The camping checklist you can’t do without!

You’re finally out of office, you’ve chosen your campsite and it’s time to escape to your well-earned holiday. But before you can leave reality and head out to the middle of nowhere, you have that one job nobody looks forward to — packing for your camping trip.

How are you supposed to remember all the bits you need to make it a memorable getaway? Whether you’re a camping first-timer or a veteran that knows all-too-well how missing something critical can affect the camping trip, you can never be over prepared. Here’s a camping checklist full of camping essentials that you’ll possibly need.

Shelter and Comfort

These are the must-haves and should be the first things you tick off your camping list. Without them, chances are you’ll be miserable during your trip as everybody needs these comforts. When ticking off camping essentials from your list, make sure you triple-check that these items are packed and ready to go.

• Sleeping bag or tent
• Comfortable pillow
• Camp bed or sleeping mat if you’re camping in a tent
• Table with camping chairs
• Mallet, puller and some spare pegs
• Cables, portable chargers and spare batteries
• Headlamps and flashlights
• Lantern
• An air pump if you have an airbed
• Windbreak
• Extra blankets for those chilly nights

Repairs

It’s great that you remember what to bring to camping, but make sure you get the repair essentials, too, if the worst was to happen. They might not be the most glamorous on your camping supplies list, but they’re definitely essential.

• Multi-tools
• Duct tape
• Extra cords
• A brush and shovel
• An axe or a saw if you need to cut any wood for a fire
• A mallet or hammer for hammering tent stakes
• A mattress and tent repair kit
• Tent pole repair sleeves

Staying Safe and Warm

If you’re camping during the dark winter months or at the height of summer, your camping checklist needs to include clothing that will keep you at the perfect temperature and camping essentials to keep your skin safe. Here are the clothing items that need to be on your camping packing list.

• Comfortable sleepwear
• A waterproof jacket, umbrella and trousers
• Synthetic or wool socks
• Shoes or boots suitable for the terrain
• A woolly hat, gloves and sun hat
• Spare socks and underwear
• A lightweight jacket or fleece with fast-drying materials
• Sunglasses, SPF and general sun protection
• Long-sleeve shirts for sun and bug protection
• Moisture-wicking t-shirts and underwear
• Quick-drying shorts or pants
• Rainwear

Cooking Essentials

Many campsites will have drinkable water for you. Before setting off, double-check in case you need to bring your own. To make sure you’re eating well and drinking enough, here are the kitchen camping list items to pack with you.

• A stove with fuel
• Matches
• Cooking pots
• Frying pans
• Cutlery
• Cooking utensils
• Bottle and can openers
• Knives
• Plates and bowls
• Mugs and cups
• Chopping board
• A cooler
• Water bottles
• Ice

There are a few extras to add to your camping packing list if you want the nice-to-haves as well.

• Laundry bag 
• Soap
• Sponges
• Recycling bags
• Dishtowels
• Kettle
• Washing up liquids
• Grill racks
• Charcoal
• Food containers

Food Essentials

There’s just something different about leaving it all behind and going back to basics when you’re in nature. Food is an obvious addition to your camping supplies list and a great way to stock your kitchen is to bring food you don’t need to refrigerate. But don’t worry, there are plenty of things you can include in your camping packing list that won’t spoil, so you can kick back, relax and enjoy a stress-free camping getaway without worrying about the food expiring.

Make sure to pack the following food camping essentials (and a few extra bits that will come in handy!).

• Marshmallows and skewers — it’s never a camping trip without them
• Bread
• Butter
• Tea and coffee
• Water
• Salt and pepper
• Herbs and spices
• Cooking oil
• A few packs of ready meals that only need boiling water, such as pasta or rice
• Backup food, such as tinned baked beans, tinned stews, tinned soup and potatoes
• Cereal
• Eggs
• Fruit
• Vegetables (chop them in advance to save time!)
• Canned foods
• Milk
• Sponges for dishwashing
• Snacks
• Tissues
• Toilet and kitchen roll
• Tinfoil and clingfilm
• Tea towels
• Washing up liquid

Hygiene Essentials

You can’t escape getting dirty during a camping trip — it’s part of the fun. You’ll sweat, you won’t have hygiene luxuries at home (like a hot shower, but it’ll depend on where you go camping) and you’ll have plenty of debris on your clothes. None of that comes as a surprise. However, that doesn’t mean you can stay hygienic during your camping trip, so add these hygiene essentials to your camping checklist.

• Antibacterial wipes
• Hand sanitisers
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Shower gel
• Flannels
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• A comb or brush
• Deodorant
• Razors or trimmers
• Shaving foam
• Makeup bag
• Towels (pack a couple, just in case)
• Face masks

Medical Supplies

Nobody wants to plan for the worst to happen, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry when you’re going camping. To be fully prepared, add these medical supplies to your camping packing list so you’re on the safe side.

• Insect repellents
• Painkillers
• Plasters
• Bandages
• Safety pins
• Antiseptic
• Sun cream
• Tweezers
• Antihistamine tablets
• Gauze padding
• Scissors
• First aid kit

What else should you bring to camping?

Despite filling your suitcase to the brim, you’ll always remember halfway through your journey that you forgot something important from your camping packing list. Whether it’s for entertainment purposes or handy extras, double-check you have the following camping essentials.

• Spare chargers and battery packs
• Board games
• Books
• Toys and games for the kids (don’t forget a potty either, just in case)
• Spare carrier bags
• Disposable cartons with lids
• Empty water bottles
• Outdoor chairs
• Swiss army knife
• Clothesline and peg
• Map and compass
• Sink plug
• Padlock
• Wellies and flip-flops

Your personal items also need to be on your camping checklist, such as your phone, ID, try credit card and any booking confirmation. When you tick off everything from your camping checklist, you’re good to go.

So, whether you’re going to the beautiful English countryside, the Italian Alps or Germany’s expansive lakes, go ahead and book your next camping getaway today. Happy exploring!