With the Summer holidays fast approaching, and camping being the holiday of choice in these COVID-times, we have been asked by so many of you what we recommend you take on your camping holiday. So, we have decided to compile a list of everything we think you'll need to make your camping holiday fun, easy, and one you'll never forget!

Firstly, there is no list which is suitable for all campers. You need to think about what kind of camper you will be - minimalist, backpacker, car-camper, or a “take the kitchen sink” camper! Weight will dictate some of your choices - for instance, it would be impractical for a backpacker to carry a flock airbed and pump, and a better choice would be a roll-mat or better still, a self-inflating mattress, which is a little more comfortable than a mat alone.

LED torches are very good - much brighter and the batteries last longer. Or, it may be more practical for you to use a rechargeable lantern if you can plug it into mains or the cigarette lighter socket in your car to recharge.

You can manage without an electric hook up in a tent - your gas stove can boil your kettle, and there are some good strip-lights that will connect to your car battery with no danger of draining the power. You can normally find a campsite shop which will freeze ice packs for you for an ordinary cool box. If however, you decide that camping is for you and you want to spend the extra, then there are various coolers and fridges, plus electric lights which you can buy.

Any further suggestions would be gratefully received, and we would be only too pleased to include them in further versions of this list! As always, you're more than welcome to contact us for advice, or pop into our store for a chat. We'd love to help you and ensure you love your camping holidays as much as we love ours!

Essentials

[ ] Tent
[ ] Tent Pegs
[ ] Mallet
[ ] Groundsheet
[ ] Sleep mat/airbed/campbed
[ ] Pump for airbed
[ ] Sleeping bags
[ ] Pillows
[ ] Medications

General

[ ] Cool box & ice packs
[ ] Torch & lighting
[ ] Batteries
[ ] Matches / lighter
[ ] First aid kit
[ ] Clothes line & pegs
[ ] Chairs / table

Miscellanious 

[ ] Books / radio / games
[ ] Camera / camcorder
[ ] Batteries
[ ] Basic Tools
[ ] Maps
[ ] Money / cards / passports

Cooking

[ ] Stove
[ ] Gas & regulator
[ ] Matches / lighter
[ ] Pots & pans
[ ] Can opener
[ ] Corkscrew / bottle opener
[ ] Plates, Cups & cutlery
[ ] Cooking utensils
[ ] Water container
[ ] Rubbish bags
[ ] Washing up bowl
[ ] Washing up liquid
[ ] Bucket
[ ] Bin / bags
[ ] Kettle
[ ] Paper Towels
[ ] Tea towels / dishcloths

Food and Drink

[ ] Coffee / tea
[ ] Sugar
[ ] Milk
[ ] Juice / soft drinks
[ ] Sauces
[ ] Canned Foods
[ ] Bread
[ ] Cooking Oil
[ ] Butter / spreads
[ ] Salt/pepper/spices
[ ] Eggs
[ ] Beers & Wine

Personal Care

[ ] Soap / shampoo / flannels
[ ] Toothbrush / toothpaste
[ ] Combs / brushes / hairstuff
[ ] Razors / shaving cream
[ ] Towels
[ ] Deodorants etc
[ ] Loo roll (don’t forget!)

Possible Additions

[ ] Larder
[ ] Kitchen/ cooker stand
[ ] Portable toilet
[ ] Toilet tent
[ ] Toilet chemicals
[ ] BBQ
[ ] Insect repellant
[ ] Fridge
[ ] Electric hook up
[ ] Leisure battery