Camping really is an amazing way to escape the hustle and bustle of normal life and enjoy a relaxing break. Camping is fun for friends, couples and families - but what should you pack?
But how basic do you really need to go? Scrambling about in the dirt, making fires, and huddling into a sleeping bag isn’t for everyone. So what kit can you bring with you to make your next camping trip as fun and comfortable as possible?
If you are you planning on going camping and wondering what you need to take check out our check list which includes the basics, essential must-haves and also things you can leave at home.
What to Think About Before Departing
- Where do you want to go?
- How long will you stay for?
- How many people are going?
- What will the weather be like?
- Will you be out in the wild or stay on a campsite?
- Are you okay camping in a tent, or would you prefer extra luxury like glamping or a caravan?
Bring Your Own Power
Of course, one of the things you’ll miss most on a camping trip is access to electricity. Sure, you may have a power bank that stores one or two charges for your phone, but how long can that last really? The truth is, for a modern person, power is hard to live without.
A portable generator could solve all of your problems. With options of fuel, gas, or electric powered generators, the choice is yours and they’re all more affordable than you might think. With one of these, you’ll be able to power up and make yourself at home, safe in the knowledge that you have reliable electricity to hand.
Food & Cooking
Food is a significant concern for some people when camping. Are you going to live off of cold sandwiches and potato chips all weekend? Why would you, when you could bring along a perfectly compact portable camping stove?
A hot meal can make all the difference when you’re out in the wild, so try out a stove that’s powered by a small gas canister. You can make your meals, but you can also boil water for coffee and tea! It’s an all-around life saver!
Here are some important things to remember:
- Food and snacks
- Camping Stove
- Cooking Pans & Utensils
- Cutlery
- Water Carrier / Jerry Can
- Camping Chairs
- Torch / Lantern / Head Torch (Plus extra batteries)
- Bin Bags
- Kettle
- Tableware (Plates, bowls etc)
- Tin Opener - The always forgotten
- Bottle Opener
- Matches / Lighter
Getting Comfortable
The most dreaded part about camping can often be the long, uncomfortable night without any sleep. There’s nothing worse than rolling over and finding a root or stone in your back. You could lie there all night staring up at the canvas, or you could look into your sleeping options!
Inflatable camping mattresses are very common amongst campers these days. The compact design means you can stash them away easily, and the cushion of air will give you a surprisingly amazing night’s sleep!
Bringing the Light
When you’re camping and the sun sets, you can be surprised by how dark your environment becomes! It’s pretty likely that you’ll have a safe campfire lit, but if you have to stray further afield, you’re faced with ditches, roots, and tent ropes creating an obstacle course in the darkness!
Get yourself a good quality headtorch, which is an essential piece of kit for hikers and adventurers, because it can absolutely save your life! A headtorch is hands free, so you’ll be able to do anything you need to do and also have perfect light.
Essential Things to Remember
- Tent + tent pegs
- Sleeping Bag
- Blanket
- Sleeping Mat / Air Bed / Camp Bed
- Pillow
- Mallet / hammer - something to knock tent pegs into the ground
- Torch
- Chairs
Clothing
- Pack clothing depending on the season
- Good footwear e.g. Rocky Boots which are great for outdoor use
- A raincoat, even for summer
- Cap if sunny or warm hat for colder weather
Personal/Hygene
- Toothbrush
- Towel
- First Aid Kit
- Sun Cream
- Soap & anti-bacterial Handwash
- Insect Repellent
- Toilet Roll
- Medications (if you take any)
- Wet wipes
Optional Items
- These are some additional things you might not have thought about:
- Solar power charger - great if no electric points available
- Brush, to help keep your tent clean
- Extra gas for the stove
Campsites
Most campsites nowadays have fantastic facilities including packing, bathrooms, running water and eating areas and picnic tables. But if you are going somewhere remote you must prepare for more rustic conditions.
Where to Buy Equipment
Lots of shops sell camping equipment from tents to cookery utensils. We recommend Amazon where you can literally buy everything you need at very low prices.
Hopefully our guide has given you some ideas how to be fully prepared with everything you need for your camping adventure. Camping really is a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors! So don’t let the discomfort put you off, because we’ve proved there are plenty of ways around any trial that camping may throw your way. Get yourself kitted out, and go and enjoy the outside world.
