Camping & campervan packing checklist

What to pack

Camp stove and region-correct fuel.
Sleeping bag(s) rated for overnight lows.
Independent light (lantern / headlamp).
Trash bags and a Leave No Trace plan.
Sanitary kit (toilet paper, sanitiser, trowel if needed).
Water jugs or bottles.
Tarp / footprint for tent or awning.
Basic tools and a repair kit.

Tips

Trust the comfort rating, not marketing “extreme” labels.
Canister standards differ by country — bring an adapter.
Food in sealed containers against animals and damp.
Dump grey water only at allowed points.
Check campground quiet hours before late cooking.
Power bank / panel for lights and phone off-grid.
Car documents and a spare tyre live in the car road-trip checklist.

Sleep and cook systems

A bag rated for overnight lows and a stove with correct fuel are the camp core.

Sanitation and waste

Pack out trash and follow toilet/grey-water rules. Leave No Trace is the price of staying.

How this differs from a car road trip

This list is camp living: sleep, cooking, light, and sanitation. Car documents and spares stay in the car road-trip checklist.

Frequently asked questions

What to pack for tent camping?

Temperature-rated bag, stove, light, water, tarp, sanitary kit, and trash bags.

What to pack for a campervan?

The same plus stove fuel, dump, and electrics checks. Insurance with habitation cover.

How do I choose a sleeping bag?

By comfort rating for the coldest night on the trip, with margin — not by “arctic” branding.

Do I still need the car checklist?

Yes if you drive: documents, spare tyre, and road kit live there.

Information on these pages is for reference only and does not replace advice from a doctor, lawyer, or insurer. Before you travel, confirm entry rules, medication restrictions, and insurance terms.