Air Camping

I. FBO Permission Resources

  • Pilot Protection Services (PPS) – AOPA’s Legal Services Plan provides sample legal templates (including liability waivers and agreement clauses) that you can adapt when requesting permission to camp under your tied-down aircraft’s wing.
  • Wisconsin DOT FBO Sample Agreement – A fully annotated Fixed-Base Operator Agreement PDF you can review to understand standard airport lease clauses and insert a “camping under wing” addendum.
  • FAA Forms Library – Browse “Airport Forms” and “Airmen Certification” sections for liability releases, ground-use authorizations, or land-use permits that FBOs may require.
  • Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) – Connect with backcountry-friendly airstrips and access insider best practices on obtaining informal or formal camping permissions (https://theraf.org).
  • Airplane Camping Facebook Group – A community-driven forum where pilots share sample email templates, FBO contacts, and real-world success stories when pitching “wing-camping” requests.

II. Camping Supplies List

Preparing for a camping trip that involves flying requires a specific approach to packing. The key is to prioritize lightweight, compact, and multi-functional gear while being mindful of TSA and airline regulations.

The “Big Three” (Shelter, Sleep System, Backpack)

These are the most important items to get right, as they are often the bulkiest and heaviest. Investing in high-quality, “ultralight” gear will make a huge difference.

  • Backpack: Choose a pack that is a good fit for your gear, and consider one that can double as a carry-on if possible. Many ultralight packs are specifically designed to be lightweight and packable.
  • Tent: Opt for a backpacking tent that is designed to be compact and lightweight. Some ultralight options pack down to a very small size. If you are traveling with a partner, sharing a tent can significantly reduce weight per person. Remember that tent poles and stakes must be in your checked luggage, not your carry-on.
  • Sleeping Bag/Quilt: Down-fill sleeping bags and quilts offer the best warmth-to-weight ratio and compress more than synthetic alternatives. Choose a bag rated for the expected temperatures at your destination.
  • Sleeping Pad: An inflatable sleeping pad is much more compact and comfortable than a foam pad. Consider a shorter-length pad to save weight, and use your backpack or extra clothing to support your feet.

Camp Kitchen & Food

This is an area where you can save a lot of space and avoid travel restrictions.

  • Cooking System: A lightweight backpacking stove and a small pot are all you need. Crucially, stove fuel is strictly prohibited on airplanes (in both carry-on and checked bags). You must purchase fuel at your destination. A long-handle spork is a simple, effective utensil.
  • Food: Plan to buy food after you arrive. Pack lightweight, non-perishable snacks for the flight and your first day. Freeze-dried meals are an excellent, lightweight option for camping meals.
  • Water: Pack an empty water bottle or hydration bladder for the plane and your trip. A water filter or purification tablets are essential for treating water from natural sources.

Clothing & Footwear

Layers and multi-purpose items are key to keeping your luggage light.

  • Layers: Pack moisture-wicking base layers, a fleece or insulated jacket, and a waterproof/windproof rain jacket. Wearing your bulkiest layers on the plane can save a lot of space in your bag.
  • Socks: Pack extra pairs of high-quality wool or synthetic socks. “Cotton kills” is a common backpacking saying because wet cotton does not insulate, making it dangerous in cold weather.
  • Footwear: Wear your hiking boots or trail runners on the plane to save space. Pack a lightweight pair of sandals or camp shoes for use around the campsite.

Health & Hygiene

These items are small but essential.

  • First-Aid Kit: Pack a small, comprehensive first-aid kit with blister care, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
  • Toiletries: Pack travel-size, biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a quick-dry towel.
  • Sun and Insect Protection: Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, sunglasses, a hat, and insect repellent are a must.
  • Toilet Kit: A trowel and toilet paper are necessary if you’ll be camping in areas without restrooms.

Tools & Electronics

  • Knife/Multi-tool: A multi-tool or a small knife is incredibly useful. These must be in checked baggage. They are not allowed in carry-on bags.
  • Navigation: A map and compass are essential, even if you are using a GPS device or your phone.
  • Headlamp: A headlamp with extra batteries is crucial for navigating camp in the dark.
  • Power Bank: A portable power bank is a great way to keep your phone and other devices charged. Note: Lithium-ion batteries must be in your carry-on luggage, not your checked bags.

Restricted Items

These items are not allowed on commercial aircraft.  Find alternate methods of bringing them to the private aircraft.

  • Stove Fuel: This is a major one. You cannot bring any type of stove fuel on a commercial airplane.
  • Bear Spray: Like stove fuel, bear spray is a prohibited hazardous material. Plan to purchase it at your destination.
  • Lighters: There are specific rules for lighters, and it’s generally easiest to plan on buying one after you land.
  • Sharp Objects in Carry-on: This includes pocket knives, tent stakes, and trekking poles. These must be packed in your checked luggage.  In-general, these are not essential for camping.

III. Core vs. Non-Essentials

After assessing frequency of use, comfort gain, and weight impact, eliminate these non-essential items:

  • Camp chair or folding stool
  • Full-size pillow
  • Large cooler (opt for frozen bottles inside soft cooler sack)
  • Redundant cookware (carry one pot & multi-utensil only)
  • Multiple lighters or fuel cans (buy fuel and fire tools on site)
  • Excess clothing layers beyond base + mid + shell
  • Camp table or large cookware sets

These cuts typically shave 5–10 lb and several liters of volume.

IV. Weight & Bulk Reduction Strategies

  • Use backpacking tents that stand without stakes.  For high-wing aircraft, small diameter cord across the wing can hold up the top of the tent, and tent poles can be left behind.
  • Use down insulation (sleeping bag and jacket) for maximum warmth-to-weight ratio.
  • Pre-compress gear in ultralight stuff sacks or dry-bags to halve packed volume.
  • Favor dehydrated meals and single-cup fuel stoves – ditch heavy fuel bottles in favor of on-site purchases.  However, 100LL can be used in small quantities using gascolator to fill backpack stove.
  • Choose multi-use items (rain poncho doubles as a groundsheet, bandana as towel/filtration).
  • Wear heaviest clothing and boots in flight – preserves precious cargo allowance.
  • Minimize toiletries into 10 mL travel bottles and remove all original packaging.
  • Mark each bag’s weight on the outside for quick weight-and-balance adjustments at the FBO ramp.

Anyone planning a 50 lb max kit should start by prototyping and weighing each item individually, then iteratively swap for lighter alternatives until the scale confirms compliance.

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