Necessities on any given camping trip:

• Tent (with rain fly AND ground cloth)
• Backpack (to pack in/out)
• Sleeping bag and ground pad (thermarest, etc.)
• Water vessels (2L minimum is wise)
• TP!
• Warm clothes, at least one pair, no matter the season
• Socks, multiple pairs
• Gloves (in fall/winter/early spring)
• Boots/well-sealed shoes
• Food you absolutely want to eat
• Cooking gear to cook your food with (pot, spoon)
• A sponge and bio-friendly soap to clean with (Dr. Bronner's is great)
• Flashlight/Light source e.g.:
  • headlamp
  • maglite, mini maglite, cygolite headlight
• Knife
• matches or other source of fire
• camp shoes (e.g., water socks or sandals)

Suggestions for increased relaxation/fun/non-suckage:

• Folding chairs
• Air mattress
• cards/travel games/books
• stove/cooktop
  • propane screw-ons are nice but can be heavy
  • alcohol stoves are light but small, take longer to cook things
• DEET