50 Things to Take Camping

Maybe it's your first camping trip or you haven't been for a while and aren't sure what to take. If you're going on a family camping trip or heading away for a few days as part of a group, you probably have lots of questions like 'what do I need for camping' or 'how to pack for camping in a tent'. Luckily, we have lots of answers too.

Camping is a great outdoor activity and, if you're on a tight budget, it can be a fun holiday too. However, you need to know what to pack and how to pack it before you come close to loading up the car the night before.

What do you need for camping?

Some things will instantly spring to mind when you think about what to bring camping, but others won't be so obvious. That's why we've created a camping checklist that you can download, print off and share with the rest of your group, so you don't forget any vital pieces of equipment.

If you're just starting out with your camping equipment collection, it can seem like there's a lot to buy at first. However, this is all a great investment and will bring you happy holidays for years to come. It's also a good idea to follow a checklist to make sure nothing gets left behind in the garage or the garden shed.

Must-have camping supplies:

• Tent
• Groundsheets
• Air bed, camp bed or sleeping mats
• Tent pegs and mallet or hammer
• Tent and air bed repair kits
• Windbreaker
• Table
• Chairs
• Stove or BBQ
• Pots and pans
• Plates, bowls and cutlery
• Torch or headlamp
• Matches
• Picnic blanket
• Anti-bacterial spray & kitchen roll

Choosing the right food and drinks to take camping is actually much easier than you think. You can meal prep things before you go, like a huge pan of stew or curry, or just keep it simple with dried or tinned food that lasts a long time and doesn't need to go in the fridge.

If you enjoy cereal for breakfast, you're probably wondering how to pack milk for camping. Buy a few cartons of UHT milk and your problems are solved! This doesn't need to go in the fridge and should stay cool if you store it in a shaded spot on your camp. Most camping shops also sell fresh milk if you'd prefer to buy some each morning or you could take a cool box with you to store milk, spreads and sandwich fillers.

Some other hassle-free foods to take camping include:

• Pasta or noodles
• Tinned food like soup, beans and fish
• Wraps or flatbreads
• Cordial
• Cereal
• Dried fruit and nuts
• UHT milk
• Cereal bars
• Tea & coffee
• Crisps, biscuits, chocolate and sweets
• Sauces and spreads

Check out some of our easy camping and caravanning recipes here:

'The Ultimate Caravanners Cook Book'

'The Ultimate Camping Cook Book'

Whatever time of year you are going camping, if you are staying in the UK, you should pack waterproof and warm clothing. That's not to say you shouldn't take shorts and t-shirts too, but just be prepared for cold or rainy days, even in August.

• Underwear and socks
• Quick-drying trousers
• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Fleece, hoodie or jumper
• Waterproof jacket
• Walking shoes, wellies or trainers
• Tent shoes (like flip flops or slippers)
• A hat (woolly and sun hat)
• Sunglasses
• Warm pyjamas

There is more to camping than learning how to pitch your tent. There are plenty of useful gadgets available which can make your trip stress-free and a number of things you may not have thought of which will definitely come in handy.

Must have camping gadgets:

• First aid kit
• Navigation tools (map, pencil and compass)
• Reusable water bottle
• Water carrier
• Multitool
• Toiletries
• Soft cooler bag for picnics
• Backpack
• Firepit
• Wet or dry bag
• Portable toilet
• Insect repellant
• Portable power pack

Packing Your Car to go Camping

With so much equipment to take camping, it can be a struggle trying to fit it all in the car. You could try and squeeze everything in, but that doesn't make a comfortable car journey for anyone. So, there are lots of accessories you can add to your car to make packing much easier and your journey more comfortable.

Towbar

A towbar is super versatile and can allow you to hook a caravan, trailer or even a bike rack onto the back of your car. This gives you extra storage space so you can get comfortable for the journey.

Use your vehicle registration to search for a compatible towbar and don't forget to check your towing capacity before you tow.

Roof Bars

Roof storage can be a great way to create more space for packing when you're going camping. You can add a bike rack, boat carrier or a roof box to your roof bars which creates extra space and can allow you to take items which won't fit in your car.

Check out our roof bars here to find a set for your car.

Roof Box

Want to pack your favourite pillow, a camping stove or a few pairs of shoes? Maybe you just need more space for the tent or sleeping bags. Store bulky items you won't need for the journey in a roof box so you can still open the boot without the fear of luggage falling out.nd a roof box for your camping trip here.

Bike Rack

If you take your bikes camping, you've got yourself a free activity and a fun way to travel around. If you already have a roof box or a trailer, finding a suitable bike rack to add to the mix could be tricky. That's why we've got a range of bike racks to suit every budget for your next camping trip.

Take a look at our bike racks here and find the right rack for your car.

There are lots of ways to create more space in the car for your next camping trip. Check out our wide range of car storage accessories and download our checklists so you don't forget the essentials.