assign it, don't hope for it
The Shared Gear Checklist
This is a shared-gear list, not a personal packing list. Every line has an Owner column because shared gear that nobody's name is on is gear that shows up twice or not at all. Personal gear stays off this sheet on purpose, see the note at the bottom for the three exceptions actually worth naming.
Fill in the Owner column with a name before the trip, not during packing. That job belongs to the Quartermaster. Download the CSV to edit it in a spreadsheet.
Kitchen
| Item | Owner | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grill or camp stove | ||
| Tongs and a spatula | ||
| Cutting board and a knife | ||
| Dish soap and a sponge | ||
| Paper towels | ||
| Aluminum foil | ||
| Trash bags | Bring more than feels necessary | |
| Plates, cups and utensils for the group |
Coolers
| Item | Owner | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks cooler | Opened constantly, loosely organized | |
| Food cooler | Raw meat and dairy only, kept closed except at mealtime | |
| Cooler thermometer | Food cooler at 40°F or below | |
| Bagged ice | ||
| Reusable ice packs or frozen water bottles |
Around the house
| Item | Owner | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First aid kit | ||
| Flashlight or lantern | ||
| Extra batteries | ||
| Duct tape |
Games and traditions
| Item | Owner | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cards or a game everyone knows | ||
| Poker chips | If the trip runs a table | |
| The toast glasses or the group's ritual object | ||
| This year's patches or coins | If ordered |
The three personal items worth naming
Everything else about personal gear is each guy's own business. These three are the exceptions, because people genuinely forget them and can't buy them nearby:
- A headlamp
- A phone charger
- Whatever medication makes the second morning survivable
See also: why the drinks cooler and the food cooler are different lines, the toast tradition, and ordering patches.