Camping

These are the items I have found most useful for the "camping" portion of the trip.  They include both common, like a tent,  and uncommon items, like key rings for the tent.  Like the others, this list is meant to help get you started.  It is meant to be a guide.  Ultimately, you will determine what is acceptable, and what can be replaced. 

Know your equipment.  Know the area you will be in.  And know who you will be with.  I recommend taking the time to haul out all of your equipment as soon as the weather permits, and take a good stock of everything.  This is the time to make repairs and shore up your camping defenses.  Of course you'll want to have repair items with you just in case, but wouldn't you rather fix the whole now, while your home, that little johhny put in your tent when he accidentally dropped it off of the shelf onto the row of bikes?  I would.  Your going to want to haul every thing out one more time after your last trip of the year also.  There is nothing worse than forgetting that you packed wet, and nothing had the chance to dry.  Mildew, and mold will eat through nylon just as it will eat through canvas and other materials.  If you take the time to take care of your equipment, it will take care of you.

Camping:

Tent  There are many different sizes, styles, and manufacturers of tents.  Your tent will depend on what kind of camping and how many people will be with you.  There are tents that are large enough to hold 8 to 10 people, and tents that are small enough to only hold 1 person.  Again, what kind of camping are you going to be doing?  I still have a special place in my heart for the old heavy duty canvas tents.  The spring bar the scouts used.  They kept us warmer and dryer than any tent I can remember since then.  But, they are heavy.  These are not the kinds of tents your going to be hiking anywhere.  Now, with all of the new fabrics and construction of tents, you could, (although I would consider other options first) conceivably hike in a tent that could fit at least 6 adults, or larger.  With that being said, use what you have, upgrade when you can.

Tarp I recommend at least 2 tarps.  I like to have a barrier between the tent and the ground.  This helps to keep moisture down inside the tent, and helps to keep the ground from sucking all of the heat out of the tent.  It acts sort of like a vapor barrier.  The second tarp is for creating a shelter.  Just because your out camping doesn't mean your going into a forest full of trees.  A second tarp can be used to provide shade, or protection from the rain.  Use it to cover equipment, or, in case your rain fly fails on top of your tent, you now have a temporary rain fly.  When effectively tied and supported, tarps can also create an effective wind barrier.  Ever tried to cook when a storm is brewing and the winds are whipping?  The answer... a tarp.

Sleeping bag(s) I have a favorite sleeping bag, which I have had for years.  It is an extra large fleece lined bag that is good down to 30 degrees.  It's one main draw back, is that it wont be any good to me for hiking.  It's too large and heavy.  However, I knew I was trading hiking convenience for comfort and warmth.  It also has a zipper that would allow me to zip a second similar bag to it, if I were to get a second one.  It has two, sewn in straps that clip together to hold the sleeping bag when it's rolled.  There are just as many different types of sleeping bags as there are tents.  Each one has been designed for a specific purpose.  Some are built to withstand extreme temperatures.  Some are built to hold more than one person, while others are designed to cover every inch of your body except a little breathing hole for your mouth and nose.  When looking for a bag, I would look first to what kind of camping, followed by temperatures, and finally price and whether you like it or not.  This is a place I would highly recommend putting in the money.  If your tent fails, or you like sleeping under the stars, you will still have a successful trip, if you can sleep comfortably at night. 

This link is for REI.   They have a wide selection of sleeping bags and other equipment.  Their prices and selection are a great start in finding what you want.

http://www.rei.com/search?cat=22000021 or Cabellas, http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&N=0&fsch=true&Ntk=AllProducts&Ntt=sleeping+bags&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products 

Sleeping mat(s) There are two great reasons for a sleeping pad or mat.  1) a little bit of cushion between you and the bare ground, and 2) they provide a barrier between you and the cold ground.  That barrier can mean the difference between a cold miserable night, or a peaceful restful sleep.  Again there are many different types of pads.  Even home made.  I have a friend who took the time to "shape" a foam mat to his frame.  The mat he chose was thicker and allowed quite a generous shaping.  Because it was foam, he was still able to roll it up for easy storage and transport. 

Cot/air mattress I personally use an air mattress.  For hiking I wouldn't  have that advantage, but for drive in trips, it is my first choice.  When I was growing up, I often had the use of my dads cot, and loved it.  It was sturdy, and allowed me a place to stow my gear, keeping it from under foot.  It was an old canvas army style cot.  I'd love to find another one like that.  Neither of these two options will be convenient for hiking, but still have their place in the gear list.

Sheet I always include at least 1 sheet with my sleeping bag.  It is one more layer, and a way to help keep the inside of your sleeping bag a little cleaner.   It could also be used as an emergency shelter.  It wouldn't work well for the rain, but would make an effective barrier from the sun. 

Blanket Think wool.  Keeps out the cold while at the same time keeps away the moisture.  You could also choose a down blanket.  They are not as cost effective but help prevent the cold nights from getting to you.  When all else fails, take what you have that you don't mind getting dirty.  In the absence of a sleeping bag, blankets layered together make an effective and easy to use bed roll.  In an emergency situation, a bed roll may be your only option.

Pillow(s) Take a pillow that is most comfortable to you.  This is not a good time to see if a harder or softer pillow will make a good fit in your sleeping style.  Take something you are already comfortable with.  I like to keep my pillow in two pillow cases at the same time.  If one happens to get stepped on I can simply turn that one inside out, and maintain a cleaner pillow.  Some campers are perfectly happy with sleeping on their arm or pack.  I am in line with the used-to-coulds on that one.  If I want to wake up in the morning with an ostrich egg sized knot on my neck and shoulder, sleeping on the arm is the way to go.  However I enjoy a good vacation and love my pillow.  :)

Extra tent stakes I can't tell you how many times we have had just the right amount of tent stakes, only to break one because we hit a rock while trying to put it into the ground.  Bend one enough times and even the metal ones will lose their heads.  At least with those, you can bend a new head.  In an area with trees and branches, making one is easy enough.  However, I still recommend at least a few extras just in case.  Besides, extra stakes can assist you when putting up a tarp as well.

Hatchet Multi-use.  One side can cut your fire wood, while the other side can help pound in those pesky tent stakes.  Take care of your hatchet, a dull hatchet will earn you blisters and sore muscles.  A nice sharp edge makes any necessary work seem  to take half the time.  There are many different brands, shapes and materials that make up the selection of hatchets available.  This is an item that you can spend a lot of money on and get junk, or spend a little and get quality. 
This is Amazon.com  http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_seeall_2?rh=k%3Ahatchet%2Ci%3Asporting&keywords=hatchet&ie=UTF8&qid=1303330754

They have a huge selection of hatchets.  They are a good place to start. 

Hammer  A hammer is a good second choice to a hatchet.  It won't cut wood, but will make life easier when putting in those tent stakes.  The only time I have ever used a hammer in a primative camping situation was to put in tent stakes.  I prefer my hatchet. 

Rope Many different ropes have many different uses.  I like to carry a 50' ft nylon rope along with a 50' ft multi purpose or climbing rope.  The nylon comes in handy when tying things down, putting up tarps, making stringers for fish, and so forth.  The multi purpose come in handy for the heavier jobs like, towing, dragging or hauling, and securing gear in bad weather.  A heavier multi strand rope can also be "stripped" down to accommodate many tasks.   

Fiberglass pole repair kit Having been camping in many high wind areas, it is a good idea to have a pole repair kit that is going to suit the needs of your particular tent.  That being said, the majority of tents sold here in the United States are fiberglass bow or flexible pole.  They come in sections that can be put together with the aid of metal collars and bungee cord.  They often sit on top of a pin connected to a ring at the corners of the tent.  Even though these poles are designed to withstand heavy weather, they still have their breaking point.  A fiberglass pole kit consists of sections of pole, with attached collar, and bungee cord.  They are fairly inexpensive, we found ours at the local surplus store for around $6.00.  They also come in different sizes.  Well worth the money.  You can always make due when on your trip, and tie off tent portions that have become collapsed due to a broken pole, but this gives you a second choice. 

Screened in gazebo This and bug dope are going to be effective armor against the blood sucking marauders.  Camping around lakes or other water sources mean... You guessed it, bugs, mosquitoes and biting flies to be exact.  When you can, or if you are inclined to, I recommend a screened gazebo or screened shelter.  If nothing else, they are screened in, bug free zones that make meals much more appetizing. 

Chairs Many different kinds, much more camper friendly than ever before.  They also have become more reasonably priced over time.  This item is also more about comfort than anything else.  Camping chairs suit many different needs based on style and comfort.  Choose what you like, remember you ARE camping.  The most expensive one may not be necessary.  If they are Nylon, keep them away from the flying embers of the camp fire.  One little whole will inevitably result in someones caboose falling through the seat. 

Table These are for convenience.  There is no situation that absolutely has to have a table.  A lap can work just as well for holding your plate as a table.  However, a table provides a place to sit and eat, clean, play cards, prepare food, dry clothes, and many other uses.  Tables again come in many different sizes, heights, and materials.  I like the plastic or composite top tables, they take a beating and unless melted by a heat source maintain a clean look through out their usefulness.  Now companies are even making the standard 6'ft table fold able for storage and transporting purposes.  With a handle no less. 

Saw fold able or folding bow saw Personally I like the fold able saw for safety.  There are many times a saw even a sheet rock saw with interchangeable blades will come in handy.  Top of the list, those long branches that are never quite the right size for the fire pit.  Others uses include, roots that always seem to find the middle of your back right in the middle of the night under your tent.  Clearing dead fall away from trails or road ways.  Taking heads off of fish.  Many places now carry many different types of saws, including folding saws.  They are a great additive to any successful camping excursion. 

Key rings Believe it or not key rings have more uses than just holding onto your keys.  I have used key rings to replace the tabs on tent zippers, (even to tie tent zippers together), a center point to tie several ropes or lines together for securing a tarp in the air.  Even a securing point when needing to utilize a sling.  Carabiners are also great for the last two.  Key rings come in a variety of sizes and can be purchased in almost any store that has a craft section.  They can also be used to quick tie a line around a tree or branch, like a stringer, or canoe line. 

Shovel   There are many reasons to have a shovel on hand.  It doesn't need to be a full sized one either, unless of course you are camping long term and will be doing a lot of digging.  Many stores not only carry short handled shovels, but folding shovels.  Most folding shovels come with a little bag to carry them in.  They make great accessories for camping, emergencies, 72 hour kits and BOB's (bug out bags).  We like to keep one in our vehicles, just in case.  Shovels can be used for trenching, burying, toilet making, and many other purposes.  A good sturdy shovel should maintain a place on any campers list. 

Hand broom and dust pan  These are nice to have when needing to remove the eventual dust and dirt, and sometimes mud from inside the tent.  Even when camping it is a good idea to maintain some level of clean.  Ever tried to sleep with a pillow covered in dust because someone tracked in mud that was allowed to dry, but wasn't swept up?  I wouldn't recommend it. 

Towel We also like to keep a towel with the tent.  When it rains it can be a fight to keep the moisture and mud outside of the tent.  This is where the towel comes in handy.  It is convenient to put muddy shoes on.  This helps prevent tracking unwanted mess, and allows a spot inside the tent, out of the rain for the soiled shoe.  I wouldn't recommend folding the tent with the towel inside when it's time to leave.  If something happens and it is a while before you can put the tent back up to clean it out, you may find that the towel held un-wanted moisture and now you have a mildew stain to contend with.