I’m a list-maker, no getting around it. So every time I leave home over night, I make a Pack List. I usually use Google Docs, but Excel or even Word work fine too. And sometimes I even go retro and use a pen and paper.

Once my friend Robin was going to New York City for a weekend on business, and she was so overwhelmed with other things going on at the time that she expressed to me how she didn’t even have time to THINK about packing! I offered to help and made a Pack List for her, which she used as a guide. It makes packing less frantic because you just check things off as you go, and you can feel confident that you have everything you need.

So I thought maybe others would benefit from my Pack Lists. Maybe they can act as an outline or a guide for your own lists. I’m going camping this weekend, so I thought I’d start with my Pack List: Camping.

Some disclaimers:
* I sometimes tend to over pack because I like to be prepared for whatever may come. A good tip is to pack things that are versatile. So if I say “nice pants” and also “jeans” but you have a pair of pants that are nice but also as comfortable as jeans, maybe you just pack those.

* Obviously you have to fill in the specifics here. On my own Pack Lists I often write “green t-shirt” or “black pinstripe pants.” For these generic lists it’ll be more like “t-shirt” and “dress pants.”

* I often, but not always, make categories and subcategories (CLOTHES: Tops, Bottoms, etc. TOILETRIES…).

* Make adjustments for your location, weather, circumstances, etc. Clearly.

* I’m not responsible for the use of my Pack Lists. If you find yourself in Maui with no bathing suit, it’s not my fault! (Even if I forgot to put “bathing suit” on “Pack List: Tropical Island.”)

* If you think of anything I should add to my Pack Lists, let me know!

Pack List: Camping

Tent
Tarp (good for creating shelter and putting under the tent)
Sleeping Bag
Pillow
Blankets
Utility Knife
Rope (clothes line for wet towels, suits)
Lantern
Chainsaw for cutting firewood (kidding, don’t do that)
Flashlight
Batteries
Hammer/Mallet (for tent stakes if ground is hard)
Coleman Stove
Propane
Coffee Percolator (for those who need it)
Pots/Pans
Cooking Utensils
Eating Utensils
Cutting Board
Kitchen Knife
Cooler
Ice
Dish Soap
Sponge
Dish Towels
Plates
Bowls
Cups
Food (be specific) (bring meals and snacks)
Drinks
Water Jug
Ziplock Bags
Trash Bag
Matches
Firewood
Kindling
Lighter Fluid
Bungie Cords
Camp Chairs
Games
Cards
Camera
Books
Soap
Toiletries (be specific)
Baby Wipes
Beach Towel
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Clothes:
Jeans
Cropped Pants (this is mostly for women, but men feel free)
Shorts
T-shirt (or long-sleeve, depending on weather)
Tank Tops
Sweatshirt
Underwear/Bras
Socks
Tennis Shoes (aka: Sneakers)
Flip-flops (or sandals)
Shower Shoes (if showers available)
Pajamas
Bathing Suit
Sunglasses

By the way, this is for semi-modern camping. Not the RV kind, but also not the backwoods. Remember, this is just a guide. Add or omit whatever makes sense for your own personal circumstances. And start packing!