Knowing your way around your camping gear needs makes all the difference when packing for your trip. Trust us!
A great camping trip is defined by how well-planned it is. We’re not saying that spontaneity is bad. Not at all! However, having a solid idea about what it takes to go camping will take your camping adventures from zero to a hundred in no time. And so, we present to you our guide to camping must-have equipment.
The obvious ones
This category of camping must-haves is brief but perhaps the most important. Anything you wouldn’t leave your house without belongs here, so feel free to expand it according to your needs.
- IDs & other documents
- Credit card and cash
- Your phone and other gadgets you need
- Powerbank & chargers for your electronics
- Confirmation of camping reservation (if required)
Personal Hygiene & First Aid Kit
Good hygiene on your camping trip is a must if you want to stay on good terms with your fellow campers 😅. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Toothbrush / Toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer / Baby wipes
- Neccesarry toiletries
- Prescription medication & contact lenses
- Menstrual products
- Towels (preferably quick-drying ones)
- Bug repellent and after-bite remedy
- Hairbrush/comb
- First Aid kit (the one you carry in your car will do just fine)
General Camping Must-Have Equipment
Here comes a list of the most basic camping must-haves to get you through a night out in the wild:
- Tent
- Pegs, ropes, and hammer
- Tarp or groundsheet
- Sleeping bag & pad
- Lanterns & flashlights
- Batteries
- Swiss knife
- Axe for cutting firewood
- Folding chairs & table
DIY repairs kit
Things tear and break, so make sure you include these must-have items in your bag.
- Adhesive/duct tape
- Extra rope/cord
- Needle and some thread
Camping Clothing and Footwear Must-Haves
In terms of what you should wear, we have a brief list for you but the two main rules are to check the weather forecast and dress in layers.
- Moisture-wicking clothing (layers that repel moisture)
- Fast-drying trousers & shorts
- Long-sleeved T-shirts (protect against sun and bugs)
- Synthetic or wool socks
- Hats and/or bandanas
- Pyjamas
Clothing Must-Haves Summer Edition
Don’t forget to pack these if you’re going camping in the summer:
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
- Hat & sunglasses
- Water sandals
Clothing Must-Haves Rainy & Cold Weather edition
On the other hand, if you’re camping in colder weather make sure you pack the following:
- Rainwear (shoes, pants, jacket)
- Quick-drying & moisture-wicking underwear and clothing
- Insulated jacket
- Warm hat & gloves
Camping Kitchen Must-Have Equipment
If you’re a foodie and love to cook bring some cooking equipment with you to make a nice campsite dinner or two instead of eating instant soup every night. And if you want some inspiration check out our camping meals blog post.
- Stove and fuel
- Matches/light/firestarter
- Cooking pot and pan
- Cooking & eating utensils
- Sharp knife
- Enamel mugs
- Camp sink or wash bins (latter can double as kitchen gear storage)
- Biodegradable soap
- Sponge/scrubber
- Trash bags
- Dishtowel
Camping extras
Our guide to camping must-have equipment includes some miscellaneous items that might come in handy.
- Paper map so you don’t get lost even if your mobile internet stops working
- Book or an e-book reader
- Headphones/earplugs
- Cards or a board game
- Rope and clips to hang clothes
- Hammock
- Portable camp shower
- Notebook & pen
As we said in the beginning, the better you plan the better your camping trip can be. So now that you know what to pack it’s time for an adventure!
Happy Camping!
