Get ready for adventure: essential equipment list for your family vacation
With vacation mode on, it's off to the campsite this year!
Everyone's excited about this trip to the great outdoors, with the promise of exceptional adventures. Yes, but before the big departure, you'll need to pack those famous suitcases. What are the essentials? And how can you make sure you don't forget anything and end up running to the store when you get there?
To make sure you don't leave anything to chance, we've put together a complete checklist to ensure you don 't forget any camping gear.
How to choose the right camping equipment?
Before investing, ask yourself the right questions. "Does this tent set up easily, even after a long day on the road?" or "Is this sleeping bag really comfortable for cooler nights?". In reality, we advise you to base your decision on your destination and accommodation. Indeed, the issues are different if you're camping in the wilderness, on the beach, on a lakeside, in an unusual campsite or in luxury accommodation.
That's why we recommend that you choose sturdy, hard-wearing materials. To make sure you don't make any mistakes, read the opinions of other campers who have already weathered the elements for us.
Our packing and organization tips for optimizing space in the mobile home
The essentials before setting off on your adventure
We're about to hit the nail on the head with this first piece of advice, but before you hit the road on vacation, get your things sorted. We all tend to want to take the whole house with us, but here's a golden rule to keep in mind: the famous 80/20 rule. You know, that idea that, in general, we only use 20% of our stuff 80% of the time. So, no mercy on superfluous items.
Prioritize multi-purpose garments, those that are just as suitable for an evening around the fire as they are for a hike in the woods. A T-shirt that goes from day to night, or hiking pants that turn into shorts.
Are you tempted to take several copies of certain items with you? We've all heard of "just in case" and "you never know if you'll lose one". But take a moment to think: is it really necessary to use two pairs of scissors? Maybe not. Finally, don't forget reusable containers to organize your personal belongings and kitchen.
Become a Tetris player with your camping equipment
Do you know the storage expert Marie Kondo? You’re about to become almost one of her best disciples.
First, think “compartmentalisation”: use foldable storage boxes for clothes and accessories. They easily slide under beds or into cupboards, while keeping your belongings well organised. Don’t forget, every nook of the mobile home or your tent becomes a potential storage space.
For example, opt for vacuum bags to reduce the volume of clothing and adhesive hooks to hang lightweight items such as tea towels.
Our tips: apply the simple rule of putting every item back in its place after use. This way, you avoid spending 10 minutes looking for the sponge because it’s not next to the sink, but in some unlikely spot. A situation we’ve experienced far too often.
Complete list of essential family camping equipment
Lodging and sleeping essentials
Sleep, yes, but always in comfort, even on vacation. As we all know, nothing ruins a night more than a tent that isn't securely fastened to your pitch, or a mattress that deflates in the middle of the night.
Camping essentials:
- Spacious tent for the family,
- Sardines and extra ropes or turnbuckles,
- Mallet for setting sardines,
- Padlock (to protect your belongings).
Sleeping :
- Sleeping bags adapted to the season,
- Inflatable or self-inflating mattresses,
- Compact camping pillows,
- Extra sheets or blankets for cool nights in the mountains,
- Floor mats or tent mats to avoid dampness in the tent,
- Headlamp for reading before going to sleep or going to the toilet at night.
Camping cooking equipment
Do you think family camping goes hand in hand with cold sandwiches? Think again! With the right equipment, you can turn every meal into a real feast. We know it as well as you do: when your appetite is satisfied, everything feels right.
- Portable gas stove,
- Extra gas cartridges,
- Lightweight cookware (saucepans, frying pans),
- Stainless steel kitchen utensils (knife, spatula, wooden spoon),
- Matches or lighter,
- Cooler or insulated bag to keep food fresh,
- Ice packs,
- A can opener, a bottle opener and a corkscrew,
- Cups, plates, bowls and cutlery,
- Cutting board and cleaning sponge,
- Dishcloths or paper towels,
- Biodegradable dishwashing products,
- Garbage bags for waste,
- Reusable food packaging, Tupperware,
- Water filter (activated charcoal stick, etc.),
- Drinking water container,
- French press coffee maker to prepare coffee.
Essential basic foods to bring along
Which foods should you take to satisfy the taste buds of the whole family? With carefully chosen supplies, you can prepare tasty and balanced meals without carrying an entire grocery store on your back.
- Non-perishable food: canned goods (ravioli, ready-made meals), pasta, rice, lentils, quinoa, crispbread,
- Drinks: water, juice, coffee, tea, cocoa powder, UHT milk,
- Snacks: cereal bars, chocolate, dried fruits (almonds, walnuts, etc.),
- Condiments: olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, basic herbs and spices (salt, pepper, etc.).
Our tip: plan some of your meals before leaving for the campsite to avoid forgetting any important items.
Furniture and comfort
- Foldable camping chairs,
- Folding table,
- Awning or shade cloth,
- Hammock or sun lounger to relax in the sun,
- Inflatable cushion or low chair,
- Parasol or sun shelter to avoid sunburn,
- Hiking backpack.
Lighting and electricity
Nothing beats camping evenings to enjoy nature… as long as you don’t end up in complete darkness once night falls!
To keep your campsite well lit and make sure your devices never run out of power:
- Rechargeable camping lanterns,
- Portable LED lamps,
- Solar fairy lights to create a warm atmosphere,
- Extra batteries or a solar charger,
- USB power strip,
- Power banks.
Hygiene products
Do you think camping necessarily means giving up comfort and good hygiene? Not with us! After a day spent swimming in the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, or hiking in a national park, a long hot shower is a must.
- Toiletry bag (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, shampoo),
- Natural deodorant or alum stone,
- Comb and hairbrush,
- Compact towels,
- Toilet paper (essential for shared facilities),
- Earplugs or sleep mask to avoid daylight at 7 a.m.,
- Sunscreen and after-sun balm,
- Lip balm with SPF to prevent chapped lips in the sun or wind,
- Microfibre towels: lightweight, absorbent and quick-drying.
Our tip: if you are camping in the great outdoors, add a solar shower or a shower tent to your camping equipment.
First aid and health – better safe than sorry
During your holidays, you’re never completely safe from mosquito bites or a scrape on the rocks.
So you can enjoy your family getaway with complete peace of mind, here’s a complete first-aid and health kit to take with you. Because, trust us, nothing saves a day better than a plaster… and a few tears.
- Plasters and sterile compresses in various sizes,
- Antiseptics and disinfectants,
- Scissors, tweezers (to remove splinters),
- Basic medication (painkillers, antihistamines),
- Anti-itch cream,
- Mosquito repellent,
- Antibiotic cream or ointment to prevent infections on cuts and scrapes,
- Sunburn cream,
- Saline solution,
- Hand sanitising gel.
Clothes, papers and accessories: everything you need to remember
Clothing and footwear
With the right clothing, you can be sure of spending every day in comfort, whatever the weather. Sunny days sometimes give way to cooler evenings, so be prepared for every eventuality.
Essential clothing to add to your camping gear:
- All-in-1 hiking pants,
- Shorts and swim shorts,
- Raincoats or ponchos,
- Fleece jacket,
- Hats or caps for protection from the sun,
- Swimsuits for the seaside,
- Sunglasses with UV protection,
- Hiking shoes,
- Sandals or flip-flops for camping
- Waterproof shoes.
Our advice: adapt your clothing to your destination. Seaside, mountain or countryside, each has its own specificities.
A bit of DIY
A flat tyre? A stubborn tent peg (we’re not talking about fishing here)? Even outdoors, nature has a few little challenges in store for us. No need to bring Bob the Builder’s full toolbox — just a few essential tools to handle any small emergency.
- Swiss Army knife or multi-tool,
- Small hammer to drive tent pegs into the ground,
- Multi-bit screwdriver,
- Multi-purpose pliers to tighten, cut or hold various objects in place.
Administrative documents
- Driving licence,
- Vehicle documents,
- Spare set of car keys (you never know…),
- Identity card and a photocopy,
- Passport (if travelling abroad),
- Health insurance card and complementary insurance card,
- Certificate of health insurance abroad or a European Health Insurance Card.
With our list of camping equipment, you're all set for your next family vacation. And don't hesitate to take a look at the facilities available at your 4 or 5 star campsites. Some, for example, lend out barbecues or have small grocery stores in case you forget something. With Sunêlia, leave with a clear head and book now.
