So, you’re booked to go camping for the first time. Maybe you’ll be travelling light, wild camping solo in the Cairngorms in Scotland. Perhaps you and your family have just bought a new 4-berth caravan to go touring around Europe for a month. You’re wondering what you do and don’t need to pack to make the experience enjoyable, memorable and relaxing. Here are some of the things that we recommend you bring with you on your first camping trip.

Food

I don’t know about you, but for us, a camping trip is all about al fresco dining. You won’t always be near a source of drinking water, so bottled water is a necessity. We all love cooking outdoors, so a reusable barbecue (don’t forget the matches!) and/or camping stove is top of the list. If you’re not that into cooking, make mealtimes as stress-free as possible by bringing pre-prepared or simple-to-cook things such as dried pasta and tinned food. A cool box/bag with reusable freeze boards keeps food & drink chilled for many hours.

Furniture

Whether your in a single-person tent or in a huge Winnebago, you’ll probably want to spread out a bit. Erect an awning; you never know when you may want to shelter from a rain shower… or baking midday sun! A collapsible table & chairs with a parasol/umbrella are useful for mealtimes or just hanging out. When camping, a deck chair is where I like to spend a lot of my time; reading, sunbathing or just watching the world go by.

Tools

Don’t get caught out in an unfamiliar place after dark – it’s easy to get lost on your way to and from the shower/toilet block; make sure you bring a torch/flash light (and extra batteries if needed). If you’ll be in a tent, always pack more tent pegs than you think you’ll need – they often go missing or can break… and remember a mallet for securing them into the ground!

Clothing

The clothes you’ll need will depend on where you’re going camping. If you’re holidaying in the UK, the changeable British weather means you’ll probably need some waterproofs. If you’re planning on exploring the countryside, comfortable walking boots and/or walking sandals are a must. If you’re visiting somewhere hot, don’t forget to pack your flip-flops, sun hat/cap and swimwear.

First aid

The great outdoors is a fun and adventurous place however, it can throw up a few hazards. Make sure you compile a little first aid kit that includes plasters, insect repellent, anti-histamine cream, disinfectant cream, sun screen and pain killers.

Games

You’ll need to get involved in activities that don’t encroach on other campers. Camp sites can be busy, crowded places; bring along a totem tennis set instead of a football, rugby ball or cricket set. These are likely to stray, crashing into neighbouring tents and nearby vehicles. If there’s a lake, sea or river where you’ll be camping, a canoe, kayak or inflatable dingy would be great – especially for the kids. Carry board games and a pack of cards to bring out in the evenings to while away hours of darkness.

We don’t suggest that you’ll need all of what we set out above, every camping trip is different. However a couple of them are vital; the food, the water, the first aid items. What are some of your camping essentials?

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