There’s nothing like dusting off the old Camper and heading out on the open roads. Sometimes we wish we could just quit our jobs and spend all year out on camping trips.
Sadly we can’t, and if you’re anything like us you forget what useful items you need to pack between each trip. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. In this post, you’ll find a list of all the essential items you’ll need to take with you on a camping trip.
If you’re new to holidaying in a camper then the first place you need to check out is this Camper Guide. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about Campers.
Let’s dive into our Camping Checklist…
Tell someone your plans
This is obviously not something you can pack, but it is still essential when going out on any kind of trip, particularly camping trips.
Tell a neighbor, loved one, or friend where you are going, when, for how long, and when they should expect you back. It pays to be prepared.
First Aid Kit
This is the section of the list that first-time campers often forget about completely but it is one of the most important items on this list.
For further information check out this post by the Red Cross about putting together a first aid kit. Taking a first aid course like the First Aid training in London would also help to quickly respond during an emergency and provide immediate care for injuries.
When going camping you must bring a full basic first aid kit. It should include these items:
- Any personal medication you take
- Nail Slippers
- Roll bandages
- Triangular bandages
- Band-aides
- Anti-acids
- Antibiotic cream or ointment
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Aspirin and Ibuprofen
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Sterile Gauze pads
- Tweezers
- Cotton swabs
- Ace bandages
- Sunburn lotion
- Bug spray
- Safety pins
- Scissors
- Bee sting kit
- Snakebite kit
- Eye drops
- Poison Ivy cream
- Hot/Cold packs
- Antihistamines
- Tissues
- Sunscreen
- Notepad and pen
- Small flashlight
- Sterile gloves
- Thermometer
- Blister band-aids
- Blanket
- Road flares
- First aid manual
- Small mirror
- Hand sanitizer
- Twine
Check the advice from the area you are traveling into/through to see if there are any local dangers you need to be aware of.
For Cooking
We have prepared this list for if you are taking a Camper with you, this list will be different if you are wild camping, or using tents.
It will be a good idea to plan out your cooking and washing up a schedule in advance. This will save arguments on the trip and will help you to have an idea of how much food you will need to bring with you.
- Water jug or large bucket
- Cool boxes
- Vegetable peeler
- Condiments
- Sugar
- Seasonings
- Thermos flasks – one for every camper
- Brillo pads
- Collapsible drying rack
- Dishrags
- Washing up bowl
- Napkins – bring paper and cloth
- Gas or propane for your stovetop
- Plates, bowls, etc – enough for each camper
- Cutlery – enough for each camper
- Mugs – enough for each camper
- Matches / lighter
- Fire extinguisher
- Measuring cups
- Aluminum foil – the stronger the better
- Trash bags
- Dish soap
- Paper towels
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- Tupperware
- Ziplock bags
- Cutting board
- Travel-friendly knives – store in a knife role, or in a secure knife block
- Vegetable oil
- General cooking utensils
Personal Hygiene Items
- Flip flops / Sandals – If there is a shared shower at your campsite, just trust on this one. You are not going to want to step on anything on the floor of a shared shower. Also don’t forget to pack hiking socks women, never know when they might come handy.
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Shower gel + shampoo
- Hairbrush
- Deodorant
- Toilet paper – This will come in handy even if there are communal toilets
- Razor
- Soap (bring in a plastic container) or hand wash in a pump bottle
- Baby wipes – you never know when these will come in handy
- Feminine Hygiene products
- Breath mints or spray
Miscellaneous Items
- Coins – bring these in case you need to make emergency calls at a phone booth
- A laundry bag – if your clothes get dirty or wet you are not going to want to keep them with your clean items. A laundry bag provides an easy solution for this and doesn’t take up much space
- Extra of any personal medication – keep this in a separate place the rest of what you brought, then it won’t all be gone if you lose it
- Compass
- Maps
- Emergency generator
- Spare batteries
- An Umbrella
- Duct tape
- Electrical tape
- Trail mix
- High sugar items – if you get injured, eating high sugar items will help you maintain your energy levels
- Clean, bottled water (two liters per person on the trip)
- Air freshener – you’ll thank us if someone steps in a cow pat
- A small trowel – for bathroom emergencies
Happy Camping!!!