The Ultimate Camping Packing List

28 June 2022

British weather is hardly reliable, but as the summer months roll around, we can count on a little bit less rain and some sunnier skies.

If there are blue skies forecast and you fancy a camping holiday, it’s important to follow a comprehensive camping packing list.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper with a love for the outdoors, or a newbie who is ready to get to grips with all things camping, having a checklist will help you remember those all-important essentials.

So, before you dust off your old tent and start throwing sun cream and water bottles into a bag, take a look at our camping packing list. We’ve even broken down all the key things you need to know about camping so that nothing catches you off guard, including:

Camping core essentials
Camping sleeping essentials
Camping tool essentials
Camping cooking essentials
Camping health and safety essentials
Camping extra essentials

Camping Core Essentials

Camping is a great holiday option as you can really personalise it to your preferences. Whether you want a luxurious glamping experience or you’re happy roughing it with the basics, you can make camping whatever you want it to be.

However, it’s important to still have the core essentials to hand. Even if you like to pack light or prefer the finer things in life, we’ve put together a camping core essentials list that you should prioritise packing first. Without these elements, you could find your camping trip to be more of a chore than a holiday:

Camping Sleeping Essentials

Of course, we don’t recommend just taking the bare necessities. Sleeping in a tent can be tough if you haven’t got the added extras for sleeping comfort. Even though they’re additional items, we’ve kept them in our essentials checklist as comfort is key to really getting the most out of your camping trip:

Big blankets
Extra pillows
Hot water bottles
Slippers
Air bed
Comfy sleepwear
Camp bed

Camping Tool Essentials

Camping tools are an essential part of any camping packing list, as if you find yourself without the right tool at the right time, you could be in a situation that ends your holiday early, or worse, puts you in danger.

Accidents can happen and difficult issues can arise at any moment, so make sure you have the following camping tool essentials before setting off on your trip:

Multi-tool or penknife
Tent repair kit
Brush and dustpan
Duct tape
Cord or rope
Hammer
Trolley
Fire extinguisher
Saw

Camping Cooking Essentials

A camping packing list should always include cooking essentials, as all-inclusive packages aren’t really an option. Instead, camping is an opportunity to create your favourite comfort dishes surrounded by nature.

But to get started, you need the right equipment. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through cooking a meal and realising you’ve left a key ingredient or utensil behind. Add our camping cooking essentials to your camping packing list to make sure this doesn’t happen:

Meal plan
Corresponding ingredients
Snacks
Drinks
Stove
Fuel
Firestarter
Pots and pans
Cooking utensils
Eating utensils
Matches/light/firestarter
Mugs and cups
Water bottles
Camp sink
Soap and sponge
Bin bags
Kitchen roll

B&M Top Tip: Keep all your delicious snacks and drinks cool with our popular Hello Sunshine Picnic Bag.

Camping Health & Safety Essentials

Camping can be a great experience, but if you miss out on the health and safety essentials in your camping packing list your camping trip can suffer. By protecting yourself from the great outdoors, you can enjoy everything it has to offer.

We’ve also included personal items that you’ll need to keep yourself healthy and happy. Who said you have to give up your home comforts on a camping trip?

Lighting
Bug nets
Tarpaulin
Toilet paper
Hand sanitiser
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Toiletry kit
Quick-dry towel
Period products
Medications
Suncream and moisturiser
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Lip balm
Insect repellent
Insect repellent device
Warm and cool clothing
Walking shoes

More Camping Essentials

To give your camping trip that extra bit of comfort and enjoyment, spice up your holiday with some quick ‘extra’ essentials:

Solar-powered goods
Binoculars
Camping chair
Maps and compasses
Nature guides
BBQs
Books and puzzle books
Notebook and pen/pencil
Picnic table
Bluetooth speaker
Windbreaker
Outdoor games
Pet supplies

Camping is a great family holiday to get loved ones together for some fun in the sun. It’s also perfect for a couple wanting to experience the outdoors up close.

Has B&M’s camping packing list helped you to avoid leaving essentials behind? Share all your camping tips and tricks with the B&M Community on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

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