Packing the right gear is essential for a successful camping trip. From the bare minimum of essentials, through to items of luxury, it can be hard to think of everything you need in the moment.
Some light to pack light, others like to over pack (I’m one of those). Either way, make sure you have the essentials that you need in order to stay warm, dry, safe, hydrated and fed. Only with experience will you know what optional extras you like to pack. Bear in mind though that the bigger your list, the bigger your pack!
To make your life easy, I’ve prepared a quick checklist for you to think about before you go:
1. Eleven Essentials (to keep you alive)
- Tent or other means of shelter or emergency shelter
- Source of light such as a headtorch (waterproof)
- First aid kit (checked and in date)
- Navigation (map, compass and/or GPS)
- Source of fire
- Reliable communications for your destination. Will your phone suffice or should you have a satellite GPS or emergency device
- Knife or multi-tool
- Change of clothes
- Sun protection
- Water supply. This means water, as well as any filtration or tablets that you might need for a longer trip.
- Food. This means enough for all your meals and a couple of spares.
2. Overnight & Sanitation
- Tent
- Sleeping bag and floor mat
- Toothbrush, toiletries
- Soap (preferably eco friendly)
- Small travel towel
- Toiletpaper (in a zip lock)
- Cooking stove + gas
- Pots and handle
- Lightweight mugs and bowls (bowls are better than plates as they double up as both)
- Cleaning cloth for dishes
3. Clothing
Whatever clothing you choose you bring, lightweight and quick drying is always better when doing any kind of water activity.
- Quick-drying pants (trousers)
- Warm pants for evenings
- Base layer
- Warm mid-layers (fleece or other insulation)
- Good waterproof/windproofs
- Cap & warm hat
- Sunglasses
- Gloves
- Spare underwear and socks
- 1 complete set of spare dry clothes
4. Optional Extras
- Camera equipment
- Earplugs and eye mask for sleeping
- Thermos flask to keep drinks warm
- Beers!
