Clocking off from work on a Friday afternoon and heading out into the wilderness can seem like all fun and games; that’s until someone realises they’ve left their sleeping bag, toilet roll, bottle opener and food at home.
As the old adage goes; “failing to plan is planning to fail,” and perfecting the art of camping is no different.
I’ve often been humbled by the wide spectrum of “normal” and “extreme” camping around the world, which has contributed to me putting together this mammoth master camping list as a reminder to myself, as much as I am for you, dear reader.
After camping out on different types of terrains, fending off all sorts of creepy crawlies, while experiencing various weather extremes, I’m here to share with you the master of all master camping lists so that next time you’re driving off into the sunset, you won’t get that sinking feeling halfway up the motorway…
Why You Need a Master Camping List
As much as it is annoying to leave something behind that you desperately want and need for a camping trip back home, you also don’t want your car to be bulging at the seams with unnecessary bits and bobs.
There has to be some method in your master camping list madness.
From the first-time camper to the cocky chest-thumper who claims that they could give Ranulph Fiennes a run for his money, not using some of the items on this comprehensive list can affect your morale and overall experience.
Trust me, I’ve learnt the hard way, forgetting to pack a myriad of “obvious” items and had my fair share of tent tantrums… so you don’t have to.
Having a master camping list by your side to refer to for every camping trip you take is a complete game-changer and time saver. Not only will you find yourself prepared for every eventuality, but you’ll be giving yourself the best chances of not forgetting those crucial items, too, leaving you to simply enjoy your time with nature, the people who you choose to go with, or even your own sweet solitude.
Master Camping List: Comfort Kit
Camping trips are the perfect means of reconnecting with nature, escaping urban life and spending a little time unplugged from the constantly-connected world that can often lead to high levels of stress. So comfort is key.
“Comfort” isn’t usually the first word that comes to mind when you think of camping. Swapping your marshmallow mattress for cold, hard turf and your cosy, lavender-smelling toilet for a hole in the ground… doesn’t exactly exude a lap of luxury.
Then there’s switching your hot shower and favourite personal care products with anything that resembles a baby wipe. But with this list of must-haves, you can make your trip much more comfortable than your sceptical mind may allow you to think.
Let’s take a look at what you should include in your comfort kit and how to choose the best essential items for your trip.
- Tent – Arguably the most defining image/icon of camping. Ensuring you have your home away from home is a no-brainer. Your comfort will hugely depend on the type of tent you have and where you choose to set it up. Here’s a quick overview of the four main types of tents you might want to consider for your trip:
- The atypical tent design is what is known as a basic ridge tent; these are easy to set up and come in all sorts of sizes, from a single person to huge marquee types of tents.
- A Geodesic and semi-geodesic tent is a tent that is best used when you’re camping in harsher conditions such as the wind-strewn mountainsides.
- Instant or quick pitch tents are tents that don’t require any added poles and tents to be added, simply pop the tent out of its case, and it will fall into place. These tents are great for easy usability but are not great in harsher conditions.
- The vis-à-vis tent is a tent that has a large central part of the tent, with adjoining rooms that face each other, hence the vis-à-vis. This is a great option for those who are camping in a large group or camping as a family.
2 Bonus Pro/Picky Tent Tips: 2 extra things to look out for (or maybe it’s just personal preference).
- I like my tent to have a non-convoluted zip system for the entry and exit points. I piss like a racehorse, and when I wake up in the middle of the night needing a wee, all sleepy and discombobulated – the last thing I want to do is be fighting with a jammed zip, or feel like I’m in an intense round of the Krypton Factor, to get in and out of my bloody tent! If you’re unsure about what ceiling to use for your temporary house then check out this comprehensive best roof tents article.
- Choose a tent with decent storage design/size. Ideally, you want to be able to have access to your essentials via (an easily-managed) zipped, back door of your tent. I’ve been in some cheap-ass tents that claim to be 3-man tents, where I could barely fit a daypack in it. Just something else to look out for if convenience is as important to you as comfort.
- Tent stakes (and spares) – There’s nothing worse than breaking off a tent stake or not having enough to hold your tent down in choppier weather. Make sure you have tent stakes and spares on your master camping list, and you’ll be glad when the wind gets up!
- Tent ground cloth – Having a tent ground cloth is essential for a comfortable camping trip. It creates a barrier between your tent and the ground, providing cushioning while at the same time making sure you don’t wake up in a puddle of water come morning time.
- Sleeping bag – Sleeping bags generally fall into three different kinds; summer, three-season and winter. As you might have guessed, they’re all suited to different types of weather conditions. Here’s a quick glance:
- Summer sleeping bags are ideal for camping during hot summer nights. They are lightweight, slimline and usually have a zipper to allow full-body ventilation.
- Three-season sleeping bags are more suited to camping in the Spring and Autumn months. The sleeping bags help you keep warm with inch-able hoods, draft collars, and zipper draft tubes.
- Winter sleeping bags are designed to keep you snug and warm in the coldest of temperatures. They have all the add-ons a three-season bag would have but have far more padding and insulation. For cold weather use it’s often worth investing in one of the best sleeping bag brands, to ensure you get something that provides sufficient warmth and decent durability
- Sleeping bag compression sack – A sleeping bag compression sack will ensure you can squish your sleeping bag into its sack, as tight as possible. The benefit of this is that it takes up much less space in your backpack, especially if you’re opting for a bulky winter sleeping bag.
- Sleeping pad – Replacing the job of a mattress and bed at home, a sleeping pad is a slim pad of foam that can be slept on with a sleeping bag in relative comfort. Pads tend to come in a variety of different forms, including inflatable ones and closed-cell foam varieties. These all differ in weight, comfort and price, so it’s important to find what’s right for you. You get what you pay for with these, trust me and go for higher quality, or you may as well be sleeping on a piece of tracing paper. I (thankfully) used a really good one for the first time, on the night before summiting Puncak Jaya and it was just glorious.
- Travel pillow – An ideal bit of comfort when you’re sleeping in uncomfortable places and great for the car, or bus journey on the way down too.
- Travel towel – Unlike a hotel, you’re unlikely to find towels given to you on a campsite. Travel towels won’t take up much space in your backpack (they usually come with a zip-bag too) and they are designed to dry quickly.
- Hammock – Packing a hammock is a perfect way to lie back and relax, especially if you are scarce of space or you can’t find a flat piece of ground to set up camp on.
- Earplugs – Sleeping outdoors isn’t always the relaxing and peaceful experience you want it to be; earplugs are great for blocking out snorers, or even late-night chatters and the odd screeching owl.
- Sleeping mask – Sleeping outside your normal nighttime surroundings can be a little too stimulating; having a sleeping mask will block out unwanted sensory distractions. I have tried them all and the best ones are without a doubt, those that wrap vertically around your face, with a velcro attachment at the back – as opposed to the usual ones that usually come in a creepy material and cut into the top of your ears.
- Hot water bottle – This is the ideal addition if you are camping in the colder months. You can leave this off your master camping list if you’re camping throughout the summer, but then again – even some sunny destinations can become surprisingly breezy at night, so best to put it on your “maybe” list, depending on your tolerance (or lack thereof) for cold.
- Flip-flops – For lazing about and letting your feet breathe after that long and sweaty hike, or popping out for that annoying mid-night wee.
- Lip balm – Lip balm provides perfect protection against outdoor elements, whether it’s from the blazing sun, cruel cold, or the lip-drying wind. Some guys often laugh at me for bringing it along, I get the last laugh when their lips end up resembling Freddy Krueger’s face.
- Moisturiser – Because which outdoor adventurer doesn’t want smooth, baby-soft skin to go along with their rugged allure? Jokes aside, this will come in handy for any wind-chapped skin or nasty sunburn. Body Shop Vitamin E Intense Cream is my current go-to.
- Sunglasses – It’s always a good idea to invest in a good pair of sunglasses to ensure you get the genuine UV protection you need. Buying a cheap pair of sunnies is a bit like buying a camera without a lens or a pair of boots without soles, there’s just no point, you tight git! 😀
Master Camping List For Food & Cooking
If you’re anything like me, you’re going to want to put food at the top of your priority list or risk a very hangry man. Other than pure hunger, it’s important to balance the space in your bag, nutrition, and actually getting the calories that you need, especially if you’re hiking a lot.
Let’s take a look at what you should include in your food and cooking master camping list.
- Spork – Why bulk out your pack with a spoon and a fork when you can have two in one?! The spork is the all-around action hero of camping cutlery. Bow down to the mighty spork!
- Dehydrated food – Instead of bulking out your pack with huge items of food, it’s better to pack dehydrated foodstuffs (which aren’t as bad as they sound…). All you have to do is boil a travel kettle/pot, mix it up, and you’ll have a hearty, nutritious meal on your hands.
- Canned food – Similar to packing dehydrated food, canned food doesn’t take up tonnes of space in your pack, and it doesn’t spoil easily either. You’ll find everything from soup to veggie chilli on the supermarket shelves, so get creative. As a Brit, I wouldn’t dream of going camping without a tin of baked beans, it would be pure sacrilege.
- Snack bars… Obviously! Snack bars are perfect for keeping those energy levels up. There are many options out there, I’m a Clif Bar fanboy.
- Huel – Huel is a complete food powder created from plant-based sources such as oats, pea protein, rice protein and flaxseed. All you need to do is mix it with water and in just a few seconds you have complete nutrition (a big chunk of your daily recommended vitamins and minerals) at your disposal.
It’s often confused with protein powder, but it actually has an impressive level of macronutrients (protein, carbs & fats) and micronutrients (magnesium, zinc, calcium, Vitamin D, iodine….and all the rest!) Huel is an amazing concept and it helped to get me on top of the tallest mountain in Europe. I refuse to climb another mountain without it!
- Trail mix – Trail mix is usually a tasty combination of granola, dried fruit, nuts and sometimes other things that tickle one’s fancy. This nutritious and energy-inducing snack is great to have in your pack and healthy trail mixes are pretty easy to make yourself, to cater for personal preferences.
- Stove – A camping stove is your lifeline to hot food and water; finding a portable compact stove is easy and affordable.
- Cooking fuel – Depending on your stove, cooking fuel can be anything from butane gas and petroleum gas to coal or wood chips. Packing a few containers of butane gas for a stove is generally the most economical option.
- Campfire gloves – Forget burning your fingers; a set of campfire gloves are ideal for adjusting your fire.
- Biodegradable Dish Soap – You may be out in the sticks, but having proper washing up utensils will save you a lot of time cleaning down your plates and bowls. Fellow Brits; “Dish soap” is what North Americans call what we call “washing-up liquid.” These bars are better for the environment and easier to pack than a leaky substance too.
- Dishcloth – Washing up tends to be a lot easier with one of these…
- Scourer – For those tough stains on your pans!
- Collapsible bowls – These clever things allow you to eat in comfort without jeopardising space in your pack.
- Collapsible cups – Collapsible cups, similar to bowls, means you can have the ease of a mug without losing valuable packing space.
- Thermos flask – Don’t underestimate the uplifting feeling of a hot drink when camping or out in the wild, especially outside of summer. Go for a good-quality flask that keeps your drinks warm for at least 24 hours. Soup, tea, coffee, Bovril, hot chocolate… The world really is your oyster with a Thermos as a camping friend.
- Skillet – A skillet is a sturdy frying pan and is a great addition to any master camping list for food and cooking. Its robustness means it can be placed on any grill or an open flame if needed. Admittedly, you may need some extra room for this, but if you have it, then take that bad boy and get frying.
- Pans and Pots – Having a set of cooking pans will make your camping experience that bit more comfortable and allow you to have fun with your cooking! Just be sensible with size and you’ll be good to go.
- Tongs – Being able to flip over your grill food without restoring to burnt fingers is a no-brainer. Or you could get this all-around action hero kitchen camping set instead.
- Spatula – Fancy a fried (insert favourite brekkie item here) in the morning? A spatula will be your best friend. Just remember where you put it.
- Chopping board – Great for chopping up vegetables and any other foods; clean flat surfaces are hard to come by in the wilderness.
- Fold-out chairs – Another great space-saving item that gives you an added level of comfort around the fire.
- Fold-out table – Similar to the chairs, fold-out tables provide so much space while only taking up very little when packed away.
- Mixing bowl – There’s no end of uses for a mixing bowl – use it to cook up a storm, wash an emergency pair of pants, or make it into a game.
- Sharp knife – A tool within its own right, a sharp knife will allow you to prepare a range of foods quickly and efficiently.
- Tin opener – There’s nothing worse than realising all of that tinned food you packed doesn’t come with a ring pull. Rage-inducing! Make sure you pack a tin opener, for the love of God!
- Bottle opener – Helpful for cracking open a nice cold beer once that sun begins to set…aaaaah, bliss.
- Cold box – A cold box is a great way of keeping foodstuffs at their most fresh and cool, whether that be fruit or bottles of water.
- Aluminium foil – Keep food fresh or keep it warm, you’ll be surprised where aluminium foil can come in handy, a jacket potato’s best mate.
- Coffee – Because who can start their day without one?
- Teabags – You can’t beat a good old-fashioned cuppa tea around the campfire.
- Hot chocolate – Another campfire treat – a solid morale booster, perfect for those cooler nights and to appease that sudden sweet-tooth craving.
- Powdered milk – Powdered milk is a great alternative to the fresh kind, it takes up less space and will last far longer.
- Favourite spices/herbs – A simple addition of your favourite spices and herbs can elevate even the simplest of campsite meals into something quite special. Paprika and thyme are some personal favourites and I have been known to travel with Tabasco and Sriracha Sauce on many occasions.
- Cooking oil (spray) – Keep any sticky cooking disasters at bay with a little dash of cooking oil.
- Grayl Geopress water filter/LifeStraw water bottle – These handy bottles will make sure you can always access clean water on the go. From streams to newly formed rain puddles, the clever filters in these bottles will get rid of all of the nasties and are more environmentally friendly than buying lots of plastic bottled water.
- Rubbish bags – It’s important to leave any campsite in the same condition you found them, rubbish bags can help you to do this.
Master Camping List For Clothes
Having the right clothing can make or break a camping trip, so it’s something that’s worth taking a bit of thought to get right. The weather will dictate a lot of what you take camping, but it’s always best to have layers of clothing to hand, whatever the weather. I’m not wanting to sound like your granny here, but like she probably always told you, “You can always take it off, but you can’t put it on if you don’t have it”.
- Hiking boots: It’s worth investing in a good pair of hiking boots, especially if you’re going to be hiking over rugged ground for a long period of time. Being out on your campsite and in the wild, any injuries to your feet or ankles can mean a total write-off on your camping trip.
- Waterproof jacket – Choose between slim-fitting or loose waterproof jackets depending on the weather. Failing that, grab a poncho.
- Quick-drying socks – A great addition to your kit, quick-drying socks are useful if you are hiking through wetter terrain!
- Head protection/BUFF – Keep your head out of the beating sun or from the pelting rain with a good hat and head protection. BUFF headwear is essential for baldies like me and has kept my shiny noggin from being burned to a crisp, even at the highest of points in tropical climates.
- Comfortable underwear – It’s important to dress appropriately when camping, which means starting from the basics up. Uncomfortable underwear will soon become, well… a pain in the arse.
- Long-sleeved shirt – Having a long-sleeved shirt is a must in your master camping list; you can protect yourself from mosquitoes, and nasty ticks and it offers some added protection from the sun.
- Swimming costume – Take advantage of any wild swimming spots, or beaches that you just happen to come across on your adventures.
- Shorts – Essential for hot summer days, shorts can prevent you from overheating during your ramblings.
- Chilling out trousers – For when you need a change of clothes at camp and just need to chill.
- Laundry bag – No one likes mixing up their clean clothes with their dirties. Investing in a laundry bag to keep everything separate is a no-brainer.
- Travel shoe bag – Similar to your dirty laundry, it’s good practice to keep your dirty footwear in a separate bag from the rest of your clothes.
- Daypack (small backpack) – If you’re venturing out for the day, you don’t want to take your whole pack, so a good daypack or small backpack should hold the essentials.
Cold-Weather Master Camping List
Camping in extremely cold weather without the right clothes to keep you warm can be an all-around fatal experience. Not that I’m trying to put you off camping in the depths of winter, you just need to be extra prepared.
Similar to packing for warm weather, it’s always better to be prepared for the worst weather, and with correct and clever packing methods, you can pack a lot more than you’d think. Dressing in layers allows you to keep warm when you need to and cool down if you need to also.
- Fleece – A good fleece acts as a warm layer as well as a windbreaker. Opt for one with a zip all the way from the bottom to the top – much more logistically friendly.
- Warm socks – You lose most of your heat through your head and your feet, so looking after them will go a long way to keeping your whole body warm.
- Base layers (top and bottom) – Wearing layers makes sure that no body heat escapes and instead acts as an extra layer of insulation. I always sleep in them in extremely cold conditions.
- Warm gloves – Investing in a good pair of gloves that keep your hands warm but also allow you to hold things are the perfect camping gloves.
- Warm underwear – Newsflash; genitalia gets cold too!
- Warm hat/headwear – They say more heat is lost from the head than anywhere else; a nice cosy woolly hat will keep that from happening. I generally take my ear-covering toque hat, which keeps me warm enough.
- Hand-Warmers/Foot-Warmers – Having a bit of technological help to keep your hands warm is never a bad thing, and hand warmers can do this! Perfect to protect you from frostbite too if you struggle too much in the cold, they can put your mind at ease at night for a sleep by easing the tingling sensations.
- Raincoat – Apart from keeping the rain off your back, a raincoat acts as a barrier against wind and keeps you warm.
- Windbreaker – Thin jacket that keeps you surprisingly safe from any howling winds or sneaky drafts.
- Scarf/Winter neck warmer – A scarf, or neck warmer will add that little bit of extra warmth where it’s always needed most. This was a part of my body where I often forgot to cover up in cold conditions as an amateur… and it was always bloody freezing! These are so much more than fashion accessories, keep that neck warmed up or you’ll be shivering with cold and regret!
Thermal, windproof, waterproof: remember these when packing clothes for a camping trip to Iceland in the winter. Dressing for Iceland’s unpredictable weather (whether it’s summer or winter) is key to general comfort and safety. For more Iceland packing, the best time to visit Iceland and camping tips, check out this guide.
Master List: Tech Stuff
While camping is the ideal time to escape the constraints of modern society and technology, there’s no denying that some technology can make your camping experience that bit more enjoyable and memorable.
- Phone – It’s hard to imagine a world without these little devices, but from an emergency and security point of view, it’s an important thing to have while you’re camping remotely.
- Charger cables for all tech – Make sure you have all the correct charger cables; we know how different these can be for certain devices.
- Trove clip organisers – To stop the multitude of the above wires and cables from getting tangled and lost, use trove clips!
- Kindle – A Kindle is great if you’re an avid reader and are restricted by space – no one wants to be lugging around heavy books in their backpack. It has a dark mode option too where the screen will light up.
- Portable Bose speaker – Great for sitting back and enjoying some music around camp and, with no plug required and up to 12 hours battery life, it can be taken wherever you wish. I also use this brand because you get high-quality, booming music from a tiny little thing. Perfect.
- Power banks – A portable charger can be a godsend when you’re camping remotely. Choose one with a long battery life and multiple USB ports. I take 1 large one which is usually good for multiple charges and one small cylinder power bank, which charges most products up for one day.
- Solar panel charger – The perfect addition that combines your technological needs with the environment around you. When your power banks and batteries fail, there’s always the power of the sun.
- GoPro – GoPros are fantastic ways of getting good footage from lots of different angles thanks to their many attachments and they can take a bit of a beating too.
- Phone tripod and Bluetooth wireless remote – No selfie stick in sight? This clever device lets you take a group shot without leaving anyone out!
- GorillaPod – Using a GorillaPod, you can set up your camera everywhere and anywhere, using the environment as your anchor (for example, wrapping it around a tree branch). This is particularly useful if you are camping in woodland or rough terrain – there’s nothing stopping you from getting those rustic camping shots.
- Hanging LED tent light – Lighting up your campsite is a great way to not only see what you’re doing around your tent but also create a relaxing gently-lit atmosphere around camp.
- Head torch – A 100% necessity when camping in natural campsites is a head torch. Emitting light directly in your line of sight, your pathway is lit up. This will not only stop you from tripping up as you’re finding your way through the evening, but it will also stop you from stepping on anything unruly in the night – for your and the creatures’ sake!
Master Camping List For Hygiene & Health
It’s easy to let your personal hygiene go when you’re out in the sticks on your own. After all, there’s no one around to see…or smell you. However, going that extra mile to pack essential toiletries can make you feel much better, especially if you’re heading out for more than a few days, or are with others with sensitive noses.
Cleverly packed, it’s surprising what you can take when it comes to toiletries and other health-related items. Some things may seem far less important than others, but being such small items, they will rarely take up too much space when packing.
- Toothpaste, toothbrush and floss – Need I say more? Actually, bring a box of toothpicks too for good measure!
- Baby wipes – Baby wipes are a good way of keeping clean if you don’t have the added luxury of running water.
- Face cloth – A face cloth is perfect for cleansing your pores at the end of a long day and keeping your face sweat and grime free.
- Hand sanitiser – Being out amongst nature, you’ll often need to eat on the road or do your business behind a bush. Hand sanitiser will help you stay hygienic!
- Bug spray – Mosquito bites can be some of the most irritating things ever; ensure you have a good stock of bug spray – especially if you’re travelling near water.
- Sunscreen – Sunscreen will keep you from getting burnt. Even in the cool weather, UV light can still damage your skin, so don’t be reluctant to cover up.
- Aloe vera – Derived from the aloe vera plant, this can aid with soothing the skin from sunburn or other irritants and is handy for applying to wounds.
- Hanging toiletry bag – Having to wash in some of the most questionable spaces, having a hanging toiletry bag can keep all your toiletries off the floor and within reach.
- Tissues – Ideal for wiping away a variety of unwanted things; tissues always come in handy!
- Menstrual products – I don’t pack them myself (for obvious reasons) but from my experience camping with women, I have noticed it can be hard for them to find their preferred products when they’re out and about, so it is always good to have a stock of products in case of an emergency.
- She-wee – Having to do your business in the great outdoors isn’t always the most convenient for women. However, using the ingenious Shewee with you makes life a little easier.
- Bamboo razor/pre-charged electric shaver – Having an environmentally friendly bamboo razor with you can keep you looking your best and less of the man or woman of the forest look.
- Nail clippers – Keeping your hands and feet trimmed will help you feel less wild when camping and it’s just annoying having long nails when you’re dealing with camping challenges.
- No-rinse body wash and shampoo – Not all camping spots are equipped with shower blocks and places to wash, especially if you’re partial to a spot of wild camping. Having a selection of no-rinse body wash and shampoo means you will be able to wash and stay your freshest without the need for running water.
- Roll-on deodorant – A must-have, especially if you’re sharing camp with others!
- Disinfectant wipes – Great for wiping down surfaces and cleaning your hands when you’re away from soap and water.
- Imodium – Loperamide, sold under the brand name Imodium, is also a great thing to have in your health stash. Diarrhoea can be one of the most depleting and fastest killers when you’re out in the wild. Although it’s unlikely it will get to this level of dangerous dehydration, having Imodium to hand will keep you safe – and away from the toilet for five minutes! It’s been so good to me over the years, that I even wrote a poem about it.
- Iodine – Used as a perfect antiseptic, having iodine with you can stop that small scratch from a tree from becoming infected and turning into something nastier.
- First aid kit – A first aid kit should be first in your mind when you’re heading out to more remote places. You can put together one yourself with a few small purchases or buy a prepackaged version. When camping off the beaten track, having an easy to access first aid kit is a must.
Master Camping List: Personal Items (That Some People Forget!)
Here’s a final shout out for all of those poor items that get left behind, without a single thought from campers. Take them with you, and you’ll be glad you have them.
- Rope line – A stretch of rope line is one of those things that comes in handy in the most unusual situations. Aside from tying up parts of your tent, the rope can be used to secure bundles together, lift certain heavier things, set up hammocks between trees and all manner of different things.
- Clips for clothes – Being able to clip your clothes up to dry makes the drying process a lot easier and quicker.
- Plastic mirror – Having a small plastic mirror is great for washing and will stop it from shattering in your pack. Occasionally, the above-mentioned hanging toiletry bag has them as part of the package, so it would make sense to opt for one of those if you prefer that option.
- Multivitamins – These are a great option when you’re not getting your five a day out in the bush.
- Painkillers – Whether it’s nursing that fireside hangover, or easing the muscle aches of a long hike, having a set of painkillers to hand is almost a must. This is especially true when you’re far away from the built-up world of pharmacy and local shops.
- Picnic blanket – Picnic blankets can make even the most uncomfortable spots a terrific place to eat your stash.
- Extra blankets – When the temperature drops, a couple of extra blankets will make all the difference to comfort in camp.
- Drug prescriptions – Keeping your own drug prescriptions with you is must – especially if it is something that can really affect your health. It’s also important to keep it on you if you’re heading abroad, where pharmaceutical laws can be far stricter.
- Pack of cards – A pack of cards is the best way to carry around entertainment in the smallest of spaces and is always a sociable way of spending time. (Just watch out for the bad losers).
- Spare tent pegs – This is a must if you’re camping for a long time as some are bound to go missing! They are especially needed if you’re camping in windy conditions.
- Spare batteries – for the torch!
- Dry bag – Keep all your valuables dry when the rain starts, or you head down to the beach or river. These things are absolute gold and I’ve lost count how many times I’ve needed them in all corners of the world and ended up furious with myself that I’ve ruined an important possession with clumsy water damage.
- Repair kit for sleeping bags & tents – Something that is often forgotten but is then cried out for when there’s a rip in the side of the tent.
- Swiss army knife – Combining a blade, corkscrew, can opener, small screwdriver, bottle opener, large screwdriver, wire stripper, reamer, keyring, tweezers and more, a Swiss army knife is always a great tool to have in your back pocket.
That’s all, folks. Feel free to let me know if I missed out on anything imperative on my master camping list – I want to leave no stone unturned. If you got some value from this then feel free to also check out my: Road Trip Packing List (Seasoned Tips From 10 Years of Travel)
