How often have you taken your family or friends camping only to arrive after a long drive to find out there is something you forgot to pack? While this is not the end of the world as there are usually shops somewhat nearby, it is definitely a schlep we are sure everyone would like to avoid.
Here is the ultimate checklist to keep on hand while packing for your next camping trip.
Shelter
- Tent with no missing pieces
- Groundsheet for underneath your tent in case it rains
- Tarp and cord
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pads/mattresses or camping cots
- Pillows
Campsite set-up
- Camping chairs
- Portable table
- Tablecloth
- Lanterns
- Cord to hang between trees to dry bathing costumes and other washing
- Firewood
Cooking
- Enough food to feed everyone for the duration of your trip
- Coffee maker
- Camping stove
- Propane
- Matches/lighters
- Fire starters
- Charcoal
- Axe or hatchet in case you need to cut your own fire wood
- Pots, pans, and potjie pot
- Knives
- Cuttingboard
- Plates and bowls
- Cuttlery
- Cooking utensils
- Mugs and plastic cups
- Can opener
- Cooler with ice
- Food storage containers
- Garbage bags
- Water jugs
- Biodegradable soap for washing dishes and scrubbers/cloths
Essentials for the great outdoors
- First aid kit
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Water bottles
- Bug spray
- Multi-tool
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Pepper spray
Personal items
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Towels
- Hand sanitizer
- Contacts and solution (if applicable)
- Medications (if applicable)
- Power bank
- Cellphone
Some fun extras
- Bikes
- Art supplies
- Watersports gear
- Books and magazines
- Binoculars
- Playing cards and other board games
- Sweet treats
- Marshmellow roasting sticks
Now that you’ve got the knowledge, it’s time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android) and don’t forget to use your location settings to find everything you need for the ultimate camping trip close to home.
