With the school (summer) holidays now upon us, it is that time of year we’ve all be waiting for, the family holiday. This year, as with the previous few, has seen a massive decrease in foreign holiday bookings, meaning that more and more people are staying in the UK for their family holidays. However, as with all things camping holidays take a lot of preparation – you’ve already found a camp site and booked your pitch… you’ve planned what attractions and walks you may do together… it’s now time to pack up and get on the road.
From experience we all know what it is like to get a few miles down the road or even to be at the camp site only to notice that you have forgotten some vital piece of kit. To ensure you never have this problem again CheapTents has drawn up a checklist of equipment and supplies, essential to all families going camping this summer.
Where You Sleep
- Tent(s) – including pegs, ground sheet & mallet.
Check our guide to choosing a perfect family tent. - Sleeping Bags
- Roll Matt or Air Bed (with pump)
- Blankets, Sheets & Pillows should be considered
The Basics Camping Equipment
- First Aid Kit
- Torches & Lamps
- Fold-Up Chairs
- Matches & Lighter – take both
- Multi-use Tool / Handy Knife
- Spare Rope
- Map / GPS
Camp site Cooking
- Camp Stove & Fuel
- Cooler / Cold Box
- Pots, Pans, Cooking Utensils, Plates, Cutlery & Glasses (plastic is best)
- Tin Opener & Sharp Knife
- Thermos Flask(s)
- Bin Bags
- Washing Up Bowl & Liquid (plus cloth/sponge)
- Food & Drink Supplies
Personal Care / Camping Hygiene
- Soap & Shampoo
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Towel(s)
- Toilet Roll
- Antiseptic Wipes
- Any medications
Clothing
- Waterproof Clothing – Jackets, Trousers etc.
- Walking/Hiking Shoes & Boots
- Summers & Winter Hats (plus gloves)
- Normal Clothes (of course)
- Underwear
- Beach Wear (also stops embarrassing shower moments)
Miscellaneous Camping Gear
- Mobile Phone (plus solar charger)
- Spare Batteries
- Toys & Games
- Pen and Paper
- Safety Pins & Sewing Kit
- Duct Tape
- Cash (there is never a cash point when you need one)
- Midge Repellent
- Sun tan lotion
- Travel Clock
So, if you and your family are going camping this summer don’t forget a thing. Use our checklist and have a fantastic holiday.
Tell Us about your camping holidays
Have you been camping this year? let us know about it, where you went, what you did, would you recommend it etc … To tell us about your camping adventure simply leave a comment below.
CheapTents Outdoor Gear Blog 
This list looks good. One thing I noticed missed is a tarp. That will come in handy to protect your tent from the rain or to cover the picnic table. A second one is also handy to cover the ground underneath your tent.
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Thanks for your comment Eric. Taking a tarp is a great idea (especially if the weather looks even vaguely changeable). Putting a tarp under a tent is a good idea for larger tents too, however for smaller tents I would still suggest a ground sheet (as mentioned in the list). An extra use for the tarp is that if it starts raining halfway through a day hike you can shelter without too much hassle.
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Wow. I agree it is a complete checklist for the whole family. I’m surprised to see safety pins & sewing kit. Definitely, it is a perfect motherly touch. Love it.
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Thanks Julie, glad to know the list is approved for mothers too 🙂
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Sure do. It’s a great help.
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I agree with you, all the things listed above are the most important one. Very well said. Choose stuffs that are very handy and lightweight. Organizing your backpack is very important, too. Remember that bring things what you needed most.
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I totally agree with your checklist. This is one of the most complete and conscious lists i have seen on the web. Its perfect. And very well thought.
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This is a good, clear list. My essentials are baby wipes and those scented nappy sacks as there is never a bin when you need one either!
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