There’s a moment—usually a few hours into a trip—when you realize what you forgot. Sometimes it’s small, like a lighter. Other times it’s big, like recovery gear. I’ve had both happen. Once it was coffee filters. Another? The sleeping bag. Neither situation was fun.
Over the years, I’ve built a checklist that covers what you always need—and, just as importantly, what you’ll wish you had when it’s too late.
Whether you’re heading out for a weekend loop or a cross-country epic, this list helps you prep smart, travel safe, and stay self-reliant.
About that sleeping bag…
We once left the sleeping bag sitting in the garage. Didn’t notice until we were 45 minutes down the road—and had to turn back. Not our proudest moment, but honestly, that’s why checklists exist. It’s always the obvious stuff you forget when you’re rushing to beat daylight.
🧭 Core Overlanding Gear
These are the non-negotiables. In other words, they go in the rig first—no matter where you’re headed
- Vehicle toolkit (specific to your make/model)
- Full-size spare tire & tire repair kit
- Jack + base plate
- Air compressor & tire deflator
- Navigation tools (both GPS and paper maps, since redundancy matters)
- First aid kit (a real one—not the kind you grab last-minute at a gas station)
- Recovery straps & shackles
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Fire extinguisher
- Multi-tool
Pro Tip: Check out our Gear Guides for field-tested picks we actually use.
🛏 Camp & Sleep Setup
This stuff turns “parking overnight” into actual rest.
- Rooftop tent or ground tent with solid stakes
- Sleeping bag (rated for actual conditions)
- Sleeping pad or mattress
- Camp chair and table (because sitting on rocks gets old fast)
- Tarp or shade awning (even better if it sets up in under five minutes)(like the FSR 270 Awning)
- Headlamp or lantern
- Small broom or dustpan (you’ll thank me)
🔥 Cooking & Food Essentials
Camp meals don’t need to be fancy—but they should be satisfying.
- Stove or burner (tested beforehand)
- Fuel (bring extra)
- Cookware (pan, pot, spatula, knife)
- Cutting board
- Plates, mugs, utensils
- Biodegradable soap + scrubber
- Cooler or fridge system
- Trash bags + food storage
- Water containers + filter
Looking for next-level tips? If so, check out Campsite Cooking Tips to Elevate Your Outdoor Meals.
💧 Hygiene & Health
You’ll feel better—and travel longer—if you stay clean and cared for.
- Wipes or packable shower
- Quick-dry towel
- Toothbrush/paste
- Sunscreen + bug spray
- Toilet kit (shovel, paper, sealable bags)
- Prescription meds
- Hand sanitizer
🧰 Odds & Ends (But Not Optional)
The stuff that’s easy to forget but makes a real difference.
- Duct tape and zip ties (they’ll fix more than you think)
- Extra fuses and fluids (since breakdowns don’t send calendar invites)
- Extra batteries and charging cords
- Camp shoes or sandals
- Emergency blanket
- Notebook + pen
- Campfire permit (especially if you’re heading into managed land or wildfire zones)
- Local guidebook or info packet
A Few Hard-Learned Rules
- Above all, don’t trust memory. Instead, use a checklist—even for short trips you think you’ve packed a hundred times.
- Double-check weather. And pack for what it might do.
- Always bring more water. No exceptions.
- Keep the critical stuff accessible. Jack, first aid, headlamp—don’t bury them under the camp chairs.
- One item = one use is fine… if it works every time. Otherwise, look for gear that multitasks.
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