Camping Checklist: What to Take on Your Trip
July 18, 2022
What could be better than spending time in the great outdoors? The sun, the greenery, the fun, the barbecues… There's lots to love, and of course you want to make the most of it. So it’s important to remember what to take with you! We’ve created a comprehensive camping checklist to make sure you have the right camping equipment, so all you need to do once you’re there is have fun.
We’ve added all the gear you might need so don’t feel you have to take everything – simply pick and choose which bits you want to take.
What to Take Camping: The Essentials at a Glance
- Camping chair, table and lounger - Look out for features like slide-out tables, cup holders, quick dry fabric and wide backs. You could even opt for a camping bench if you prefer.
- Furniture carry bag
- Portable BBQ - Read on below for our recommendations
- Cool bag or box
- Thermal flask
- Reuseable water bottle
- Stainless steel camping kettle
- Cutlery - simply pack a spoon, knife and fork in your cool bag for each person
- Can opener
- Rucksack
- First aid kit
- Carbon monoxide detector - Scroll to the bottom of the list to find out why
- Multi tool
- LED lantern
- Torch
- Emergency poncho
- Outdoor games for the kids
TIP: Remember not to leave your portable BBQ inside your tent - even several hours after use it can emit lethal carbon monoxide.
Our Top Picks
Your Room for the Night
Unless you’re Bear Grylls, it’s highly unlikely you’re going to be satisfied with just a tarpaulin stretched between two trees. Instead, you’re going to be looking for something a little more secure. We’ve got a great selection of tents, with space enough for two to six campers. The Outsunny 6-Person Pop-Up Tent is great for beginners or those who just want to set up and go adventuring, whilst the Outsunny 2-Room Tent with Porch is ideal for serious campers who don’t just camp, they set up a proper home from home. For little campers the VW Campervan Kids Pop-Up Tent (available in blue and red) is great for summer days when you want the kids out of the house, with an adult version also available for those that have long loved this classic car.
A good night’s sleep will be reliant on having a cosy bed to sleep in. With any luck the day’s activities and exploring will help sleep come quickly, but for a comfortable slumber, an air bed is one of your must-have camping essentials. Pile on the VW Campervan Double Sleeping Bag and you’ll have everything you need for the perfect night’s sleep – just don’t forget your eye mask to block out the early morning sun!
All the Gear to Impress Your Neighbours
Show your camping neighbours that you mean business by unpacking a range of camping gear which will make your stay extra easy. A camping chair is step one, while this collapsible camping table makes al fresco dining an easy affair.
A torch is an essential tool that should always feature on your camping checklist, and ensuring you can play your tunes is another must for campers. This MIXX xBoost Portable Wireless Party Speaker has Bluetooth connectivity so you can play music directly from your phone, and for assured music all weekend, don’t forget your power bank!
Not all gadgets need to be advanced technology, however: sometimes the oldies are the best. The Stanley 12-in-1 Multi Tool has a tool for every job including pliers, wire cutters, saw, knife, bottle opener and screwdrivers.
Camping and barbecuing go together like fish and chips – it just makes sense! But rather than lugging a huge bit of kit with you, take along a portable barbecue grill. The Flamemaster Portable Barrel Charcoal Barbecue provides that traditional, charcoal-infused flavour, takes up very little space and is ideal if you’re on a budget.
