Tent Camping Tools and Maintenance Supplies

Tent camping requires fewer tools and maintenance supplies than RV camping or OHVing.  But there are still some basics you should bring along.  Tents, sleeping bags, awnings, lanterns, camp stoves, and lots of other equipment can get broken or damaged in camp.  Having the right tools can often save the outing, or at least reduce the impact of accidents.  Since you will very likely be using some kind of vehicle to travel to your camp ground, you should also think about what tools you might need to perform emergency repairs on that vehicle.  In this post we will focus on tools and supplies related directly to camping.  Check out the post on RV Tools and Maintenance Supplies for a list of tools to consider to support vehicle maintenance.

Basic camping tools include things like an axe and a knife.  A folding shovel is also useful.  You can usually use the back of the axe to drive tent pegs, but many people prefer to have a mallet for that task.  For one thing, the risk of cutting yourself, your tent, or someone else is reduced when you're not swinging something with sharp edge to drive tent pegs.  I like to carry a small pry bar to help remove tent pegs.  The one I use has a screwdriver type handle for comfort and bent tip for leverage.

Without the mechanical components of an RV, boat, or OHV to worry about, tent campers can usually get by with some very basic hand tools.  Of course you may need more mechanic's tools to do emergency repairs on the vehicle you drive to camp, but for tent camping itself, or back packing, a good multi-tool will usually handle most of the repair tasks you'll encounter.  If you have a gas stove or gas lantern you might need a small adjustable wrench like a Crescent wrench to change generators or tighten loose connections.  Alternatively, a small pair of pliers and a couple of screwdrivers or a multi-tip screwdriver, together with a good hunting knife, would cover most needs.  If you plan to replace generators on camp stoves and lanterns it would be better to bring along the correct size wrench rather than gorntle fittings trying to use pliers on them.  A pair of pliers or a multi-tool is handy for removing and installing the pins that hold packs on their frames and for removing cactus spines or splinters.  BTW, a surgeon once told me the very best tool for removing splinters is a pair of fingernail clippers.  Chances are if you have a good tool kit for your vehicle it will include what you will need to make repairs in camp.  But you may want to consider what you want to carry with you for emergency repairs on the trail.

A lot of tent camping gear is fabric based.  With that in mind, a good sewing kit is always handy.  Make sure you include some heavy duty needle and thread for repairing tents as well as the usual things you find in a pocket sewing kit.  If you have a heavy canvas tent you may need an awl in addition to some big needles and heavy thread.  And here's another place where pliers or a multi-tool can come in really handy.  Some self-adhesive nylon repair patches are good for fixing tents, sleeping bags, and jackets.  You may be able to make temporary emergency repairs using duct tape.   If you have shock-corded tent poles, carrying repair parts or some extra poles would be helpful if you have room for them.  A stick of seam sealer for tent seams is always a good idea or a can of water repellant spray like Camp Dry that can be used on tents, boots, gloves, jackets, duffle bags, etc.

Obviously you don't need the lubricants and spare parts you might need for motorized toys, but you probably want to bring along some waterproofing spray or a wax stick for waterproofing tent seams.  You should carry spare fluids (oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant) for your vehicle.  You'll also want to have an appropriate amount of dish soap and personal hygiene supplies.  If your tent has plastic windows you might want to include some plastic cleaner to keep them clean and clear.

Tool up!