom pieces," says Sullivan, "because camping gear is only designed to be purchased once and used for as long as possible."

Once you've gathered your supplies, you can organize them into categories like underwear, first aid, and camp gear using packing cubes. Stuff the heavier stuff in your backpack first so you're carrying the most weight at your hips. Be sure the must-haves you'll be reaching for all-day—lip balm, water, snacks, sunscreen, etc.—are easily accessible in your pack's side or front pockets.

Haywood recommends keeping at least one pocket empty, though, to serve as a personal trash can. "Not only do I use that as a trash spot for things like snack packaging, but if I see trash on the trail, it gives me an area to put it," she says.