What to bring for an Expedition Camp

An Expedition Camp needs more than sleeping tents and outdoor games. You will need equipment for shelter, cooking, serving meals, storing supplies, navigating the route and running team activities. Plan quantities around the number of participants, team size and length of stay, then separate dietary meals and label crates before transport. The checklist below keeps essential items from being forgotten or left until the last minute.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding benchesqty 8
Chairsqty 12
Storage cratesqty 12

Accommodation

Sleeping tentsqty 8
Ground tarpsqty 8
Herringqty 80
Tent hammersqty 4
Tent peg pullersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable cupsqty 70
Reusable cutleryqty 70
Serving spoonsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Gas burnersqty 4
Gas cylindersqty 4
Large cooking potsqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knifeqty 6
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Water jugsqty 6
Washing-up basinsqty 8

Sports equipment

Compassqty 10
Binocularsqty 6
Rope rollsqty 6
Conesqty 30
Hoopsqty 10
Ballsqty 8
Waterproof mapsqty 12
Plastic bucketsqty 10
Blindfoldsqty 12
Puzzlesqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 6
Whistlesqty 8
Team flagsqty 8
Barrier tapeqty 6

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Power banksqty 8
Charging cablesqty 10
Megaphone
Bluetooth speaker

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Headlampsqty 12
String lightsqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Safety vestsqty 12
Emergency whistlesqty 45
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Water jerrycansqty 6

Decorations

Expedition flagsqty 12
Route signsqty 20
Chalkboardsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom setsqty 3
Hand broomsqty 3
Bucketsqty 6
Clothespinsqty 30

Catering

Groceries
- Water - 60 liters
- Sparkling water - 12 liter
- Cola - 8 liters
- Coca-Cola Zero - 8 liters
- Sinas - 6 liters
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Cocoa powder - 1 pack
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 4 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 50 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Marshmallows - 6 bags
- Hot dog buns - 50 pieces
- Vegetarian sausages - 20 pieces
- Beef hot dogs - 40 pieces
- Tomato soup - 8 liters
- Vegetable stock - 4 liters
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Onions - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Corn - 8 cans
- Cucumber - 3 kilos
- Grated cheese - 3 kilos
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Bread - 12 loaves
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 2 packs
- Margarine - 2 tubs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cheese - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Pancake mix - 4 packs
- Syrup - 3 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 shaker
- Paprika powder - 1 container
- Garlic powder - 1 canister
- Italian herbs - 1 canister
- Oil - 2 liters
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Tea towels - 12 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Cooling packs - 24 pieces
- Charcoal - 3 bags
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Matches - 4 boxes

Tips

Plan one sleeping place per participant, plus ground tarps, herring, tent hammers and tent peg pullers for every tent. Pack a few extra pegs and tarps if the ground or weather may be difficult.
For shared meals, match reusable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery to the participant count, then add at least 10% extra. Pack serving spoons separately so food can be served even when the main tableware is being washed.
Count cooking equipment before shopping: one gas burner may not be enough for several large cooking pots. Bring gas cylinders with enough reserve for the full stay, and keep coolers, cutting boards, a chef’s knife and washing-up basins together in clearly labelled crates.
Pack water jugs and thermos flasks for both the base camp and route stops. Check the planned walking distance and provide a refill point before the longest section rather than relying on participants to bring enough water themselves.
Keep navigation and activity equipment in separate team or activity crates. Include the compass, binoculars, rope rolls, cones and hoops, and charge any batteries before packing the boxes for transport.

Frequently asked questions

How much camping equipment do I need for an Expedition Camp?: Plan one sleeping tent and one ground tarp per sleeping group, with enough herring for every tent. Pack tent hammers and tent peg pullers for setup and bring spare pegs because they are easy to lose or leave behind.
How many plates and cups should I buy for an Expedition Camp?: Prepare one reusable plate, bowl, cup and set of cutlery per participant, plus at least 10% extra. For 30 participants, that means at least 33 of each item so damaged or unwashed tableware does not stop a meal.
How much gas do I need for an Expedition Camp?: The amount depends on the number of meals, burners and cooking time, so check the burner instructions before buying. Arrange the gas cylinders at least 2–3 days before departure and keep a reserve rather than buying only the exact estimated amount.
When should I pack the Expedition Camp shopping list?: Finish the main shopping at least 2 days before camp and separate diet meals as soon as they arrive. Label storage crates before transport, then do a final equipment check on the day before departure.

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