Ultimate Airplane Camping List

An airplane camping trip, where you fly to a beautiful, remote location and camp near your aircraft, can be a thrilling adventure! The possibilities are practically endless, especially if you will be flying a bush plane! Here is a comprehensive packing list to make your trip a success:

Camping Gear

• Tent: Lightweight and easy to assemble.
• Tarp or Ground Cover: For under the tent or communal areas.
• Sleeping Bag and Pillow: Appropriate for the climate you will be experiencing.
• Sleeping Pad or Air Mattress: For added comfort.
• Camping Chairs: Lightweight and foldable.
• Camping Table: Compact and collapsible, considering space and weight allowance.
• Headlamp / Flashlight: With extra batteries.
• Lantern: Solar-powered or battery-operated for campsite lighting.

Clothing and Personal Items

• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Layered clothing, waterproof items, hat, etc. Remember socks and underwear.
• Comfortable Footwear: Hiking boots and camp shoes.
• Personal Identification and Licenses: Ensure you have IDs and necessary permits.
• Personal Hygiene Kit: Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, biodegradable soap, etc.
• Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Age-appropriate, if traveling with children.
• Sunglasses and Hat.
• Bathing Suit and Towel: In case you plan to shower or for water activities.
• First Aid Kit: Basic first aid supplies and any necessary medications.

Food and Cooking

• Portable Stove or Grill: Compact and lightweight.
• Fuel: Appropriate fuel for your stove.
• Cooking Utensils: Portable pots, pans, and cooking tools like knives, can opener, measuring cups and spoons.
• Eating Utensils: Plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery.
• Paper Products: Napkins, paper towels.
• Biodegradable Dish Soap and Sponge: For cleaning up.
• Food: Non-perishable items and fresh food packed in a cooler, if possible.
• Salt and Pepper / Spices: No bland food, please! LOL. No, really. No bland food!
• Snacks: Trail mix, energy bars, and S’MORES! (Thank you for your comment, Donna 😉)
• Water: Ample drinking water and a way to purify more, if necessary.
• Cooler: To keep perishable items fresh.

Navigation and Communication

• Map and Compass / GPS: Even if you know the area, it’s good to have backup navigation.
• Radio or Satellite Phone: For emergency communication.
• Portable Battery Chargers: To keep devices charged.
• Cell phone: With charger.

Entertainment and Leisure

• Camera: For capturing memories.
• Binoculars: For wildlife observation.
• Fishing or Hiking Gear: Depending on your interests and the location.
• Books or E-reader: For relaxed evenings.
• Games: Compact board games, cards, or travel games, pencils, paper.
• Musical Instruments: For fun around a fire or just whenever.

Aircraft and Safety

• Aircraft Tie-Down Kit: To secure the aircraft on the ground.
• Wheel Chocks: To prevent the aircraft from moving.
• Basic Aircraft Maintenance Tools: In case minor repairs are needed.
• Spare Parts: Basic spares like oil, spark plugs, etc.
• Fire Extinguisher. Check charge level.
• Survival Kit: Tailored to the environment you will be flying over. Especially if flying over challenging terrains like deserts, mountains, forests, or large bodies of water. The kit might include items like a whistle, water purification tablets, emergency blanket, compass, life vest or raft and more.
• Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT): Ensure it is functional.
• Flight Documents: Charts, flight plans, and relevant paperwork.
• Aircraft Covers: To protect your plane, if necessary.
• Tire Inflator.

Environmental Considerations

• Trash Bags.
• Eco-friendly Products: Minimize your environmental impact. Eco-friendly toilet paper, wipes.

Miscellaneous

• Multipurpose Tool or Knife: Always handy for various tasks.
• Duct Tape: Useful for quick fixes.
• Rope.
• Umbrellas: For rain or sun.
• Notebook and Writing Tool: For jotting down notes or memories.

Johnson Creek, ID

Planning and packing carefully will ensure that your airplane camping trip is enjoyable and hassle-free. Always double-check your gear and consider the specific requirements and restrictions of your aircraft and the destination. Be especially sensitive to weight limits, of course. Check out our other posts for destination ideas! Safe travels and happy camping!

Be sure to add any items we may have forgotten by commenting on this post! Your fellow flyers will thank you 🙂