The Ten Essentials, Reconsidered for Glamping

The classic backcountry checklist was written for people carrying everything on their backs. Glamping changes the weight limits, but not the reasons behind each item. Here is the same list, adapted for a camp with a proper kitchen and a comfortable bed.

What stays exactly the same

• Navigation: a map and compass, even if your phone has a signal.
• Light: a head torch for each person, with spare batteries.
• First aid: a kit you have actually checked this season.
• Water: more than you think you will use, and a way to treat more.

What changes when you have more space

Shelter and warmth

Your tent is the shelter, so the emergency item becomes a spare tarp and plenty of guy line. Add a wool blanket for every bed and a stove you have tested at home.

Food and fire

Carry one extra meal per person and a reliable fire starter in two forms. If the weather turns, you will be glad of both.

Repair and tools

A multi-tool, strong tape, spare stakes and a small sewing kit solve nearly every problem a weekend can throw at you.

Packing well is not about carrying more. It is about knowing why each thing is there.

CampAtelier field notes

Glamping adds comfort, but it also adds more things that can fail, from a faulty stove to a missing pole. A short check at home, with everything laid out on the floor, is the cheapest insurance you can buy for a good weekend.

A quick pre-trip check

1. Test the stove, the lantern and the head torches at home.
2. Check the tent poles, stakes and guy lines are all there.
3. Restock the first aid kit and check any medicine dates.
4. Confirm the forecast and tell someone your plan and return time.

Run through the list the night before and tick each item off out loud. The habit takes two minutes and prevents most of the small disasters that spoil a trip.