Packing List for the Great Outdoors

A key component for a successful camping trip is planning and making sure that you have everything you need packed before you leave. There's nothing worse than arriving at that ideal camping spot, getting a camp fire going and realising that you've left the can opener behind.

To save you from this embarrassment, here's a comprehensive packing list for your camping trip:

Shelter and Sleeping: Let's get the basics first. You'll need the following for shelter and sleeping:

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Tarpaulin for wet campsites
• Rugs
• Pillow

Cooking and Eating: Food and cooking are vital components on a camping trip:

• Camp stove
• Cooking utensils
• Mess kit, including knives, forks and spoons
• Can opener
• Clean water
• Food
• Folding chairs and table
• Matches or a butane lighter
• Herbs and spices; salt and pepper are a must
• Cooking oil
• Disposable plates, cups and bowls
• Aluminium foil
• Cling wrap or ziplock bags
• Tongs and a spatula

First Aid: Heaven forbid that you should meet with an accident, but should the worst happen, you should have the following in your first aid kit:

• Band aids
• A selection of bandages
• Sterile gauze
• Medical tape
• Antiseptic cream
• Sunscreen and sunburn lotion
• Scissors and tweezers
• Snake bite kit
• Eye wash
• Aspirin or other pain killers.
• Do not forget any personal medication you need to take.

Cleanliness and Hygiene: Your campsite may be rough and ready, but that's no excuse for untidiness and grime! In that name, remember to pack:

• Towel
• Wash cloth
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap
• Brush and comb
• Razor
• Nail clippers
• Sanitary napkins
• Toilet paper
• Brush and dust pan
• Detergent
• Washing up bowl
• Pot scrubber
• Dish cloth

Clothing: Your choice of clothing will depend on your location and the time of the year, but be prepared for a range of temperatures and weather conditions.

• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Sturdy jeans
• Walking shoes/boots
• Casual shoes
• Socks and underclothes
• Swimsuit
• Rain clothing such as a waterproof jacket or poncho
• Warm sweater
• Comfortable hat or cap
• A bag for dirty laundry

Miscellaneous: What else you take along will depend on your own interests, of course, but here are a few reminders:

• Camera
• Books
• Compass
• Torch
• Whistle
• Binoculars
• Length of rope
• Elastic luggage straps
• Mobile phone
• Fishing gear
• Paper and writing instruments
• Insect repellent

It may seem like a long list, but if you take most, if not all, of these items, you'll have a stress free camping trip. Good luck!