SportFits Travel
Road trip camping gear: your complete packing list
Everything for your next road trip, from tent, sleeping bag and camp kitchen to GPS and roof box, with a checklist so the small things don't get left behind.
Windows down, favourite playlist on, and somewhere ahead a great spot is waiting. Whether you're heading for the Alps, the Adriatic or the Atlantic coast, a good road trip needs the right gear. Here's what belongs in the car.
Before you set off
GPS plugged in, roof box locked, boot sorted. A good start makes the whole trip more relaxed. Navigation, roof boxes, sturdy travel bags and organisers are the things to sort before you leave.
Arrive, sleep, settle in
The tent is up, the sleeping bag rolled out and the folding chairs are out. That's what a perfect camp looks like. After a long drive, all you want is to arrive. A good tent, a warm sleeping bag, a comfortable mat and camping furniture make that easy.
Cooking and supplies at camp
Coffee from the stove in the morning, food from the grill in the evening, and cool drinks and filtered water in between. Every meal outdoors becomes part of the trip.
Out of camp: gear for day trips
Base camp is set up. Now the fun starts. With the right rucksack, good footwear and suitable clothing, you're ready for day trips, spontaneous hikes or simply exploring the next town.
Safe and prepared: the essentials
Some things you pack and forget about, until you really need them. The head torch you'll use often, the first-aid kit hopefully never. Pack for everyday needs and for the unexpected: first aid, lighting, tools and a way to charge your devices.
Don't forget the small things
The obvious items like tent and sleeping bag are easy to remember. Small helpers such as an insect bite relief device, a water filter or a travel washing line often slip off the list. The checklist below covers them.
Road trip packing list
Got everything?
With this list you've covered the essentials. Planning a road trip perfectly is almost impossible anyway. Something always turns out differently, and that's what makes it an adventure.
Frequently asked questions
Which tent do I need for a road trip?
Tunnel or dome tents for two or more people work well for road trips because they're quick to pitch and pack away. Look for a hydrostatic head of at least 3,000 mm and a sewn-in groundsheet. For summer in the Alps, a light three-season model is all you need.
Which sleeping bag for summer camping?
For summer camping in Central Europe, a sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of around 10–15 °C is enough. Nights in the mountains can be cold even in July, so choose one with a little margin.
Do I really need a roof box?
Not necessarily, but it's very handy if you're away for more than a week or travelling as a couple. Tent, sleeping bags and chairs take up a lot of space, and a roof box gives you your boot back.
Which camping stove for beginners?
A simple gas stove with a screw-on valve is ideal for beginners: cheap, light and available almost everywhere. Want more? The BioLite CampStove generates electricity for USB devices while you cook.
Is wild camping allowed in Germany, Austria and Switzerland?
In Germany it's generally not allowed, except in explicitly designated areas. In Austria and Switzerland the rules partly differ by region. If in doubt, use an official campsite or a designated pitch.
Everything for your road trip
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