Camping Checklist

Planning ahead will make your camping holiday a lot safer and more comfortable. A checklist is a good way to make sure that you have everything you need, whether it’s your tent pegs or your hair straighteners!

We highly recommended that you test out the tent you intend to use before you bring it on holiday, especially if you haven’t seen it out of the bag for a while, or if you are borrowing the tent from someone. Check that all the pegs, ropes and poles are present and functioning and that there are no rips or tears in the sheeting. Waterproofing sprays and paints can be purchased that will give your tent a new lease of life.

First the basics...

  • Tent – plus all the pegs, guy ropes and poles!
  • Mallet
  • Sleeping bags and extra blankets
  • Air bed, including pump, or roll mats to lie on
  • Pillows
  • Torch and/or lantern – plus spare batteries or fuel
  • Outdoor furniture –such as fold up tables and chairs

Cooking Equipment

  • Cooker or stove
  • Bottled gas for cooking
  • BBQ and charcoal
  • Matches or lighter and bbq lighting fluid
  • Cool Box and ice packs
  • Containers for water
  • Pots and pans
  • Plates, bowls, cups and glasses
  • Cutlery and cooking utensils, including a sharp knife
  • Tin opener and corkscrew/bottle opener
  • Containers for storage
  • Bin bags
  • Washing up bowl and liquid
  • Dish cloths and tea towels
  • Tin foil, food wrap, kitchen roll
  • Food suitable for cooking on your stove or bbq
  • Tea and coffee making stuff

Personal care

  • Clothes, including night clothes, waterproof coats, swimming costumes, sun hats and walking shoes
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • Shavers
  • Hair care items
  • First aid kit with plasters, tweezers, antiseptic and bandages
  • Sewing kit with safety pins
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun tan lotion and after sun
  • Pain killers
  • Insect repellent

Also...

  • Camera and charger
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Extra batteries
  • Maps
  • Gaffer tape for emergency tent repairs
  • Pens and paper
  • Playing cards, games, books, cd, dvd, mp3 players or radios, outdoor games
  • Stamps
  • Cash and cards

Remember,beforeyou set off on a long car journey, always assess the conditionof your car.Ensure levels of oil, brake fluid and coolant are adequateand check the condition of your tyres, including tyre pressure. Ensureall lights are functioning correctly. A spare tyre and jack, socketset, jump leads, spare bulbs and a warning triangle are all anessential part of your tool kit, in case of emergency.