The Ultimate Camping Gear Checklist: Everything You Need for Your Next Trip

Heading out on a camping trip is exciting, but packing can feel overwhelming – especially for beginners. Forgetting an important item can quickly put a damper on your adventure, so to help you get organised we've put together the ultimate camping gear checklist.

This comprehensive camping equipment list covers all the essentials for a safe, comfortable trip. It includes all the camping essentials for beginners and seasoned campers alike – whether you’re planning a family weekend under canvas or gearing up for a Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition. Feel free to print this camping packing list and tick items off as you go, so nothing gets left behind.

Shelter & Sleep

A good shelter and a warm bed for the night are top priorities when camping. Make sure you have the following items ready for a cosy and dry night outdoors:

Tent – Choose a tent that’s the right size (a bit of extra room is more comfortable for gear and elbows). Make sure you have all the poles, pegs and guy lines (and a mallet to hammer them into the ground). If you prefer alternative shelters, you could use a bivvy bag, hammock or tarp setup – just ensure it will protect you from the elements and rain.
Sleeping bag – A proper sleeping bag is vital for staying warm at night. Check the bag’s season rating: 1-season bags are only for hot summer nights, while 4-season bags handle freezing winter conditions. A 2-season or 3-season sleeping bag is a versatile choice for most UK camping from spring through autumn. Also consider the shape – mummy-style bags trap heat more efficiently, whereas rectangular bags offer more room to move.
Sleeping mat or air bed – Sleeping directly on the tent floor can be cold and uncomfortable. A camping mat, self-inflating pad, or inflatable air mattress provides cushioning and insulation from the ground. Foam roll mats are lightweight and simple, while air beds offer more comfort (just remember a pump if needed). This extra layer not only helps you sleep more comfortably but also keeps you warmer by preventing heat loss to the ground.
Pillows – It’s easy to overlook a pillow, but you’ll appreciate it after a long day outdoors. You can bring a small camping pillow or simply use a pillowcase and stuff it with clothes for an improvised cushion. Good neck support will help you sleep better and wake up without aches.

Cooking & Food Supplies

Eating well is part of the camping experience. Plan how you’ll cook and store food outdoors. Here are the kitchen essentials to pack so you can enjoy hot meals and stay well-fed on your trip:

Camp stove and fuel – Unless you’re planning to cook over a campfire (check if the campsite allows it), a portable camping stove is a must. There are many types, from compact single-burner stoves for backpacking to sturdy two-burner gas stoves ideal for family camping. Pack enough gas canisters or fuel for the duration of your trip, and pack a lighter or matches to ignite it.
Cookware – Bring a set of lightweight pots and pans suitable for camp cooking. A basic kit might include a pot for boiling water, a frying pan for cooking meals, and perhaps a kettle for that all-important cup of tea or coffee. Camping cookware often nests together to save space. Don’t forget a lid for your pot to boil water faster, and consider a folding toaster or a compact kettle if you can’t go without your morning brew.
Utensils and cutlery – Pack utensils for cooking and eating: this includes a stirring spoon or spatula, a sharp knife for food prep, and cutlery (forks, knives, spoons or sporks) for each camper. If you plan to bring any canned food, pack a tin opener (often forgotten), and include a bottle opener or corkscrew if needed. Also pack some durable plates or bowls to eat from, and mugs for hot drinks. Enamel or sturdy plastic camping dishes work well and won’t break in your bag.
Cooler or food storage – If you’re bringing perishable food, a cool box or insulated cooler bag with ice packs is essential to keep items fresh. Store your food in sealed containers or zip-lock bags to keep bugs (and other critters) out.
Water containers – Carry plenty of water. Bring a refillable water bottle for each person, and consider a larger water carrier or collapsible jug to keep at camp if the site doesn’t have a tap or water source nearby. If you’re camping in a remote spot where you’ll collect water from streams, pack water purification tablets or a filter to ensure the water is safe to drink.

Clothing & Footwear

Out in nature, the weather can change quickly – especially in Britain. It’s important to pack appropriate clothing for both daytime activities and chilly nights. Think layers and be prepared for all conditions:

Layered clothing – Pack a mix of layers so you can adjust to the temperature. Bring T-shirts or other breathable base layers for warm days, plus a couple of warmer layers like a fleece jumper or sweatshirt for cooler evenings. Having several thin layers is better than one heavy jumper, as you can add or remove layers as needed to stay comfortable.
Waterproofs – Always pack a waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers. The British weather is famously unpredictable, and a sunny morning can turn into a rainy afternoon. A good waterproof coat (with a hood) and over-trousers will keep you dry if the skies open. Even in summer, a packable rain jacket can be a lifesaver during a sudden downpour.
Footwear – Invest in comfortable, sturdy footwear for your camping trip. Hiking boots are ideal if you’ll be walking on trails – they provide good support and grip on rough ground. For muddy fields or very wet conditions, a pair of wellies (wellington boots) can be useful. Also bring comfortable shoes or sandals to wear around the campsite and let your feet relax after a long hike.
Socks and underwear – Pack extra socks and underwear so you have dry spares. Your feet can get wet or sweaty from hiking, and nothing beats a fresh pair of socks to keep your feet dry and blister-free. Merino wool or synthetic hiking socks are great because they wick moisture and help prevent blisters. It’s also a good idea to include a pair of thick socks specifically for sleeping in if nights will be cold.
Cold-night extras – Nights can get chilly even after a warm day. Pack a warm hat (like a beanie or woolly hat) and gloves for cold evenings or early mornings, especially if you’re camping outside of mid-summer. Also remember your sleepwear: bring pyjamas or thermal base layers to sleep in, appropriate for the night-time temperatures. It’s much nicer crawling into bed in dry, warm night clothes on a cold night.

Tools & Accessories

Having the right tools and accessories at hand makes camping easier and safer. These items cover lighting, navigation, and other handy extras for camp life:

Lights (torch/lantern) – Once the sun sets, you’ll need some light. Pack a good torch (handheld flashlight) or two for moving about in the dark. A headlamp is extremely useful because it keeps your hands free – great for cooking in the evening or finding your way to the loo at night. Also consider a camping lantern to hang inside your tent or to illuminate the whole campsite while you’re sitting outside. Always pack spare batteries (or recharge your lantern beforehand) so you’re not left in the dark.
First-aid kit – Bring a basic first-aid kit for any scrapes or minor injuries. It should include plasters (bandages), antiseptic wipes or cream, pain relievers (like paracetamol or ibuprofen), any personal medications, and blister plasters for sore feet. It’s always better to have these supplies on hand in case of cuts, blisters or other small emergencies.
Multi-tool or camping knife – A multi-tool (like a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman) is a camper’s best friend. This single gadget can have a knife, scissors, tin opener, screwdrivers and more – all of which you might need for gear repairs, preparing food, or cutting bits of rope. If you don’t have a multi-tool, at least carry a sturdy pocket knife for basic cutting tasks.
Navigation aids – Even if you’re staying on a managed campsite, it’s smart to have navigation tools if you plan on hiking or exploring the area. Carry a paper map of the region and a compass, and know how to use them. Do not rely solely on your phone’s GPS, as batteries can die or signal can vanish in remote areas.
Backpack or daypack – You’ll need something to carry all this gear in. For backpackers, a large rucksack will hold your tent, sleeping bag and everything else while you’re on the move. If you’re driving to a campsite, you might pack your gear in holdalls or plastic boxes for convenience, but also bring a small daypack for outings. A daypack is useful for walks or day trips from the campsite – you can comfortably carry water, snacks, a map and a raincoat.
Camp furniture – This one is optional, but it can greatly improve your comfort, especially for family or car camping. Folding camping chairs give you a clean, comfortable place to sit around the fire or outside your tent. A small folding table can be handy for preparing food or playing cards if the campsite doesn’t have a picnic table. These items aren’t essential for survival, but they make the camping experience more relaxing.
Rubbish bags – Bring along some bin bags (rubbish bags). You’ll accumulate rubbish from food packaging and other waste, and you should always take your litter away with you. Having a few strong bin bags will help keep your campsite tidy and make it easy to collect all your rubbish to dispose of later. Remember, Leave No Trace – carry out everything you carried in, and leave your campsite as clean as you found it.

Safety & Miscellaneous

Lastly, gather these essential safety items and miscellaneous bits and pieces. They may not fall under shelter or cooking, but they are just as important for a smooth camping trip:

Insect repellent – Pack insect repellent to avoid the misery of bites. In the UK countryside, midges (especially in Scotland), mosquitoes and ticks can all be a nuisance in the warmer months. Apply repellent in the evenings or whenever bugs are about to keep the biters at bay.
Sunscreen – Protect your skin from sunburn during the day. Even if it doesn’t feel very hot or it’s cloudy, UV rays can still burn you when you’re outdoors for hours. Bring a good sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and apply it on exposed skin, especially around midday. Don’t forget a lip balm with SPF as well – lips can burn too.
Fire-starting kit – Matches or a lighter are crucial to light your camp stove or a campfire (if fires are allowed). Keep them in a waterproof container or plastic bag so they stay dry. Firelighters can help get a campfire going quickly, but always follow the campsite’s rules about open fires.
Duct tape – It might sound odd, but a roll of duct tape can be a lifesaver for gear repairs. Use it to patch a tear in your tent, mend a broken tent pole, fix a leaking air mattress, or even as an emergency plaster on a blister. You can wrap a couple of metres of duct tape around a water bottle or your walking pole to save space, instead of bringing a whole bulky roll.
Power bank – Camping is a great time to unplug, but it’s still wise to carry a portable power bank in case your phone or other small electronics need charging. Also remember to pack any charging cables you might require.
Important documents – Don’t head off without your wallet and necessary documents. Bring personal identification (like a driving licence or ID card) and any health insurance details, just in case. If you’ve booked a campsite, have your booking confirmation or permit information handy (either printed or on your phone). It’s also smart to carry some cash or a bank card for any campsite fees, nearby shops, or unexpected expenses – not every remote campsite will take cards.
Toiletries and hygiene – Create a small kit for personal care. Include basics like a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, and biodegradable soap or body wash (many campsites have showers). Pack toilet paper or tissues – even if the campsite has facilities, it’s wise to have a spare roll in case the loos run out. Wet wipes and hand sanitiser are very useful for quick clean-ups when you don’t have immediate access to water. Don’t forget any feminine hygiene products you might need, and be sure to pack any prescription medicines you require.
Towel – Pack a lightweight, quick-drying towel for drying off after a wash or swim. Microfibre camping towels are excellent as they fold up small and dry fast. Even if you don’t plan to shower, a towel is handy for wiping off rain, condensation or sweat.
Extras and entertainment – Finally, think about any little extras that will make your trip more enjoyable. For example, you might take binoculars for bird watching or wildlife spotting, or a book and a pack of cards for some evening entertainment at the campsite. A camera or your smartphone (charged by that power bank) will help you capture the memories. These aren’t strictly essential, but they do add to the fun of camping. Just remember to pack any electronics in a waterproof bag or case to protect them from the elements.

With this ultimate checklist, you’re all set for your next camping adventure. You can pack with confidence knowing you haven’t forgotten anything important. Check off each item as you load up, then get out there and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether it’s a weekend at a local campsite or a week-long trek through the hills, being well-prepared will help you relax and fully embrace the experience. Happy camping, and enjoy your time under the stars!