The essential camping kit list

For those of you who are relatively new to the world of camping, leaving your mod cons and the comforts of home to spend a few nights in the wilderness might seem like a daunting prospect.

The best way to ensure you enjoy the new experience is to go prepared - and what better place to start than by reading up on our essential camping kit list!

Your best days of camping will be sunny and carefree, but you'll want to equip yourselves well to be ready and protected from the UK's multitude of weather conditions too!

Although each camping holiday is different (and every camper has their own way of doing things), we have put together a 'fundamentals' camping checklist which we hope will be of use before your next getaway.

If you'd like a more complete version, you can also download and print our Ultimate Camping Checklist!

The basics

Every camper needs a few basic essentials to get by. Here is a quick list of what you will definitely need:

• Sleeping bag
• Torch
• Roll mat to put under your sleeping bag
• Backpack – 35 litres should do
• Clothing – a mixture of thin layers and thick outerwear
• Tent with poles, pegs, strings and hammer
• Light walking boots, wellies and everyday shoes
• Toiletries including sun cream
• Blankets
• First aid kit
• Water bottle
• A camping cooking system
• Kitchen pans and cooking supplies – tins, noodles and no-heat snacks and meal ideas are recommended

First aid kit

Be prepared for a few scrapes and accidents while on holiday by compiling your own first aid kit. We recommend that you pack up two kits for your holiday. Keep a large kit back at base camp and take a smaller kit out with you in a backpack. Here is a list of top items to purchase before the trip:

• Waterproof plasters – various sizes
• Rehydration tablets or sachets
• Creams – bite cream, after sun, antiseptic cream, moisturiser and arnica cream
• Paracetamol tablets or ibuprofen – always check the packets of any medication for suitability
• Tape and bandages
• Vitamins
• Prescribed medication
• Insect repellent
• Sun cream – at least factor 20
• Hand sanitizer

The items on this list should prepare you for minor accidents and problems. However, you should also know the address and phone number of the nearest medical centre as an extra precaution.

Kids and pets

Planning a trip for the entire family, including young ones and your furry companion, can be a tall order. Providing the right equipment to protect children from the elements and medical accidents should be your first priority. It is always best to pack your child’s rucksack before your own to ensure that he or she has everything they need. Sun exposure and warmth are main concerns. Pack sun hats and a high factor sun cream as well as jumpers for chilly evenings. Toys and games will also come in handy during a long car journey and over the duration of the holiday to prevent boredom from ever setting in.

There are plenty of campsites in the UK which cater for canine companions. As the owner, it is your job to make sure that your dog is kept healthy and away from harming other animals and people. Dogs can often overheat during the summer months so it’s important that you have plenty of water on hand at all times. Your dog should also be kept on a strong lead around livestock and you should always talk to the Local Access Centre if you are in any doubt over local restrictions. Bring along their trusty toys, dog bed, food and plenty of doggy bags like you would for any other trip.

Space-saving tips

Space is a much needed premium when kitting out the car with everyone’s clobber. If you have some spare cash left in your budget, you can invest in a roof rack or roof box for some extra storage. Alternatively, cheaper compression bags will help you to save space by getting rid of large air pockets. Organisation is the name of the game. Pack your essentials including the tent and sleeping bags last so you can pull them out easily to set up camp.

Extras

Before heading off, scour your chosen sites’ website to check for additional advice and useful information. Things to check for include electricity sources and outdoor BBQ restrictions. Glampers and caravanners should also check the list of mod cons at their chosen site.

Now that the boot is teaming with camping goodies, you will be able to find out why many explorers rate camping holidays so highly! We hope you will create a new set of memories from your own stay in the British wilderness and pick up a few camping tips of your own along the way.