Packlist

A list of things participants may want to bring with them. Also a good place to source things organizers might want to have spares of on hand.

As with everything else on this site, you are encouraged to try to come up with a list yourself before using the one below.

  • Camping
    • Tent
    • Rain cover (your tent may include one)
    • Sleeping bag
    • Bug spray
    • Sunblock
    • Flashlight / headlamp and batteries
    • First aid kit
    • Camping pad*
    • Pillow*
    • Knife or multitool*
    • Camp stove and fuel*
  • Clothing
    • Boots
    • Jacket
    • An appropriate number of outfits** + 1 just in case
    • Socks and underwear for each day + 1
    • Swim suit* (check site rules)
    • Headcovering* (hats, bandanas, keffiyahs are all great ways to keep the sun off. Soak in water for extra cooling)
  • Toiletries
    • Toothbrush and toothpaste
    • Deodorant
    • Toilet paper
    • Medications
    • Tampons / pads / cup (a ziplock bag with baking soda in it is a great way to store used items until they can be properly disposed)
    • Wet wipes*
    • Face wipes*
    • Hairbrush*
  • Food
    • Mess kit
    • Snacks
    • Portable meals like meal bars or rations (a days worth, just in case)
    • Water bottle
    • Water purification (sites generally have technically-drinkable water, but it may be brown and weird)
  • Gathering-related
    • Notebook (preferably something small you can stuff in a pocket)
    • 2 pens
    • Hard writing surface*
  • Random
    • Physical map of the area
    • Earplugs*
    • Battery charger*
    • Condoms / dams*

* Less of a “need to have”, more of a “nice to have”

** Gatherings are short, so I like having one for each day, but you may need to conserve space or just prefer to carry less stuff.

Q: “What about a hammock?” A: Hammock camping is great! It’s also a little more advanced and this checklist assumes if you know what kind of gear you prefer, you probably have your own list.