In this post we offer you our camping packing list for general road trips around the Southwest. You can also print this interactive GoogleDocs checklist (make a copy in GoogleDocs and it becomes interactive).
Note that this is a packing list for car camping. It includes many heavy and bulky items. If you're backpacking, refer to this Havasupai checklist.
Disclaimer: This is our personal complete list that we're sharing with you. You might need to add/remove items from this list in order to adapt it to your needs. Where applicable, we include links to our rental items, but you should research these items independently to make sure they will work for you.
Checklist for everyday hiking in the desert
Whether you day hike or going on a short walk, you should always have the following items within reach:
Day pack (20-30L and make sure it fits you well!)
Emergency food (ie trail mix)
3L of water in Nalgene bottles or water bladder
Headlamp w/batteries
Small Lighter
First aid kit
Trail map
Sunscreen
Chapstick
Sunglasses with hard case
Mosquito repellant in small 4oz bottle
Sun hat
Camping gear checklist
Consider the following items when setting up a base camp for multiple days:
Tent (with rainfly and footprint)
2-burner stove and fuel
French press or coffee drip filter
Water Storage Container (~20L)
Dish washing bin
Biodegradable dish soap
Sponge
Dish rags
Camping and general travel clothes
This is my recommendation of clothing and article quantities for a week-long road trip:
Bathing suit
Beach towel
Hiking boots (Vibram sole - break them in before the trip)
Sandals or comfortable city shoes to use around camp
Hiking socks (1 pair per day hike planned)
Favorite socks to use only around camp
Underwear (up to 7 pairs - hand wash if you run out)
Walking around town pants (2)
Walking around town shirts (2)
Hiking pants (2)
Hiking shirt (2 long-sleeve sun shirts)
Lightweight sweatshirt or fleece jacket
Long underwear top for camp and sleeping
Long underwear bottom for camp and sleeping
Winter hat
Fleece socks in all but the hottest months
Down jacket in all but the hottest months
Down mittens in all but the hottest months
Toe and hand warmers in all but the hottest months
Toiletries
You might use more items in your daily routine.
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Contacts + case + solution
Glasses + case
Personal medication/prescriptions
Face towel
Deodorant
Shampoo/conditioner
Small roll of toilet paper
Tampons
Small trash bags (1 per day)
Zip lock bags
Other travel essentials
Phone + charging cord
Solar charger
Download audiobooks
Real physical book
Playing cards
Emergency cash ($100 per person)
Black light to look for scorpions (if you want)
Camping food
Stay tuned for some amazing recipe ideas!
Conclusion
For your road trip around the American Southwest, you'll need your personal items, overnight camping gear, cooking gear, and some delicious food. Our friendly and knowledgeable folks here at Basecamp Outdoor Gear have been to many places between Las Vegas and the surrounding national parks. We'll be happy to answer any questions you have.
Remember that you can rent complete camping gear packages from Basecamp Outdoor Gear in Las Vegas. Renting gear allows you to try out a product before committing to buying it. It is especially handy if you don't anticipate ever using the product again. If you don't need our full packages, you can rent individual gear by the item to supplement your gear.