In this guide we attempted to bring you universal packing lists for camping let that be family camping, festival camping or hiking in the wilderness. Also see tips about how and where to pitch a tent in different camping situations.
Family Camping Checklist
Packing can be tricky when it comes to family camping.
- Sleeping bag
- Sun tan lotion
- Pillow case (stuff with clothes)
- Clothes (think layers)
- Mattress or air beds
- Camp light
- Sleeping bags
- Torch and spare batteries
- Pump if necessary
- Toilet roll
- Matches/lighter pref. waterproof
- Clothes
- Camping stove
- Wash kit
- Stove fuel
- Towels
- Cooking utensils and implements
- Food
- Dish washing implements
- Bin liners and small plastic bags
- Water container
- First aid kit
- Eating utensils
- Sun tan lotion (high factor)
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Games
- Hat
- Map and compass
- Waterproofs
Where to Pitch during a Family Camping?
Location is Everything
Camping holidays can be a brilliant and cost effective way for families to spend time together and enjoy the great outdoors. It is worth bearing in mind the variation in camp sites before you go away, to make sure you choose one that has the facilities to meet your family’s needs. Before you go, it is also a good idea to make sure the local area has enough on offer to keep eveyone occupied and having a good time.
Camping
It is always pleasant to be on a flat surface when camping but not when it floods leaving you and your items waterlogged. Makes sure that, if you do pick a flat spot, that it is not the lowest in the area. It is best to pick a slightly sloping area, elevated from the lowest point of the area you are in.
Consider the wind direction and whether you will be shielded from it if there should be a gale.
If there are rocks near you pitch near to one which is NOT the largest. The largest will attract lightning.
Make sure that your feet are pointing down any slope as this will result in a better nights sleep.
Pitch near to young trees, brush as these will cut down on the wind hitting your tent and will remove the threat of branches falling from larger trees.
Festival Checklist
Maximise Your Enjoyment
When at a festival, you may not look after your items in the best way, so make sure you take old things or items which you don’t mind losing or breaking.
- Sleeping bag
- Sun tan lotion
- Pillow case (stuff with clothes)
- Clothes (think layers)
- Water proof poncho
- Toiletries
- Wellies
- Hand sanitiser
- Cagoule
- Loo roll
- Plastic bags
- Wet wipes
- Ticket
- Wallet and cash
- Camera
- Phone
- Empty water recepticle
- Tent
- Camp stove
- Food
- Cooking utensils
- Saucepan
- Rucksack
- Pen knife of multi-tool
- Torch and spare batteries
- Travel towel
- Sun glasses
- Chair
- Trainers
- Camp stove fuel
Where to Pitch during a Festival?
Location is Everything
This is a real issue. Many people are so tired from the trek to the site, that they pitch their tent on the first spot they see and then move straight on to the more important activities at festivals like music and eating. Although you’ll probably want to spend most of your time seeing music, it’s worth finding a pleasant place to camp for the times you need to relax.
Festivals
Make sure you pick an elevated spot, on a slope or high ground – I have seen tents completely swamped in water and people swimming to retrieve valuables.
Pitch away from the toilets, stinky!
At some point people will start walking between the tents, make sure yours is away from the main path as if it starts raining or people have had too much to drink you may receive unwelcome visitors late at night. One way of achieving this is to pitch close to larger tents that people will be forced to walk around.
Pitch near to recognisable objects so that you can find your way back e.g a flag.
If you have friends, resist the urge to camp in a wide circle, as things get more busy someone may decide to pitch in the middle!
It is not wise to pitch under power lines for health reasons. I have done this before and felt like I was vibrating by the end of it.
Try to make sure that you have a view. Sometimes it is nice to have something to look at in the mornings or if you are feeling lazy, rather than the back of someone’s tent.
Wilderness Checklist
Where Equipment can Make a Difference
- Tent
- Walking Boots
- Sleeping bag
- Waterproof
- Day pack
- Hat/gloves
- Ground mat
- Lighter/matches (pref. waterproof)
- Bin liner
- Camping stove
- Plastic bags
- Camping stove fuel
- Waterproof jacket/trousers
- Cooking utensils
- Clothing (think layers)
- Saucepan
- Compass
- Map
- Pencil/pen
- Notepad
- First aid kit
- Torch and batteries
- Sun tan lotion
- Insect repellent
- Sun glasses
- Whistle
- Pen knife/multi-tool
- Toiletries
- Watch
- Collapsible water container
- Food
- Duct tape
- Sewing kit
- Money
- GPS
- Loo roll
- Toiletries
- Hand sanitiser
- Wet wipes
- Nylon cord
Where to Pitch in the Wilderness?
Location is Everything
Camping is a good way to bring us closer to the natural world we live in, and wilderness camping is all about being self sufficient. Please bear in mind to seek permission with any land owners before setting off on your trip. You should also be considerate about clearing up after yourself, and ensure that the site is left as you found it.