Camping Checklist

The last thing you want when you go camping is to get to the campsite only to realise that you’ve forgotten a vital piece of kit. That's why we've created this checklist to ensure that you remember to take everything you need on your next camping adventure.

The Essentials

• Tent - Obvious, yet still essential. When buying a tent, you want to make sure that it is large enough so that everyone can fit in. But don’t always take berths as gospel, yes, a 4 man tent will fit 4 people, but won't provide much extra room for your equipment. So make sure you go 1 or 2 berths above what you need to prevent it from getting too cosy.

• Sleeping bag - A great night's sleep can all come down to choosing the right sleeping bag. The most important factor to consider is temperature. Try to choose one that best suits the time of year you're camping. Check out our sleeping bag guide to make sure you pick the best one for you!

• Cooking equipment - Unless you fancy going hungry, you're going to need some cooking equipment. It's up to you how fancy you want to go, just as long as you've got something to eat and the end of the day, you're golden.

• Backpack - What did you think you were going to carry all your kit in? Whether you are a backpacker carrying your life on your back or a luxury camper with everything but the kitchen sink, a decent rucksack will fit all the essentials, making it easy to get from A to B.

• Lighting - Cooking, finding your tent and any other late-night entertainment is almost impossible without a bit of light. Whether you'd prefer a handheld lantern or a headtorch, make sure you pick yourself up some form light. For the night is dark and full of terrors.

The Luxuries

• Tent add-ons - Upgrade your tent for a more homely feel with a few add-ons such as a footprint. It'll not only make your tent look cosier but will also feel great underfoot. Why not look into a tent extension or porch as well? Giving you additional space which is ideal for larger groups. 

• Furniture - You're going to need somewhere to sit and eat around your campsite, such as a camping chair. Your comfortable throne after a jam-packed day outdoors. Sit back and relax and take in your surroundings in comfort. If you don't like roughing it at meal time, you're also going to need a camping table. This can be anything from a small table to a large family sized table, just find one that works for you and you're good to go.

• Cool box – If you don't want to slack on your cooking game and pre-made camping food isn't for you, then you'll need something to keep your food and drink nicely refrigerated (and edible) throughout your trip.

The Extras

• Towels - We don't necessarily mean your bathroom towels! Microfibre towels are ideal when you’re packing light and are much quicker at drying than regular towels.

• Spares and a repair kit - Don't fall short on such an important piece of kit. It will come in handy if the unfortunate happens and something breaks or tears. You don't want a pole to snap or the tent to rip without having any spares or a repair kit to fix it.

• First aid kit - This is something that is so easy to forget, but can become a crucial part fo your kit. As beautiful as camping out amonst the wildneness can be, you are still outside. Even if you are staying on a busy campsite nature can be unpredictable and it you never know when a cut or scrape can happen.

• Earplugs - Because you never know how loud other campers can be. Block out the world and have a great night's sleep ready for tomorrows adventures.

• Insect repellent - Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your holiday! Insect repellent comes in many forms, coils, sprays, candles etc.

For more tips for first time campers then check out our handy blog HERE.