Following is my camping gear checklist. My gear is based around camping at unpowered sites in campgrounds.

For some minimalist campers (such as hikers), this list is way too much. I am camping with young kids and my wife, so need to have a reasonable level of comfort.

On the other hand, many people camp with a lot more than this and may consider my list to be just the basic essentials. For example, my parents have a microwave and air-conditioner in their pop-top camper – and they wonder why the trailer is so heavy!

Of course, personal effects (such as clothes, sunscreen and towel) are in addition to the list.

Tent
tent (inc. poles, fly and guy ropes)
pegs/stakes
mesh tarp (ground sheet)
foam floor tiles (for outside tent door)
tools: mallet

Tarp
tarpaulin
poles (including ridge pole)
pegs/stakes
guy ropes
tools: mallet

Sleeping
self-inflating mats
sleeping bags
pillows
(additional bedding depending on expected temperature)

Eating
bottled drinking water
food
ice box
plates
cutlery
cups (inc. coffee cups, wine glasses)

Cooking
gas stove (inc. hose)
stove stand
gas bottle
matches/lighter
fry pan
saucepan
kettle
moka espresso coffee pot
tongs
knife
cutting board

Clean up
washing-up water (if not available at site)
washing-up bowl
detergent
dish cloth
tea towels
spray and wipe
clothes pegs
dust pan and brush
rubbish bags

Lighting
gas lanterns
gas bottle
telescopic gas pole
matches/lighter
spare mantles
spare lens
torches
spare batteries

Furniture
picnic table with stools
bench
folding chairs

Miscellaneous
spare tarps
spare pegs
spare rope
gas bottle adaptors
pocket knife
general tool kit
shovel
axe