Ready to get in the great outdoors? Got your sights set on the mountainous terrain and starry nights? It’s now beautiful weather to get in the outdoors and what better way to spend it, than by going camping!
Preparation is essential for any outdoor adventure and when it comes to camping, you definitely don’t want to be camping for days without the tools and equipment to get you by. Having the necessary equipment can make a huge difference in your overall enjoyment and experience. There’s nothing worse than forgetting important equipment at home on the way to your camping spot or halfway through the camping trip! We have all experienced a time we forgot something important to bring whether it’s booked to class, a gift to a birthday party or even tools to fix a car! As humans, we’re not perfect, we tend to forget even simplest of things. Could even be the house keys or even your phone!
Having a checklist is an excellent tool to help with your preparation and organisation of your next camping trip. Your camping list will differ according to the type of camping and activities you’ve planned, the time of the year, the places you are going and the length of your adventure. Everyone’s idea of camping can be very different. Some people may like to get deep into the woods and experience the rough and hard terrain of the outdoors, while others are much more comfortable in a huge tent set up close to 5-star accommodation. For this reason, it makes it difficult to provide you with a complete checklist for camping because everyone has different needs and equipment.
General items
Here is a checklist of general items. Keep in mind that you don’t have to bring all these items, choose what suits your type of camping trip and possible extreme weather conditions.
- Tent
- Peggy Peg tent pegs
- Backpack
- Day pack
- Sleeping bag
- Travel pillow
- Whistle
- Plastic bags for rubbish
- Tarp
- Torch
- Swiss army knife
- Rope/cord
- Laundry bag
- Repair kit & spare pegs
- Washing detergent for clothes
- Matches
- Map
- Cash
- Permits
Kitchen and eating equipment
Depending on your length of stay and what type of food you’re planning to bring, choose the kitchen and eating equipment accordingly.
- Meals and snacks
- Stove
- Kitchen utensils
- Bowls, plates, cups & cutlery
- Cooler bin or fridge & extension cord
- Gas/fuel
- Tea towels
- Camping chairs & table
- Washing detergent
- Water filter/purifier
Clothing & accessories
The type of clothes you pack depends on the type of weather. However, even if it’ll be hot weather during your camping trip, it’s still a good idea to bring some warm clothes for in case of weather changes or cold nights.
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Quick drying swimsuit
- Thermal underwear
- Socks
- Rainwear
- Hat, cap, or beanie
- Gloves
- Fleece pants
- Boots or shoes
- Scarf
- Sunglasses
Health, safety & emergency gear
Health, safety and emergency gear is crucial for any type of camping trip. Accidents happen and you can’t plan for them, so instead be prepared for the worst! A good idea is to also give your friends or the police your camping itinerary just for in case something goes wrong. If you’re someone who is really into skincare, by all means, bring your face moisturisers, shampoo, and so on, but remember to pack light. Only bring the amount that you will need.
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Mobile or satellite phone
- Emergency locator beacon
- Mosquito net
- Hand sanitiser
- Radio & spare batteries
- Fire blanket
- Toiletries
- Soap
- Toilet paper
- Lip balm
- Moisturiser
Of course, if there’s anything missing on the list such as a picnic rug, camera, binocular, fishing gear, etc., all those types of items purely depends on your camping trip. Above is just a simple guide to ensure you don’t forget some of the most important items you will need on your trip. What’re you waiting for? Start packing for your incredible camping adventure!