Camping gear © pexels/rawpixel.com
Whether you’re drawn to campsites with long-term campers and practically professional outdoorsmen or you’re planning a dreamy wild camping trip by the sea — camping definitely requires you to pack differently than you would if you were staying a hotel! Rather than deciding which cold drink you should grab from mini bar, you’ll be confronted with more fundamental issues when you go camping. Wind and rain can make something as seemingly simple as preparing dinner on the camping stove considerably more difficult. Then there’s the typical annoyances of camper life that you should be prepared for, such as swarms of pesky mosquitoes, stubborn tent pegs or nocturnal neighbors. To help make your camping premiere a total success, we’ve put together a list of all the camping gear you’ll actually need.
Camping Gear
Don't Forget:
- Tent & equipment (including a sleeping bag and sleeping mat)
- Extra pegs & a hammer
- A padlock for your tent
- Camping stove with extra gas (make sure it’s the right kind for your stove!)
- Cooking utensils (pots, pans, strainer, plates, cutlery)
- Cleaning supplies
- Clothesline and clothespins
- Water containers
- Headlamp or torch
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Bug spray
- A shower bag
Also Useful:
- (Foldable) spade
- Waterproofing spray
- Carabiner
- Earplugs & eye mask
- A simple meal for the first evening (such as noodles with pesto)
- A collapsible bowl or box so you can easily bring your dirty dishes to the washing area and back
Clothing
Don't Forget:
- Raincoat or down jacket
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Sturdy (rainproof) shoes
Also Useful:
- Bum bag
Toiletries
Don't Forget:
- Soap & disinfectant
- Flip-flops
- Travel-sized soaps, shampoos, etc.
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen
Also Useful:
- A sponge bag to hang up
- Light, fast-drying towels
Electronics
Don't Forget:
- Chargers / charging cables
- Extra batteries
- External battery pack for smartphones or tablets
Also Useful:
- Portable Bluetooth speaker
Miscellaneous
Don't Forget:
- Lighter
- Debit card / credit card / insurance card
- List of emergency phone numbers
- Important papers and documents (or copies)
- Map / navigator
- A travel first-aid kit
Also Useful:
- Zip ties and gaffer tape
- Candles / tea lights
With these items on hand, you’ve got all the basic equipment you’ll need for camping. You’ll just have to pick your clothes based on your destination’s climate. If you’re headed into the mountains for some hiking, you’ll want to bring hiking boots and socks, gloves, a wool hat and blister plasters with you. If you’ve got plans for a weekend surfing trip in France, on the other hand, you’ll need a bathing suit and waterproof sunscreen. No matter what destination ignites your passion for camping — we hope you have a great time there!
If you're still on the hunt for your perfect campsite, you'll find what you're looking for here.
