Camping Checklist

Everybodies camping checklist will be different. This will obviously depend on the individual and whether it’s a backpacking trip, a festival or a general family camping holiday.

As the latter is the most common we’ll focus on the main things you may need for a family camping trip and you can decide for yourself if some of the items will be surplus to requirements. Hopefully this will be helpful, even if it just points to a couple of things that may have slipped your mind.

If it’s your first trip away then it can be a bit daunting getting everything together. Have a quick check down this lot. Some of it you may already have or be able to borrow. But for the bits that you need it can be handy to buy things gradually or over time so it’s both easier on the wallet and means you don’t have the last minute panic! And, remember only buy as much as you can squeeze in the car

Tent Checklist

• Tent – This will most likely be the most valuable thing you need so take your time choosing. Big, small, pole tents, air tents, there’s a host of choices. For comfort we advise to choose a slightly larger berth than the amount of people travelling
• Tent Additions – A Tent Carpet, Footprint Groundsheet, Awnings and Extensions can all add value to your experience
• Spare Tent Pegs – Pegs will be included with your tent but you can never have too many. Hard Ground Pegs are particularly advisable to keep a calm mood!
• Mallet – You’ll need something to bang those pegs in with!
• Duct tape / Tent Repair Kit – Just in case! There are specific tent repair kits available, but duct tape can also be very handy for quick repair on all kinds of camping equipment
• Spare Fibreglass Poles – If your tent has fibreglass poles you may have a spare section with it. Check the diameter of your poles and take a spare set. These are inexpensive and can be extremely handy.
• Junior Hacksaw – To cut the fibreglass poles down to size

Beds and Bedding Checklist

• Sleeping Bag –  Singles, doubles, mummy shaped, envelope shaped, summer weight, winter weight. A sleeping bag is essential
• Something to sleep on – Folding Camp Beds, Airbeds or Self Inflating Mats are the main options
• Pillow – If you can’t bear to be torn away from your own pillow, take it, otherwise specific camping pillows are available, from inflatable to memory foam
• Warm Clothing –  Even in the Summer it can get cold at night in your tent. Wear layers to easily regulate your temperature.
• Blankets –  Handy if you need an extra layer or to use under a sleeping bag or airbed as insulation

Camping Cooking Checklist

• Camping Kitchen Unit – Somewhere to store your non perishables and a worktop to cook on outside ( Do not cook inside your tent, even if it’s raining )
• Camping Stove – Various gas or electric stoves available. Don’t forget your gas or electric hook up lead!
• Barbeque – Got to be done at least one night of your trip. Remember the charcoal!
• Coolbox or Fridge – Traditional insulated coolboxes, cool bags, and electric coolboxes and fridges are available depending on your requirements
• Low Wattage Kettle + Toaster
• Pots + Pans
• Cooking Utensils
• Tableware
• Cutlery
• Bottle Opener
• Tin Opener
• Lighter / Matches
• Wet Wipes
• Sink/Basin
• Collapsible Equipment – There is a whole host of space saving collapsible bowls, pots, baskets, washing bowls, storage baskets and buckets available

General Camping Equipment Checklist

• Furniture – Tables, chairs, loungers, wardrobes and cupboards will help you be comfortable and keep your tent tidy
• Windbreak – Many campers use these to fence off a private area or to keep dogs from escaping (check with the campsite before you go to make sure they allow dogs)
• Lanterns + Torches – Electric, battery operated or rechargeable. You can choose between lanterns, torches and headlamps, which are really handy for wandering around the campsite at night
• Portable Camping Toilet – All campsites should have toilet facilities, but if you don’t want to wander to the toilet block at 3am or if you have young kids, these can be a life saver!
• Toilet Tent – If you’re taking a portable toilet, you’ll need one of these, and some toilet chemicals…
• Toilet Roll
• Mains hook up – Most campsites these days provide electric hook up points. The most popular solution for keeping the phone and laptop charged up ( most of us can’t bear to be separated for a few days ) is the Triple Mobile Mains Camping Supply
• Water Container – With or without taps, solid or collapsible. It’s handy to take a 10 or 20 litre container so your trips to the tap are limited.
• Washing Line – The Campsite facilities can get busy – Simple travel twist washing lines and Rotary Airers can be really handy
• First Aid Kit
• Insect Repellent – Especially if you’re camping near water
• Suntan Lotion/Sunblock – You’ll be outside a lot more than you probably are normally, so don’t be caught out
• Bin Bags – Make sure you keep your camping area tidy and litter free at all times, and after you’ve packed up

For any further advice please give us a quick call on 01209 20 32 20. Happy Camping 🙂