First timer

[u/INFAIMS211]

As the title implies, I’m new to this and me and a buddy are planning just a simple one night camp trip in the Upper LP of Michigan. I was curious about any advice or suggestions for my list of items to add that I might want. I know it’s just a one day trip but the plan is to build the skills and gear to do longer multi day camps with several buddies down the line. I’ll include a list below of items I mostly already have or I plan to get. As of right now the plan is to likely take out four wheelers/side by sides and camp out in a state forest near an ORV trail and be dispersed camping, so weight/space isn’t as large of a concern with having vehicle access.

Campsite
Tarp/poncho/tent
Cold weather sleeping bag
Fire starter/matches/lighters/jetboil
Foam sleeping pad and sleeping bag
Toilet paper/wipes

Tools
Hand saw
35-50L Backpack
Hatchet/Axe
Flashlight/headlamp
Multi tool shovel
Fixed blade knives
First aid kit
Power banks
Paracord
Compass

Food/water
Pot/iron skillet/pan
Snacks
Main food, meats, soups, freeze dried
Water filtration system/reservoir bags
Non metal utensils
Water bottles/thermos

Clothing
Warm base layer
Mid layer
Waterproof outer shell
Socks
Hiking shoes/boots/snow boots
Neck/boot gaiters (weather dependent)
Hat
Gloves

[u/Better_Menu6694]

your list is pretty complete for a vehicle camp, maybe too much stuff for one night but you got the right idea testing gear before longer trips. don't forget a small trash bag, state forest means pack out everything you bring in

for colder weather i always bring a foam pad to sit on by the fire, it make huge difference when ground is frozen. also spare socks in a ziplock bag, wet feet will ruin your mood fast

[u/vakantiereizen]

I read that weight is not a problem, but:
Jetboil is heavy and expensive, look at: firemaple G3 / G2 / ramenpot, and buy a seperate stove ( regulated) to it

Lighters: a bic lighter with ducttape wrapped around it (for emergency repairs)

Toilet: a small spade to dig a hole (for numbre 2)

Headlamp: get one with redlight (doesn’t ruin your night vision)

First aid kit: put a emergency blanket in it

Sleeping pad: R value 4 (or higher)
Sleeping bag: ‘comfort’ temp 10-15F colder than expected night temp (be sure that is ‘comfort’ not extreme or survival)

[u/living-wisp]

Your list covers the basics well for a vehicle camp. One thing that makes a first cold night a lot nicer is filling a Nalgene or other hard bottle with hot water and tossing it in the foot of your sleeping bag about 20 minutes before bed. Also keep a dry set of base layers in a dry bag that only comes out for sleeping, so you're never in the clothes you sweated in around the fire. Cell coverage in the UP state forests can be spotty, so I'd download offline maps and tell someone your exact spot. What kind of overnight lows are you expecting?

[u/INFAIMS211 → u/living-wisp]

Mid 30s it looks like as of right now, and yeah I’ll have someone know where we staying. I have a Garmin EPIX with topoactive maps and satellite location service so I have basic maps covered. I’ve thought about a better map system tho just not sure exactly what yet

[u/living-wisp → u/INFAIMS211]

The Epix with topo maps and satellite messaging is already a strong setup for a car camping trip, so you're in good shape. If you ever want a second map layer, Gaia GPS and onX Backcountry both let you download maps to your phone ahead of time, and airplane mode keeps the battery from draining in spotty coverage. Are you planning any walks away from the car, or mostly staying near camp?