Reading an article about what to take camping is really dull. However, creating your own checklist for camping is twice as dull. So let me do it for you!

Firstly there are some golden rules.

• Be compact: I’m not a big fan of clutter, more so when camping. So I try to be as compact as possible. I have even taken a flight to reach my campsite. For this you need to pack incredibly lightly, even considering the size and shape of your tent, which will fit snuggly into your suitcase.
• Be stylish: Second on my list for camping is a personal preference, yet also practical. There’s no need to be extravagent here…packing all your belongings into Louis Vuitton cases is somewhat of an oxymoron when camping. I simply mean organising everything into boxes rather various plastic carrier bags. There’s nothing that indicates ‘Brits Abroad’ more than an array of tesco carrier bags littering your pitch! You will also realise that there is very little storage in your tent, so boxes that close shut provide a great alternative to cupboards and are an essential item on your camping checklist.
• Be prepared: Now this rule is applicable for the more serious camper who is likely to take regular trips. Or, for those looking to take ad hoc UK camping trips when sunny weather takes an unexpected appearance at 2pm on a Friday afternoon. Camping can be very arduous, especially if you need to find all your camping equipment on the same day as you pack it, drive to your campsite and erect a tent for 2 hours. Instead, decide on your list of what to take camping and purchase it, rather than using your own household items. That way you can keep your camping equipment stored away for a sunny day (pre-packed into their boxes, of course!) ready for that last minute get away.

What to take when camping:

Accommodation
Tent
Ground Sheet (if needed)
poles
guide ropes
enough tent pegs
hammer

Packing
Boxes that clip shut
Ice box
Ice Packs
Bucket (for the ice and your beers!)

Lighting
Gas lantern (these are superb)
Torch
Lighter or matches
Spare batteries and bulbs

Bedding
Air bed – don’t bother with anything other than an aerobed – comfortable, doesn’t deflate and can be inflated through your car’s cigarette lighter in 2 minutes!
Sleeping bags – better than a duvet as it goes underneath you as well – very important if you are sleeping on an airbed, which can get very cold at night.
Pillows

Personal
A personal list which will vary per person, but the bare essentials are:
Suntan Lotion
Insect Repellent
Toothbrush / toothpaste
Soap
Towel
Toilet Paper
First Aid Kit

Miscellaneous
Swiss Army knife
Mobile phone / car charger adapter
Camera / car charger adapter
Books, radio, cards, games, toys, etc.
Alarm clock
MONEY, credit card, etc
Clothesline and pegs
Basic tools (screwdrivers, pliers, etc.)
Maps / Tom Tom

Cooking and dining
Folding table & chairs
Stove with fuel and lighter
Newspapers for lighting a campfire
Charcoal and Grill for BBQ
Frying Pan
Sauce pan with lid
Kettle
Can opener
Corkscrew / Bottleopener
Plastic dishes, plates, mugs
Sharp knife
Knives, Forks, Spoons and Teaspoons
Dish Cloth
Tea Towel
Washing Up Liquid
Bowl for washing up

Consumables
Paper towels
Rubbish bags
Aluminum Foil
Food and Drink
Cooking Oil
Baked Beans
Crisps
Butter
Bacon
Eggs
Tomato sauce
Cheese
Onions, mushrooms, Tomatoes
Bread
Salt, Pepper, Spices, Sugar
Fruit – Small fruit cups or fresh fruit
Veggies
Coffee and Tea (don’t forget SUGAR!)
Milk, juice, soft drinks
Beer & wine (don’t forget this!)