BNB 
Struggling with what to take camping? Whether you’re a first-time camper, heading to a festival, or planning a staycation by the beach, preparation is key! At Big Nature Break, we stock an unbeatable range of camping gear to suit everyone, from back-to-basics adventurers to luxury glampers. Our exceptional selection ensures you’ll find everything you need for your trip, no matter your style. To make things easier, we’ve created a comprehensive camping checklist covering must-haves and optional extras to help you plan effectively. Download our handy checklist or customize your own to ensure a smooth, well-prepared camping experience. Let Big Nature Break help you gear up for your next adventure!
Camping essentials are the basic things you absolutely need to bring with you on a camping trip or staycation to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and ready for anything. Whether you’re camping in the woods, by the beach, or in your backyard, having the right gear is key to enjoying your time outdoors. Here’s a simple list of the must-have items:
- Tent: This is your shelter for the night. A good, sturdy tent will keep you safe from the weather and bugs. Make sure it’s big enough for everyone and easy to set up.
- Sleeping Bag and Mat: A sleeping bag keeps you warm while you sleep, and a sleeping mat makes the ground feel less hard and cold. Choose one that suits the season and weather you’ll be camping in.
- Cooking Gear: You’ll need something to cook your food, like a portable stove, pots, pans, and utensils. Don’t forget a way to store your food and water, like coolers or containers.
- Clothing: Dress for the weather! You’ll need layers of clothing, including waterproof gear, comfortable shoes, and warm clothes for chilly nights.
- Lighting: You’ll need a flashlight or a headlamp to light your way at night. A lantern is also a good choice for lighting up your campsite.
- First Aid Kit: Always be ready for small accidents with a first aid kit. This should include bandages, pain relief, antiseptic wipes, and any medicine you might need.
- Water and Hydration: It’s important to stay hydrated, so bring plenty of water. You can also bring a water filter or purification tablets to make sure you have clean water from streams or lakes.
- Navigation Tools: If you’re camping in an area where you might get lost, take a map and compass or a GPS to help you find your way.
- Fire Starter: You’ll need a way to start a fire for warmth or cooking. Matches, lighters, or a fire starter kit will make sure you can safely build a campfire.
Optional Extras
Here’s a list of some great optional extras to consider bringing along:
Camping Chair: A comfortable chair to sit in while you relax by the campfire or enjoy meals at the campsite. It’s great for lounging and resting after a day of hiking or exploring.
Camping Table: If you plan on cooking or eating at your campsite, a lightweight folding table can make meal prep and dining a lot easier. It’s also great for organizing your gear.
Portable Hammock: Perfect for lounging, a hammock is an excellent way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. You can hang it between two trees and nap or just take in the scenery.
Cooler: While a simple cooler might be essential for food storage, an upgraded, larger cooler with better insulation can keep your food and drinks cold for longer, especially on hot days.
Outdoor Rugs or Mats: To keep dirt and moisture outside your tent or sitting area, an outdoor rug or mat is a nice touch. It helps to keep things clean and adds a little extra comfort to your campsite.
Solar Charger: If you want to keep your devices charged without relying on electricity, a solar charger is a handy tool. It’s a sustainable way to power your phone, camera, or other electronics.
Camping Shower: If you’re camping for several days, a portable camping shower can be a luxury that adds comfort. It allows you to freshen up when you don’t have access to running water.
Portable Coffee Maker: For coffee lovers, a portable coffee maker or camping stove kettle can help you enjoy your morning brew in the great outdoors.
Bug Repellent: While it’s not a necessity, bug repellent can make a huge difference in keeping mosquitoes and other insects away, especially in wooded or damp areas.
Lantern or String Lights: A lantern or fairy lights can create a cozy and magical atmosphere around your campsite. It’s also a great way to light up your tent or cooking area at night.
Tools & Repair
When you’re camping, having the right tools and repair items can make all the difference in handling unexpected issues. These items may seem small, but they’re essential for keeping your trip smooth and hassle-free. Here are some useful tools and repair items that should never be overlooked:
- Mallet: A mallet is a great tool for driving tent pegs into the ground, especially if you’re dealing with tough, stony surfaces. It gives you more control and power than using a rock or your hands.
- Duct Tape: Known as a lifesaver, duct tape is perfect for quick repairs on just about anything. From fixing holes in your tent or gear to patching up equipment, it’s always handy to have a roll with you.
- Tent Repair Kit: If your tent gets a small tear or hole, a tent repair kit will allow you to fix it on the spot. Most kits come with patches, adhesive, and instructions to help you quickly repair your tent and keep it water-tight.
- Brush: A small brush can be useful for cleaning out debris from your tent, especially after a windy night. It’s also handy when packing away your tent, as brushing off dirt and sand from the bottom can help protect the material and keep it in good condition.
- Penknife: A penknife is one of those multi-purpose tools you’ll use for all sorts of things. Whether it’s cutting string, preparing food, or even fixing broken gear, a knife with additional tools like pliers can come in handy in many situations.
- Extra Guyline or String: Having extra guyline or string is a must for when you need to add more stability to your tent in strong winds or bad weather. It’s also useful for setting up a washing line or for tying things down securely.
Camping Kitchen
Your camping kitchen is the heart of your outdoor dining experience, where you prepare meals and share them with friends and family. Beyond the basic cooking gear, there are additional items that can make your cooking setup more efficient, convenient, and enjoyable. Here’s a list of some extra camping kitchen essentials to bring along:
- Gas for Stove or Charcoal Barbecue: Whether you’re using a camping stove or a portable charcoal barbecue, you’ll need fuel to cook your meals. While some campsites sell gas, it’s always a good idea to bring your own to avoid any inconvenience, especially if you’re camping in remote areas.
- Cleaning Equipment: Keeping your cooking gear and tableware clean is essential for a pleasant camping experience. A washing-up bowl, sponges, and scrubbers make it easy to clean your pots, pans, and plates, ensuring you have everything ready for your next meal.
- Kettle: A kettle is perfect for boiling water for tea, coffee, or instant meals. It’s also great for warming up water for washing or cleaning. Sitting around the campfire with a hot drink is one of the simple pleasures of camping.
- Tableware (Plates, Bowls, etc.): Don’t forget your plates, bowls, and utensils for eating! These are basic but necessary for enjoying your meals outdoors. Opt for lightweight, unbreakable options like plastic, bamboo, or metal to make packing and cleaning easier.
- Tin Opener: If you plan on bringing canned food, a tin opener is a must-have. Make sure it’s durable and easy to use, especially when you’re working with limited space and resources.
- Bottle Opener: Whether it’s opening a bottle of water, soda, or your favorite beverage, a bottle opener is a handy tool to have in your kitchen kit.
- Matches / Lighter: You’ll need a reliable way to start a fire for cooking or warmth. Matches or a lighter are essential, so pack extra just in case one gets wet or lost.
- Wet Wipes or Cloths: For quick and easy clean-ups, wet wipes or cloths are a camping kitchen lifesaver. They’re perfect for wiping down surfaces, cleaning your hands, or quickly cleaning up after a meal when water access is limited.
Health and Safety
When camping, health and safety are very important to make sure you have a fun and safe trip. Being prepared for any risks and knowing how to protect yourself is key. Here’s a list of health and safety items to bring with you:
- First Aid Kit: Always bring a first aid kit with things like bandages, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, and any medicine you need. It’s there to help you with small injuries or sickness.
- Sunscreen: The sun can burn your skin, even on cloudy days. Use sunscreen to protect your skin and avoid getting sunburned. Make sure to apply it regularly, especially when you’re outside for long periods.
- Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes and bugs can be annoying and sometimes carry diseases. Bring insect repellent to keep them away and enjoy your camping without worrying about bites.
- Water Purification System: You’ll need clean water for drinking and cooking. Bring a water filter or purification tablets to make sure any water you drink from streams or lakes is safe.
- Hand Sanitizer: Since you might not always have access to soap and water, hand sanitizer helps you clean your hands before eating or handling food. It’s a quick and easy way to stay germ-free.
- Emergency Contact Information: Let someone know where you’re camping and give them your plans. It’s also helpful to have a map of the area and a phone with you, in case you need help.
- Weather Protection: Be ready for any weather! Pack waterproof clothes, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the rain and sun. Make sure you have warm layers and a good sleeping bag to stay cozy at night.
- Allergy Medication: If you have allergies, make sure to bring your medication, like pills for hay fever or an EpiPen if you have severe allergies. This will help you stay comfortable while camping.
- Backup Power and Lighting: Having a flashlight or headlamp is important for safety, especially at night. It helps you see your way around the campsite or when you need light in an emergency.
- Knife or Multi-tool: A small knife or multi-tool can help with many things like cutting food, fixing gear, or starting a fire. It’s useful to have one with you in case something goes wrong.
Family Camping Checklist
| Category | Item |
| Shelter & Sleeping Gear | Tent (with stakes and rain-fly) |
| Sleeping Bags (suitable for the season) | |
| Sleeping Pads or air mattresses | |
| Pillows | |
| Camping Chairs | |
| Tarp (to place under the tent for extra protection) | |
| Camping Lantern or flashlight | |
| Headlamps (one for each family member) | |
| Clothing | Weather-appropriate Clothing (layers for warmth or rain gear) |
| Extra Socks and underwear | |
| Comfortable Shoes (hiking shoes or sandals) | |
| Flip-Flops (for showers or around the campsite) | |
| Hats (for sun or warmth) | |
| Gloves (if camping in colder weather) | |
| Pajamas (something comfortable to sleep in) | |
| Cooking & Eating Gear | Camp Stove or Portable Grill |
| Fuel for Stove or Charcoal | |
| Cookware (pots, pans, etc.) | |
| Cooking Utensils (spatula, tongs, etc.) | |
| Plates, Bowls, and Cups | |
| Cutlery (forks, spoons, knives) | |
| Can Opener | |
| Bottle Opener | |
| Cooler (for food storage) | |
| Food Storage Bags or containers | |
| Cleaning Supplies (sponges, dish soap, towels) | |
| Trash Bags | |
| Water Bottles or Water Jug | |
| Water Filter or Purification Tablets (if needed) | |
| Health & Safety | First Aid Kit |
| Sunscreen | |
| Insect Repellent | |
| Medications (for any family members) | |
| Hand Sanitizer | |
| Allergy Medications | |
| Wet Wipes or Cloths | |
| Emergency Contact Info (for family or campsite) | |
| Personal Items | Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.) |
| Towels (bath towels and hand towels) | |
| Shampoo and Conditioner | |
| Toilet Paper and Trowel (for digging a small latrine, if needed) | |
| Lip Balm (with SPF) | |
| Glasses or Sunglasses | |
| Camera or Binoculars (for nature watching) | |
| Entertainment & Activities | Books or Journals |
| Board Games or Card Games | |
| Outdoor Toys (frisbees, balls, etc.) | |
| Fishing Gear (if you plan on fishing) | |
| Binoculars (for bird watching) | |
| Music (portable speaker, if desired) | |
| Optional Extras | Camping Hammock |
| Solar Charger for devices | |
| Portable Coffee Maker | |
| Camping Table (for eating or cooking) | |
| Camping Rug or Mat (to keep the dirt out) | |
| Camping Shower (if you’re camping for multiple days) |
You can print or use this table to ensure you don’t miss any essentials for your family camping trip!
