Tent If you are tent camping, the first thing you must do is settle on the type and quality of tent you will require.
Many folks are very satisfied with a relatively inexpensive tent, say one for under $200.
You will require a more expensive tent and one of higher quality if you will be in situations where severe weather is a significant possibility, and if that means cold weather, you will want a four-season tent.
The types of tents you can consider are a-frame tents, cabin tents, dome style tents, and solo tents.
Many of these are available in backpacker models, meaning they are of a suitable weight for carrying over a long distance.
Another factor is material.
Some traditionalists prefer canvas tents, while others prefer not to deal with the weight and extra maintenance required.
One often overlooked factor is the pole material.
The options here are aluminum, fiberglass, and steel.
The resource box below can guide you to additional information on all of these matters that are tent related.
Along with your tent, consider the following items:

• Rain Fly
• Tarp
• Tent Pegs (Stakes)
• Guy Ropes
• Hammer
• Tent Repair Kit

Sleeping Gear Your sleeping gear needs, much like your tent needs will be dictated somewhat by the camping you will be doing.
The season and climate are obviously of paramount importance.
Also, the type of bag you might choose will depend on whether or not you will be packing your gear on a backpack.
Look at the temperature rating and if you must compromise between a bag that it too warm or one that will not keep you warm enough, choose the warmer.
You can always unzip your bag or sleep on top of the bag.
Other sleeping related gear include:

• Cot
• Air Mattress
• Roll-Up Pad (inflatable or Foam)
• Pillows

Cooking Equipment My suggestion is that this area is often where folks over pack.
If you do much of your food preparation at home and then bring it in a cooler, or, use freeze-dried meals, your needs here will be minimal.
Here are some items you may wish to consider:

• Portable Gas Stove (consider various options like 3-burner, one-burner, and various fuel types)
• Stand for Gas Stove
• Saucepans
• Waterproof Matches and/or Lighters
• Cutlery
• Utensils (long fork, slotted spoon, and long-handled tongs, etc)
• Can Opener (perhaps most forgotten item)
• Plates and Bowls
• Grill
• Toast Holder
• Frying Pan

If You Prefer to Cook Over Fire If you will be cooking over an open fire, consider including the following items:

• Firewood
• Old Newspaper
• Firestarters (never use liquids such as gas, kerosene, etc.
  )
• Grill
• Barbecue Cleaning Equipment
• Campfire Tripod

Personal Hygiene and Toiletries These items are just some of the things you might need.

• Soap
• Shampoo
• Toothpaste
• Towel
• Shower Shoes
• Toilet Paper
• Portable Toilet
• Portable Shower

Clean-Up Items You will need these items, or at least some of them, to keep your campsite clean and to keep your cooking materials sanitary.

• Bucket
• Paper Towels
• Dish Rags and Towels
• Scouring Pads
• Disposable Wipes
• Detergent
• Plastic Storage Bags
• Trash Bags

Clothing These items are in addition to the normal items you would wear:

• Boots
• Rain Gear
• Spare Clothes in a Wet-Proof Container
• Light Long-Sleeved Shirt for Sun Protection
• Cold Weather Clothing

Safety Gear Safety is the number one most important thing when on a camping trip.
These items are a bare minimum for a camping trip.
Depending on where you will go, you may need additional items.
For example in bear country, you could consider bear repellent (pepper spray).

• Flashlights
• Spare Batteries
• Mobile Phone and Charger
• Maps
• First Aid Kit
• Compass
• Optional GPS (always have a compass backup!)

Miscellaneous Items These items are in the miscellaneous category, but might in fact be vital.

• Large Water Containers
• Small (personal size) Water Containers
• Lanterns/Portable Lights

These are many of the essential items you might need on a camping trip.
There will be additional items you wish to have or need.
Keep your list as spartan as you can without major sacrifice.
This will pay major dividends in cost and cleanup upon your return.