With COVID-19 reshaping our lives, more folks are turning to camping for a breath of fresh air. If you're thinking of dipping your toes into camping, packing can be your final hurdle before hitting the road. A checklist might just be the thing you need to tackle this challenge. Take a peek at the one we've prepared for you! While it might seem extensive, remember, you only need to bring what's essential for you!
Campsite Gear & equipment
Must have:
-
Tent: Your tent is your cozy corner in the great outdoors. Remember to give it a test run in your backyard first. Familiarize yourself with the setup process and make sure everything's working well.
-
Footprint Tarp: It not only protects the tent's base from wear and tear but also offers a degree of insulation from dampness. We recommend a mesh footprint that allows water through to the ground.
-
Pegs, Guy Rope & Hammer: Think of your tent as a boat, and the pegs and guy ropes are the anchor. The quality of your pegs play a pivotal role in ensuring the tent's stability. It's wise to prepare some extra pegs and guy ropes, especially for windy conditions. Group all these tools and accessories in a tool bag (Check out Mogu Outdoors Utility Tool Bag, click here) to ensure you don’t forget anything.
-
Camp Chairs & Tables: Ideal for setting up a cozy communal area. A great spot to gather, dine, or just relax under the open sky.
-
Lantern & Headlights: Absolute camping essentials. These lights are not just for illumination but are lifesavers, especially when you're cooking in the dark, kickstarting a campfire, or guiding the little ones during those late-night restroom trips. Everyone needs these in their camping checklist!
Good to have:
-
Extension Cord: If you've reserved a power site, always ensure you carry an extension cord of ample length. You wouldn't want to be caught short, especially when you need that power the most.
-
Mosquito Sticks/Coils: To ensure a comfortable, itch-free evening by the fire, remember to pack some handy repellents.
-
Clothesline: Particularly invaluable for summer seaside camping. Essential for drying beach towels, damp clothes, and more. In a pinch, a guy rope can double up as an impromptu clothesline.
-
Toilet tent/portable toilet: For when the campsite doesn't have toilet and digging trenches is not an option.
-
Dust pan & brush: To clean up in and out around the tent, helps to have the tent clean when packing up.
- Firepit (firewood, fire starter, matches, firelighter)
-
Picnic rug/mat
-
Gazebo: For some shade, especially when camping in summer.
Sleeping
Must have:
-
Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag is hands-down one of the essential pieces of gear you'll need for camping. Typically, choosing a bag rated a few degrees colder than the expected lowest temperature is a safe bet. Generally, you'll find sleeping bags in two main designs: the envelope style, which gives you room to sprawl, and the mummy style, snug and toastier.
-
Air Mattress or Self-Inflating Mattress: Just like a sleeping bag, the choice of a camping mattress significantly impacts the outdoor sleeping experience. Generally, there are air mattresses and self-inflating mattresses. We recommend self-inflating mattress as it has superior support and it provides excellent insulation from the cold ground. If you love camping, a self-inflating mattress is definitely one of the essential gears worth to invest. Check out our Mogu Outdoors Restwell self-inflating mattress!
- Pillow
Good to have:
- Mattress protection covers
- Air pump
- Repair kit for air mattress
- Eye mask
- Earplug
- Stretcher bed
- Utility bags for storage
Camp kitchen/cookware
Must have:
-
Portable Stove & Gas Cartridge: Depending on the duration of your camping trip, ensure you have enough gas cartridges. If you're camping in higher altitudes or colder climates, consider opting for a more combustible propane tank for more efficient burning.
-
Cooking Utensils (tongs, sharp knives, scissors, spatula, mixing spoons): These kitchen tools might not seem as vital as a frying pan or portable stove, but you'll regret not having them when the moment arises. Consider keeping them organized in a kitchen storage caddy bag. Following a checklist and having your essential utensils grouped together will make your outdoor cooking experience as seamless as in your home kitchen.
-
Plates, Bowls cups/mugs & Eating utensils: For first-time campers, using household items is okay. But if you're planning more camping trips, it's wise to invest in durable, outdoor-friendly tableware. They are reusable, unbreakable, easier for packing up.
-
Detergent & sponges: When washing dishes outdoors, it's advised to use eco-friendly detergent that has a lesser environmental impact. Detergent and scrub sponges are often top the list of easily-forgotten kitchen items. Make sure you pop these essentials into your bag!
- Frypans & saucepans
- Cutting board
- Coolers/ice or portable fridge
- Washing up tub
- Sponges and scrubbers
- Paper towels
- Napkins
- Trash/recycling rubbish bag
- Kitchen essentials storage box/bag
Good to have:
- Mixing bowl
- Ziplock bags
- Dish rags/towels
- Scrub pad
- Potato peeler
- Campfire grill/BBQ grill
- Water bucket
- Matches/lighter/fire starter
- Charcoal/firewood
- Measuring cups
- Aluminum foil
- Containers for food storage
- Potholders/oven mitts
- Roasting forks or skewers
- Bottle opener
Food
When camping, cooking equipment is limited, so it's essential to prepare simple ingredients that can offer sufficient energy and nutrition. I usually visualise the cooking process beforehand, to make sure it's easy to cook outside. If camping for extended periods, prioritise consuming perishable items first. The night before departure, consider refrigerating or freezing certain foods. Pack them in a cooler box before setting out to ensure they remain fresh longer.
Must have:
- Water: Some campsites provide drinkable water while others don't. Always check in advance and ensure you have enough. We recommend using a water tank over plastic water bottles for environmental reasons.
- Seasonings/sugar/condiments
- Cooking oil
- Fresh food for cooking
Good to have:
- Tea and coffee
- Milk
- Packaged foods (canned food, snacks and other non-perishables)
- Snacks/drinks
Clothing and footwear
Always check the local weather in advance and pack clothing based on the forecasted conditions and length of your camping trip. If you have specialized outdoor cloths like a water-resistant jacket or hiking boots, that's fantastic! If not, comfortable and lightweight casual wear will do. Remember, camping spots can be quite remote, and even summer nights can get chilly, so packing a warm jacket is a must.
Must have:
- Weather-appropriate tops and bottoms
- Weather-appropriate outerwear (raincoat, insulated jacket)
- Sleepwear
- Underwear
- Socks
Good to have:
- Hiking shoes or boots (suited to terrain)
- Sandals / thongs
- Gloves / beanie (for cold weather)
- Long-sleeve layers (for sun-protection and warmth)
- Sun hat and sunglasses
Personal/Health
Cleaning:
- Towel
- Soap/shampoo
- Tooth brush/tooth paste
- Deodorant
- Comb/brush
- Razor
- Feminine products
- Slippers
- Toilet paper
Care:
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser
- First aid kit
- Personal medications – take extra
Kids
- Water bottle
- Snacks for the road
- Marshmallow
- Reading book
- Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Simple games
- Colouring book & pen
- Discovery tools: binoculars, magnifying glass, bucket
- Sand play buckets and tools
- Comforts for sleeping
- Slippers
- Kid headlamp
- Wet wipers
- Bike/scooter
- Glow Sticks
Miscellaneous
- Spare batteries/bulbs
- Portable power station
- Phone chargers
- Compass
- Whistle
- Water filters/purification/treatment
- Maps/directions
- Musical instruments
- Backpack
- Fishing gear/license/bait
- Carabiner
- Marshmallows
- Board and card games
- Books and magazines
- Sports balls
- Notepads and stationery
- Music player and earphones
- Camera
- Hammock
- Clothesline & clips
- Portable shower system
- Multi-tool
- Clothes pegs
- Small shovel
- Axe
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We've created a checklist spreadsheet that you can copy and edit to suit your needs and make your own:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
