This is a free checklist of camping equipment, separated into numbered boxes, a peg bag and a list of things to pack in the car. We label the boxes and then check the items into the box before we leave for our camp. We then re-check when we pack up. I was inspired to make this list after contact from lots of people in the Tent Camping (UK) Facebook page.
The list isn’t exhaustive, and you may wish to adjust it to your own requirements. We recommend laminating the list once you have settled on what you require. I have listed examples of products that we actually use. Obviously, it’s your choice whether or not to buy them.
There is a lot on the list and you’ll need to consider not taking certain items depending on your vehicle space. Perhaps consider splitting the kit between family or friends if you regularly camp as a group.
You can find a FREE printable checklist below which you can edit it to suit your own requirements. Just right-click the link and select ‘Save File As’ to download it to your computer.
- Download the free family camping equipment in Microsoft Word Document
- Download the free family camping equipment in PDF format
- Open the free family equipment checklist in Google Docs
Box 1 – Kitchen hardware
| Cutlery Set | (you can buy sets in containers from B&M for £7.99 or online) | Example |
| Pint Glasses | ||
| Wine Glasses | ||
| Straight tumblers (strong) | We used some fairly strong glasses from Amazon. Consider plastic beakers for young children. The glasses we use are commercial and therefore strong. | Example |
| Plates | There are some really nice unbreakable plastic sets on Amazon | Example |
| Serving plates | (as above) | Example |
| Side plates | (as above) | Example |
| Bowls | (as above) | Example |
| Small Mixing Bowl | Handy for salads, rice dishes, or…mixing! | |
| Coffee Mugs | ||
| Chopping board | ||
| Large Knife | We use a Santoku knife as we find it’s great for a range of uses. | Example |
| Sharp Scissors | You’ll be surprised how often you need them! | |
| Cooking utensil set | Pretty obvious – consider bamboo if you’re worried about plastic | |
| Cooking Tongs | Very useful – we prefer plastic ends to prevent scratches to non-stick pans | Example |
| Vegetable Peeler | ||
| Fire Blanket | Keep near cooking area. Always cook outside. Never use a BBQ indoors. | Example |
| Rubbish Bags | ||
| Tin opener | ||
| Gas Lighter | Example | |
| First Aid Kit and basic medication | This kit includes an instant cool pack which is excellent in the event of sprain. You’ll also need to add your own pain relieve medication. I recommend paracetamol, ibuprofen, anti-diarrhoea (Imodium) and allergy relief. | Example |
| Gas Whistle Kettle | Example | |
| Kitchen Roll | ||
| Wet wipes | ||
| Waiters Friend | Example | |
| Washing up liquid | ||
| Tea towels | ||
| Dishclothes/sponge/brush | ||
| Spare lighter gas | Example |
Box 2 – Cleaning, Lighting, etc
| External Solar Lights (or solar fairy lights) | Hang on the hooks mentioned below. Place around tent. Excellent for lighting during the night and waterproof | Example |
| Grab Hooks | These give you so much scope for hanging lights, towels, jumpers and all sorted of other items. Really useful! | Example |
| Rechargeable solar lantern (with charging lead) | Be very careful when buying these. Don’t scrimp. The check lanterns never last and the USB sockets are usually the first thing to break. Get a quality example or visit your nearest camping shop to check the built quality. | Example |
| Collapsible Broom | For cleaning the inside of the tent | |
| Dustpan and brush | Maybe just take this and forget the broom | |
| Collapsible washing basket | To carry dirty washing up to the sink | Example |
| Washing up bowl | For washing up – or combine with above | Example |
| Fly spray | Spray inside the tent in the summer 15 minutes before bed to get rid of annoying flies and mosquitoes during the night. | Example |
| Insect repellent | Mosquitos love camp sites! Smidge That Midge is very good (see the example link). We also wear Mosquito bands in the summer, but these get mixed reviews. | Example |
| Saucepan set | We don’t take a set – we just take 1 large deep pan and 1 frying pan. You can cook almost everything with them including fry-ups, stews, pasta, bolognaise, slow-cooked dishes, etc. | Example |
| Sun protection | Never hurts to have a spare container in case you forget to pack. | |
| Anti-bacterial gel | ||
| Toilet roll | You’d be surprised how often communal toilets run out. |
In the Peg Bag
| Pegs | ||
| Spare pegs! | Pegs break. It happens. | |
| Spare guy line | ||
| Mallet or small lump hammer | Same cam sites are on very hard ground. You’ll need this sooner or later. | Example |
| Puncture repair kits for SIMS/air tent | We highly recommend Tenacious Tape. It’s brilliant for all kinds of repairs. | Example |
| Small crow bar (for removing pegs) | Trust us, it works. | Example |
| A role of gaffer/duct tape | Because you never know | |
| A ball of string | Because you never know | |
| A universal screwdriver | Because you never know |
For the car/trailer/bag (and some other items to consider):
- Electric Hook Up cable or leisure battery/powerpack
- Water container for drinking water (use 5l supermarket bottles if you prefer) – keep in a cool place
- Coolbox or fridge – we use the Coleman Xtreme – keep it as full as possible and drain water away ASAP to keep it cold.
- SIMS – we use 7.5 and 10cm, but this is down to personal preference
- Sleeping bag – I recommend ‘The Beast Sleeping Pod’
- Pillows
- Decent towel or camping towel
- Your Clothes including a waterproof coat and a spare jumper
- Waterproof boots in addition to trainers
- Gas stove
- Gas stove regulator and pipe
- Halogen electric hob
- Folding Chairs
- Folding Table
- USB powerbank
- Bluetooth rechargeable speaker
- Tent carpet
- Tent footprint
- Windbreak
- Wash bag
- Cooking foods such as salt and pepper, olive/vegetable oil, dried mixed herbs and sauces
- BBQ
Pegs: many debates on these. I buy the best I can for the money – heavy duty large pegs. My brother-in-law uses a cordless electric drill on threaded pegs. Expensive, but he never breaks a peg and he never has a problem getting them in the ground or back out again.
SIM’s: Self Inflating Mat. Read reviews and go to camping shops to see them in person. You may also want to consider a camping bed if you struggling to get up from the floor.
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST – DON’T FORGET TO PACK THE TENT!!!
You’re going to want to heat water and cook food.
These Campingaz hob burners provide a great way of heating water and cooking food and there are a plethora of one-pot meals you can make when camping instead of using a barbecue. Also helpful if you don’t want burn sausages on an open fire!
The tyre pictures requires a gas bottle to be attached to it, but you can also buy single burners which are powered by individual butane cans.
You’re going to need to store food safely.
Unless you’re planning on taking a refrigerator on holiday, you’re going to need someone to safely store food; especially perishable items such a meat and dairy.
There are a huge range of options available to suit a types pf budgets and generally the more you spend the better you get.
There are some coolboxes which relay on ice to keep contents chilled. Others provide the option of using a gas or electric hook-up to chill items.
We use the Coleman Xtreme which keeps ice frozen for up to 5 days. We’ve used it in the summer and never had a problem.
The key is to keep it full and open as little as possible to prevent warm air entering.
The Coleman Xtreme is designed with premium insulation technology which keeps the contents cold on ice for up to 5 days depending on the model. It also doubles has a handy table when space is at a premium.
You’ll need fresh drinking water.
Okay, so some people just take large bottles of water with them, but that’s not exactly environmentally friendly, is it?
This type of drinking container only costs a few pounds and collapses for easy storage. It also has a tap for ease of use.
Take a bucket.
Never underestimate the humble bucket. You can use it for all types of things including washing up, cleaning clothes, cleaning yourself, carrying recycling, catching water dripping from your water bottle, washing your tent…the list is endless.
Take a bucket. You can thank me later.
You’ll want somewhere to sit.
I can’t stress how important choosing a decent camping chair is. If you going away – even for just a few days – you’ll want to sit and you’ll want to be comfortable.
Take time choosing a decent chair. Go to your local camping shop and try some out. Make sure it supports you properly.
And remember that there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to chairs; we all have different shaped bodies so take your time and don’t rush in to it.
You’ll want a warm drink.
Chances are you’re going to want a nice cuppa at some point during your trip.
Camping kettles feature a whistle which will sound once the water in your kettle starts to boil.
Camping kettles are available in all types of sizes and made from different materials including titanium.
There are hundreds of different types of camping kettles available. Get some professional advice at Campfire Magazine who have written extensively on how to choose a camping kettle.
Let there be light!
Unless you like tripping over things and night, you’re going to want a decent camplight or two.
The great thing about the evolution of LED lighting and batteries is that you can now easily charge a camping light via a USB output and get hours and hours of light from them.
Some LED camping lanterns also come with a USB powerbank included.
It’s nice to eat at a table.
Vango make some excellent and sturdy folding camping table and chair sets (other brands are available). These can be stored in the garage or shed and don’t take up a huge amount of room.
Great for eating and also for preparing food.
Businessman, camping enthusiast, Formula One fan and Real Ale drinker.
Hi Richard, brilliant list, I got some great tips from it. A friend sent me a link to your review of the Berghaus tent as he’s thinking of buying one. Glad he did as I love your camping set up
Many Thanks
John
Hi John. Thank’s for your kind comment. We’re off to Cornwall last week of August. Can’t wait. I’ve only been able to camp once so far this year due to work commitments.