Over the last couple of years, the appeal of going camping has risen, with more people taking staycations and keen to experience the great outdoors. But for lots of us, knowing what to take on a camping trip is difficult, especially when you have never been camping before. Forgetting to pack something vital or unneeded equipment taking up too much space in your vehicle, can often happen.
If you are considering going camping for the first time or an experienced camper interested in tips before your next trip, we’ve put together a camping checklist that covers everything you need to make your trip run smoothly.
The Essential Tent And Accessories
Tents come in all shapes and sizes, essential for keeping you safe and making your camping holiday an enjoyable one. Having a tent which is small may fit in your car easily, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be comfortable to stay in.
Before buying any tent, it’s vital to make sure it is waterproof and durable in case the weather turns against you. The last thing you want to have to do is rush to your car for shelter because of the rain. When buying your perfect tent, along with the tent pegs and a strong mallet, consider buying a tarpaulin for added protection from the elements.
Getting the right sleeping bags or camp beds are another essential you can’t do without. Like at home, having a good night’s sleep will make a considerable difference to your overall camping experience. Remember to take pillows with you, as they give you the added comfort you need too.
The Essential Cooking Appliances
Cooking is one of the fun highlights of a camping holiday. From toasting marshmallows by a fire to making a cup of tea with a travel stove, having the right cooking equipment is an essential part of your camping trip checklist.
Along with cutlery, mugs, glasses and cooking utensils, a good cooking essential to take with you is a water container. Water containers mean you don’t need to travel each time you require water for cooking or washing up. Each of our water containers have taps to help you use only the water you need, rather than using more than necessary.
Another thing to consider when camping is what food to take. While you may need to take lots of tinned food (taking a tin opener is another essential), mobile refrigerators are a brilliant way to keep your fresh food and drinks cooler and edible for longer. They also can gain charge through solar power as well as batteries, making them sustainable too.
Washing And First Aid Essentials
Keeping clean is another thing you need to think about before going camping. Taking your toothbrush and toothpaste, towels, tissues, plenty of wet wipes and soap are vital for you to stay clean. Boiling the water from the water container we mentioned earlier, is a quick and easy way to wash. But what about toilet facilities?
Having clean and suitable toilet facilities comes before everything else. While your camp site may have communal toilets, if you feel uncomfortable using them, there are alternatives. One option is a porta potty , which is a clean and comfortable option we recommend you consider taking with you.
One item which is an absolute essential on your camping checklist is a first aid kit. Like anywhere else, being out in the elements has its own safety hazards, meaning having a fully equipped first aid kit is vital. A good tip is to keep your first aid kit in one safe place; if anyone does get injured or needs a plaster, you can find it quickly and easily.
It’s also a good idea to pack several bright torches and batteries in your camping trip essentials, to give you visibility in the dark.
The Essential Storage Space
With all these essentials on your camping checklist, you need to ensure you have enough space for everything too. A strong roof box can add extra storage to your car and hold several bulky items, freeing up vital space in your car.
If you are considering taking bikes on your camping trip, a cycle carrier attached to the back of your car is another way to make room for your camping luggage and a more comfortable journey for everyone.
Whichever way you choose to maximise your car space, always ensure that you don’t overload your car and everything is safely secured before you start your trip.
If you are thinking of heading off on a camping trip during the latter parts of the year, read how to prepare for a road trip during the autumn and winter seasons, when having the essentials is more important than ever.