If part of you loves the idea of pitching a tent and making it into a little den that will keep you safe and warm somewhere away from home, then you probably can’t wait until your next camping trip. You may be a hardened camper, for whom an airbed would defeat the whole point – in which case, you will probably just be able to pack a rucksack and be off. On the other hand, if you rather like the idea of comfort as well as enjoying cheap accommodation, it can be very easy to get carried away and try to pack half of everything you own.
To exemplify: all you really need for a camping trip is your tent (don’t forget the poles and pegs), sleeping bags, a torch, a change of clothes and toiletries. To add a little comfort, you could also take pillows, extra blankets, airbeds or sleeping rolls, a lamp, table, camping stove, pans, paper plates, plastic cutlery and some foldaway chairs.
Factor in an electric hook-up, though, and the world is your oyster (don’t read this if you’re one of the ‘airbeds are for the weak’ type): you could take a mini fridge, hairdryer, straighteners, electric blanket, laptop, blender, toaster, kettle, sandwich maker – basically anything that isn’t nailed down in your house could be packed.
The trouble with camping is that once you’ve started to pack, it can be very difficult to stop. But fear not, campers, for there is a way to take everything you may need or want and still have room for everyone to have a seat in your car: here are 13 super items that will add a touch of class and luxury to your trip without requiring you to buy a roof box or trailer to fit it all in.
In short, taking these items will reduce the amount of gear you take camping, without actually reducing the number of items you can take... in no particular order.
1) Collapsible Wine Glass
Not quite the same as drinking out of a proper wine glass but less likely to get broken on the journey and the stems conveniently screw off and can be stored inside the goblet to save a bit of space. They are also available in stainless steel but come with a heft price tag.
2) Collapsible Washing Up Bowl
Not all campsites have washing up facilities so these can come in handy if they don't, but even if they do they are quite handing for transporting your washing up from your pitch to the washing up facilities.
3) Camping First Aid Kit
Hopefully you won't need this, but it's a great idea to have a compact first aid kit with you whilst camping. Make sure you check it at the beginning of each season to see if anything needs replenishing.
4) Folding Kitchen Cupboard/Shelf
This is slightly extravagant and one could be accused of nearly bringing the kitchen sink. However it folds down fairly compact and comes in a neat carrying bag. It allows you to keep your outdoor kitchen tidy with everything in one place.
5) Camping Egg Protector
You may think this is verging on ridiculous but camping requires a proper fry up in the morning and if your eggs were damaged during the journey you may be very disappointed.
6) Insulated Travel Mug
Let's face it, if you haven't had the best sleep you're going to need some coffee to get you through the day. These insulated coffee mugs keep your coffee warmer for longer and reduce the number of times you need to boil the kettle, thus saving fuel.
7) Solar Charger
Be honest... you're going to want to use your gadgets (phones, tablets, etc) whilst camping. Whether it's checking the weather, looking for local places of interest, booking a pub lunch or taking photos, don't be tempted to repeatedly charge using your vehicle; it will not only knacker your batter but it will also annoy your neighbours.
8) Solar Powered Foldable Lantern Jar
These lanterns are great, they're made out of a soft material and fold down to a quarter of the size. They charge quickly, great for those late night runs to the loo and if you have someone in your tent who isn't a fan of the dark; the light is subtle enough to keep on throughout the night. As they are waterproof and hollow they're a great place to store valuables such as watches, phones etc.
9) Family Cutlery Set in Carry Pouch
A great way to store your cutlery and save space whilst camping. Keeps your cutlery clean and all in one place.
10) Nesting Cook Set
The handles screw off of the frying pan and sauce pan allowing you to store them inside each other, thus saving a bit of space. They also come with a handing bag to store them in.
11) Collapsible Kettle
Kettles really are an awkward shape and can take up a lot of space in your kitchen box. These collapsible kettles fold down to a flatter shape making it easier to store and weirdly, they seem to boil faster than other kettles.
12) Travel Knives
Keep your fingers safe with this set of camping knives that safely tuck away into the sheath for storage.
13) Folding Table and Chairs
Tired of eating in your lap or on the ground? This table comes with 4 chairs that neatly stow away inside. Great for getting the family around the table for dinner, plus it's a great space for playing games in the evenings.
This list is far from exhaustive but has hopefully given you some ideas on how to reduce the amount of camping gear you take with you.
Do you know of any must have items that we should have included? If so, please do pop them into the comments below.
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