Packing list for campers
Even though camping holidays are all about minimalism and simple living, there are a few essential things that absolutely must be on board. The right clothing is just as important as a basic tool kit, a small first-aid kit, and of course the right travel documents.
To avoid any stress during your holiday, we've put together a packing list of all the items that you really need to take with you.
Clothing
To save weight and space, you should limit your choice of clothing to the essentials. Keep in mind that almost all towns, cities and even most campsites offer laundrettes or at least basins for hand washing.
The basic kit, which should of course be adapted to the climate conditions, consists of:
- Underwear
- Socks
- Sleeveless shirts / vests
- T-shirts
- Sweatshirts / jumpers
- Warm jacket
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Long trousers / jeans
- Neck gaiter or light scarf
- Flip-flops (especially for showers)
- Sandals
- Sneakers / ballerinas
- Hiking / running shoes
For warm destinations
- Bikini / swimming trunks
- Baseball cap or sun hat
- Shorts / dress
- Additional T-shirts / tops
For cool destinations
- Long underwear
- Scarf(s)
- Gloves
- Thick socks
- Woolly hat
Personal care
Even in a camper, some level of personal hygiene is important. The standard kit consists of the following toiletries:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Towels
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Shampoo
- Toiletry bag
- Razor
- Nail file and nail clippers
- Toilet paper
- Cotton buds
- Sunscreen
Documents and finances
It’s especially important not to forget your personal documents, cash and other payment methods at home. Be sure to pack:
- ID card / passport
- Cash
- Credit card / debit card
- Emergency ID
- Booking confirmations for the campsite or hire vehicle
- EU pet passport for your dog
- Green card as proof of insurance abroad
- Health insurance card
- International health insurance
- Tickets (ferry, train, plane)
- Entry documents
- Toll vignettes / toll tickets
Cooking and eating
To make sure you can cater for yourself on the road, you should get a small camping cooking kit. Among other things, you’ll need these items for your “mobile kitchen”:
- Camping barbecue or stove
- Pots / pans
- Cutlery
- Crockery
- Spatula, barbecue tongs and cooking spoon
- Sharp knives
- Ziploc bags
- Food storage containers
- Washing-up liquid
- Tea towels
- Washing-up sponge
- Bucket / washing-up bowl
- Lighter / matches
Accessories for caravan or motorhome
A camper also needs to be well protected and cared for on the road. We therefore recommend the following accessories against theft, rain and dirt:
- Theft protection for your caravan, such as a drawbar lock with Safety Ball and support leg locks.
- Drawbar cover for longer periods out of use
- Jack
A high-quality safe is also great for storing your personal documents and credit cards safely when you’re not in your camper. For boxes, suitcases or wheels that you don’t want rolling around while driving, make sure to pay attention to load securing: robust tension straps for lashing boxes, e.g. in the boot
- Special lashing straps for securing bicycles or motorbikes, e.g. Spannfix from AL-KO VT
- Lashing rails or fastening kits for transporting two-wheelers in the rear garage
- Other useful do-it-yourself accessories can be found in our online shop
Additional equipment
To enjoy a stress-free, comfortable and cosy holiday, we recommend preparing for a few eventualities: unexpected chilly weather, a minor repair, a spontaneous need to do laundry, a power cut, or an unplanned detour through small mountain villages are all part of the camping experience – as is wanting to sit outside in the evening, stay in touch with loved ones at home, and capture your best memories. So you should remember the following equipment:
- Maps / satnav
- Mobile phone
- Travel first-aid kit
- Blankets / sleeping bags
- Sleeping mat
- Pillow
- Torch
- Batteries
- Washing line
- Pegs
- Camping chairs / table
- Multitool or basic tool set
- Camera and memory cards
- Laptop
- Chargers
- Water bottles / canisters
- Kitchen roll
- Laundry detergent
- Laundry bag
- Bin bags
- Candles / tealights
- Sunglasses
AL-KO VT wishes you a great camping season and wonderful travels!
