With the right gear, family camping becomes genuinely relaxed.

Camping with kids means freedom, adventure and shared time in nature – moments that stay with you. At the same time, a family camping trip brings one very practical question: What do we actually need?

The good news: you don't need a perfect packing list. Much more important is a well-thought-out basic kit that suits your family – and that's where quality, functionality and a realistic weight really matter.

The family tent: heart of the camping trip

The most important piece of kit

The tent determines how well you sleep, how sheltered you are – and whether the holiday stays relaxed even when the weather doesn't cooperate. Families have different priorities to trekkers: floor plan, standing height and easy pitching are what counts.

Tent choice depends on family size. Two concrete recommendations from the Wechsel Tents range:

A good tent is the cornerstone – everything else falls into place.

Less luggage, more freedom

When packing: less is more. With children especially, gear accumulates quickly and then barely gets used. It's worth focusing on a clear set of essentials:

• 🛏️ Sleeping gear – sleeping mats or air mattresses, age-appropriate sleeping bags
• 👕 Functional clothing – layers rather than quantity (more on this below)
• 🔦 Light sources – head torches for everyone, including the children
• 🎒 Well-organised bags – when everything has its place, you'll save a lot of rummaging later on

Tip: Give the children their own small bag for their favourite things – it teaches responsibility and saves questions.

Comfort makes the difference – especially with kids

Comfortable seating on a family camping trip isn't a luxury – it's the heart of camp life together. Breakfast in front of the tent, a midday break in the shade, dinner at the table: none of that works if the gear doesn't hold up its end.

Good camping chairs turn a rest break into real relaxation – for big and small alike.

All in one go: the uquip Buddy takes chairs, table and children's gear without breaking a sweat.

Simple cooking – shared enjoyment

An elaborate camp kitchen isn't necessary. Often a compact stove and a small set of cookware is more than enough. Breakfast in front of the tent, a quick dinner at the camping table or grilling over an open fire – these are exactly the moments children never forget.

Family camping is less about perfection and more about shared experience. Let the kids help out – even washing up at the water point becomes an adventure.

Playing and exploring – children need very little

Nature is the best playground – children always find something to discover outdoors.

Children usually find something to do at a campsite all by themselves. Nature offers endless possibilities – sticks, stones, streams, insects. That said, it can be worth bringing a few familiar things: a favourite book, a small card game or a soft toy for quieter tent moments.

When the weather turns, a cosy tent with a generous porch – like the Wechsel Voyager or the Cirrus – is worth its weight in gold. In the porch you can eat, play and stay dry when it rains.

Camping with a baby – it works better than you'd think

Camping with a baby is absolutely doable. The most important thing is a comfortable, safe sleeping environment and good day-to-day organisation. Many parents find that babies sleep particularly well outdoors – fresh air and a regular daily routine often have a surprisingly positive effect.

A children's camping chair with a safety harness keeps even the youngest ones safely at the table – leaving both parents' hands free.

Clothing: the layering principle beats every packing list

Camping makes you more dependent on the weather than a standard holiday. The layering principle is the simplest solution: several thin layers instead of one thick jacket. That way you're prepared for cold mornings, midday sun and cool evenings alike.

• 🧣 Base layer – breathable, quick-drying
• 🧥 Mid layer – fleece or lightweight softshell jacket
• 🌧️ Outer layer – wind- and waterproof
• 👟 Spare shoes – one dry pair in reserve, especially for children

Hygiene & first aid: not much, but the right things

Good hygiene standards are easy to maintain on the road too. A reduced selection of products keeps luggage manageable: solid shampoo bars instead of bottles, biodegradable soap, sun cream for all ages.

A small first aid kit should always come along – especially with children, it provides real peace of mind. Plasters, antiseptic, tweezers for splinters and a tick remover cover the most common situations.

Packing without stress – involve the children

Packing doesn't have to be stressful. When children are involved, the excitement about the holiday goes up considerably. A tried-and-tested method: decide the space available in the car or trailer in advance. If it doesn't fit, it doesn't come. That automatically keeps the focus on the essentials.

Particularly practical: lightweight uquip camping chairs and a compact folding table take up hardly any space and stow away in no time.

Frequently asked questions about camping with kids