How to Pack + Dress for a Camping Weekend

I grew up taking family vacations to nearby campgrounds to sleep in a tent in the woods–wasn’t my cup of tea then and sure isn’t now, but somewhere between camping and glamping is a category I fall into. A category that must involve nightly hot showers and cute places to explore beyond the campground and it’s this type of camping I can share some insight on packing.

Leggings

I packed two pairs of leggings for our three-night stay in Traverse City. I lived in leggings all weekend long besides a couple hour mini outing to wineries where I packed a pair of jeans to toss on. With camping, I like to have a pair for lounging around the campfire and my going out in public pair that doesn’t smell like the campfire.

Light Outerwear

Since the weather can vary up north this time of year, I packed layers that mixed and match well together or kept me the right amount of warmth on its own. This included one light puffy vest and two light jackets. I also packed a Patagonia half-zip, one sweatshirt and a tunic to layer beneath.

Practical footwear that ain’t ugly, but maybe a little ugly

I packed a pair of cozy walking shoes (ones I’m wearing here), gym shoes for zip-lining and a pair of wedge boots.

A Practical, Everyday Bag

I’ve been borrowing this Louis Vuitton backpack from my friend Brooke the last two weeks and I honestly can’t stop carrying it. It’s such a practical bag to keep my hands-free. Usually, if I go anywhere, I pack more than one bag, I just can’t help myself, but this trip, I only packed this one. For once, I was practical with my handbag options for camping.

Z Supply sweater from Sparrow Boutique | leggings by Lululemon | shoes by Eurosoft | denim jacket c/o Unpublished | Lack of Color hat | Louis Vuitton bag

Photography by Susan Hamilton