Hard to respond to this, because seeing all these lists, particularly Scott's will change what I do.
In the past however I start
here, generally with the "Three-season" gear list because most of my camping is either typical Colorado three season outings or going somewhere for sailing. That list is real three season, meaning early spring to late fall, so a lot of it is mutually unnecessary.
I add to the Backpacker list a (depending on number of people and proximity to water):
- Dogs (always first on the list) and relevant equipment including backpack for Zoe, dog food, Power Bones (at least one per day per dog depending on activity), Rimadyl, Bactine, clapsabowls, dog treats, dog coats, etc.
- 2 2-liter Nalgene canteens (Nalgene's version of a dromedary bag)
- Camelbak, which one I take depends on the intended trip
- tool box containing basic nesessary tools, fluids, jumper cables, strap, and only additional items that I think I may be likely to need, Nissan shop manual and/or Haynes. The tool box is pretty pared down, and a bit selfish too. I know pretty much every size nut on the truck (10mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 19mm, 22mm) so I only bring those size wrenches and sockets. That alone saves a lot of weight and space.
If I plan to be car camping rather than backpacking:
- 7 gal. water container
- camp chair
- small general purpose table for food prep, mechanical repairs (car or boat), wetting out fiber glass, etc. It measures about 11x17 and stands about 4" high
- hammock (this is a new addition, brought it once but have not used it yet)
- cooler for food/water
- blanket(s) for the dogs to lay on
- if high temperatures are expected, a second cooler for camera equipment and laptop.
Pretty much everything is geared for lightweight and small, though I am slowly adding expedition/car camping equipment to the list.