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

hikers walking up a snow topped mountain

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

vegetables frying in a pan on an open fire

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!

Your Essential Camping Checklist