Camping equipment: the best gadgets for camping with your vehicle

Pack your things and off you go – but what kind of things? The correct camping equipment takes your adventure in your motorhome, VW van or camper van up a notch. Having the right kit conjures up a cosy atmosphere, helps you relax and also enhances your safety when out and about.

In this video, buyer Tinu reveals which camping items he always has with him.

Camping equipment tips: items to take with you

What you need to go camping depends on factors like the time of year and the temperature, but the level of creature comforts you expect also plays a part. Here are some suggestions of somewhat unusual camping items and gadgets to make life on four wheels easier and sweeter.

Space-saving ways to cook

Whether you have a fixed hob or a flexible cooker for preparing meals indoors or outdoors, almost everyone wants to make the most out of their space. Foldable pots and crockery are great ways to free up storage space.

You can also use a pan as a salad bowl. And if you don’t have a fixed washbasin, Ortlieb’s folding bowl serves the ideal sink and can also be used as a container for transporting things in or for storing food, for example.

And when you’re not using it, you can simply fold it up to save space. When washing up, planet-friendly detergent is what you need.

Does your cooler seem to get full incredibly quickly? Why not box up less delicate food and wrap it in a sleeping bag or blanket? They’re amazingly insulating.

Freshly baked treats in the great outdoors? They’ll almost taste better than any cake at home! With an Omnia oven, you can indulge in crusty bread and moist muffins even while camping. And why not treat yourself to a fresh plaited loaf in the great outdoors, too? You can make anything you’d oven-bake at home in the Omnia – but you probably need to adjust the cooking time a little. If you fancy a hearty meal, the Omnia is ideal for bakes or gratins. This outdoor oven is fireproof. so you can use it with a gas stove and over an open fire as well.

Incidentally, a multitool is also a handy, space-saving item for compact kitchens and minor repairs.

Sleep better

You’ll have mattresses, sleeping bags and/or blankets with you, as well as pillows. You might also have curtains for privacy and to block out the light.

If not, or if you want it to be even darker, pack an eye mask.

Your campsite may well be located near a busy road or next to a babbling brook, both of which can prevent some people from falling asleep or staying asleep. Earplugs can help.

Mosquitoes can also interrupt your sleep. If you don’t have mosquito screens, a simple mosquito net can be of service. Pack a heat pen, too: this can help relieve the itching if an insect does bite you. It doesn’t take up much space either.

Camping furniture for an even cosier feel

Collapsible camping chairs and a matching table are a must – for eating outdoors, reading, playing board games or simply passing time. A Honcho Poncho will keep you warm even during cool mornings and evenings.

Head to the beach to enjoy the atmosphere, read or simply be – with a camping chair from Helinox, this vision is as comfy as it is charming.

If the shore is sandy, add a groundsheet to prevent the chair legs from sinking into the sand.

Safety when camping with a vehicle

Every vehicle should have a first-aid kit. When you’re camping, pop a second, smaller kit in your bag for trips without your set of wheels.

Check your first-aid kit before setting off: are the medications still in date? Are there enough tablets and plasters?

In addition to the prescribed safety equipment such as a high-vis vest and safety triangle, a fire extinguisher or fire blanket is recommended – fire extinguishers are even mandatory in Switzerland for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the extinguisher in advance so that you know how to use it in an emergency.

A CO₂ detector is worthwhile for longer trips, in particular. When cooking with the doors and windows closed, this measuring device warns you if there is too much carbon monoxide in the air and, in turn, a risk of poisoning.