A camping trip in the outdoors can be an amazing adventure of if done incorrectly, a nightmare experience! The difference between a successful trip and a spectacular failure is the preparation and what you have packed. Here is our definitive list of essentials for any camping trip…

1.Tent
Unless you intend to spend your time sleeping under the stars then this is the first item on anyone’s list. A quality tent will also shelter you from the elements no matter how unpredictable they are as well as keeping food and other items dry. There is a tent for all adventures here.

2. Sleeping bag
Are you a stoic woodland creature? If the answer is no then you’ll probably want a sleeping bag that will keep you warm and make the trip as comfortable as possible. Sleeping bags will make or break your trip so make sure you chose wisely.

3. Lights
Huddling around the campfire and watching your food cook is part of the fun of camping but if you suddenly realise you left something in the tent then it’s not very useful for searching. That’s why head torches and lights makes the list, easy to pack and essential for looking for those lost items in the dark.

4. Camp kitchen
You have been out walking all day and really looking forward to food, you cook the beans on the campfire and then realise you will be eating them with your hands, suddenly the trip has taken a nosedive. Make sure you avoid this scenario by adding utensils to your list.

5. Fire starters
Sometimes nature doesn’t consult your schedule and despite you planning on getting a fire started with the wood around it, it’s been raining all day and it’s a no-go. It’s a good idea to pack fire starters or outdoor gas stoves to make sure you have a guaranteed way of cooking your food.

6. Pocket knives
A handy essential for any challenges you will encounter with wilderness. A Swiss army knife is an excellent addition to your camping supplies. There are several uses for each of these parts including food prep, cutting kindling or a bandage.

7. Water
It’s crucial to carry enough water for your trip and have a way of treating water while you’re out there, whether that’s a purification kit or a stove for melting snow. Most people need about a half liter per hour during moderate activity in moderate temperatures but it’s a good idea to carry more, especially if it’s hot or at altitude.

8. Mattress
Sleeping mats and mattresses are a must-have when you camp – they are vital for comfort and insulation. You don’t want to be waking up with a sore back, you want to get close to nature, but not that close! Check out the mattresses here.

9. Chairs
Once the camp is set up, fire burning and food cooking the camp chair allows you to survey nature and enjoy the trip correctly. Easy to transport and set up anywhere we have a variety of choices here.

10. Positive attitude
Not for sale. But definitely needs to be taken with you no matter the circumstances, whether it’s the kids running wild, unpredictable weather or getting lost in the woods, it’s all part of the unique experience of camping that only a positive attitude can embrace!