Camping Gear & Supply Checklist Calculator
Calculate food, water, fuel, and gear needs based on trip length, group size, and camping style.
Camping Supply Calculations
Water: 0.5-1 gallon per person per day (drinking + cooking). More in hot weather or high altitude. Car campers can bring jugs; backpackers need a filter or purification system. Food: Plan 2,500-3,500 calories per person per day for active camping. That is about 1.5-2 lbs of food per person per day for dehydrated meals, 2.5-3 lbs for fresh food.
The 10 Camping Essentials
Never leave without: shelter (tent/tarp), sleep system (bag + pad), illumination (headlamp + batteries), fire (lighter + fire starter), first aid kit, navigation (map + compass or GPS), knife/multitool, water treatment, sun protection, and extra food/water. These 10 items cover the most common camping emergencies. Pack them even for day hikes — conditions change faster than expected.
The #1 beginner camping mistake: overpacking everything except water. Most first-timers bring too many clothes and gadgets but not enough water and food. The rule of three: you can survive 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter (in extreme weather), 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food. Prioritize accordingly.
