The Hinterland Camping Packing List: We've thought of everything for you!

Spontaneous weekend getaways are often pure stress before you even get going. Why? "Have you packed the gas cartridges yet?", "How are the supplies?", "Is the cutlery in the van already?". Especially when we're pressed for time, preparing for the next camping trip can become a nerve-wracking challenge and leave plenty of room to forget things. So you don't have to reinvent the wheel every time, we've put together a packing list for you where everything is guaranteed to be taken care of.

Kitchen:

• Camping stove, check gas cartridges, gas bottle (if necessary, a lighter)
• Cutlery:
  • Forks, spoons, knives, a sharp knife, bread knife
  • Cooking spoon, spatula, whisk, possibly grill tongs
• Dishes:
  • Plates, bowls, lunch boxes
  • Pots, pans, colander, measuring cup, cutting board
• Cups, glasses/mugs, coffee maker (e.g., French press)
• Can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew
• Pot holders, oven mitts, kitchen paper towels
• Spices, oil
• Provisions (coffee, noodles, ...)
• Rubber bands

You don't always have to sacrifice comfort to stay in camping mode. That's why we like to use small helpers that save us from having to choose between comfort and space. Here are 3 kitchen gadgets with compact dimensions:

1. With this cookware set from Tatonka, you're well-equipped for cooking with two pots and a pan, but it doesn't exceed the packing size since the dishes can be stacked and stored in a space-saving manner.
2. The foldable cutting board kitchen from Hi-Hinger can do even more: it includes 2 knives, several attachments for grating, dicing, and grating, a cutting board, and a washing-up bowl that can also be used as a sieve. It takes up hardly more space than a regular cutting board because you can fold everything together and store it in a space-saving way.
3. With the multifunctional spice dispenser from CECOMBINE, you can create 5-star dishes that are tailored to your taste. Unlike other spice dispensers with multiple compartments, you can fill this one yourself and take along the spices you really want to take with you.

Dishwashing:

• Fill water canister / water tank, if necessary, use a watering can or hose for filling, washing basin
• Dishwashing liquid (Pril or other biodegradable alternative), cleaning spray
• Sponge, dish brush, towels, cloths

Bathroom: (Wet area, camping toilet)

• Litter or chemicals depending on the model
• Trash bags, cleaning supplies
• Toilet paper (if necessary, special toilet paper for chemical toilets), wet wipes, cotton swabs
• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Shampoo, shower gel (If you're showering in nature, be sure to use biodegradable products! In our gift box, for example, you'll find an 18-in-1 natural soap from Dr. Bronner's as a biodegradable alternative to conventional shampoo, shower gel, dish soap, ...)
• Razor, cream, possibly additional cosmetic items
• Towels

Everyone handles sanitation, especially camping toilets, differently. We all have different preferences, habits, and priorities, but what choices do we actually have? In our guide, "Back to business: Which camping toilet suits me?" we explore the various options for camping toilets and help you weigh which model might be the best fit for you and why.

No toilet on board? No problem! Here, you can find Hinterland camps and cabins with sanitary facilities:

Clothes:

• Underwear, socks
• Long pants, shorts, sweatpants or similar
• Sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, T-shirts, tops
• Bikinis / swimsuit / swim trunks
• Possibly thermal underwear
• Jackets (depending on the weather)
• Beanie / hat / cap / bucket hat
• Shoes (flip-flops, sneakers, sturdy footwear)
• Dirty laundry bag, clothesline, clothespins

Documents:

• ID, passport, driver's license
• Cash, debit card, credit card
• Insurance card, international health insurance card or documents
• Emergency numbers or cards (e.g., bank advisor, ADAC card, ...)
• Copies of important documents, booking records (e.g., ferry tickets), vignettes, toll box, …

When traveling in the hinterland of Europe, you may encounter organizational challenges such as toll roads. The costs for these roads vary, so you'll have to pay more or less depending on the route. However, one thing is almost always the same: long waiting times at the toll booths, especially during the peak season. To avoid this, there are toll boxes available from various providers, like this one from maut1.de, which allow you to simply drive past the queues and through the reserved barrier without stopping. The toll fees are debited from your account at a fixed rate at the end of the month through SEPA direct debit.

Camping equipment: 

• Camping chairs
• Camping table
• Outdoor shower
• Folding shovel

Technology:

• Mobile phone charging cable
• Laptop + laptop charging cable
• Speaker + speaker charging cable
• Power bank + charging cable
• Possibly a solar panel
• Extension cord or cable reel for shore power
• Multiple socket outlet
• CEE adapter

Other equipment:

• Bedding, bed sheets
• Personal medications
• First-aid kit, tick remover tool / card, insect repellent spray, sunscreen
• Fire extinguisher, fire blanket, ...
• Hand broom, wheel chocks
• Toolbox, cable ties, pocket knife
• Sewing kit, cord / rope for various purposes, duct tape, adhesive tape

Additionally for camping with a tent:

• Tent
• Sleeping pad
• Sleeping bag
• Tent stakes (better to have too many than too few)
• Spare tent cord
• Possibly a groundsheet as additional protection from moisture and dirt

Here you can find camps suitable for tents:

But now, onto the most exciting part: camping gear that's just plain fun! You've already packed everything you actually need and have some extra space for gadgets and knick-knacks? Perfect! Here's some inspiration for leisure activities and gadgets that will definitely take your camping trip to the next level!

Nice to have:

• Picnic blanket, hammock, air mattress (for floating around :))
• Books, travel journal, notebook
• (Card) games, puzzle books, ...
• Projector for projecting onto a bedsheet
• Sunshade, beach umbrella
• String lights, lantern, candles
• Fire pit, camping grill
• Depending on your hobby: e.g., hiking gear, bicycle (+ lock), surfboard, ...
• Beach ball, volleyball, badminton, spike-ball, ...

As a change of pace from relaxation in the hinterland, we always like to have active games with us, such as Spike-Ball. It consists of a ring structure that resembles a mini-trampoline, but in the middle, it has a bouncing net instead of a trampoline membrane. You play in teams against each other with the goal of hitting a ball onto the bouncing net in a way that the other team can't return the ball. You can purchase the game from various providers in different versions - for example, we find the price-performance ratio of the family set from Decathlon to be particularly good.

For the perfect ending to an exciting day in the hinterland, of course, the appropriate camping grill with the prospect of marshmallows by the campfire is a must. Our favorite grill is the Petromax Atago, which is always with us on every team outing!

Now you are well-prepared and can embark on your next camping adventure. Off to the hinterland, we wish you a wonderful break!

Photos: Malte Joost, Sophia Harni, Nicole Katharina Schober, Oliver Raatz