You do not need a complete set of camping equipment for your first weekend in a roof tent. Start with a manageable list suited to your destination, the weather and your booked campsite. This list is for two nights. Adjust quantities and clothing to the number of travellers and your planned activities.
Before packing: what do you already have?
Check your roof tent's included equipment and instructions first. There is no need to pack a second mattress, ladder or light if your model already includes them. For the BIA roof tents Gerald and Robert, you can find the equipment on the product pages.
Also check what your campsite provides. Drinking water, washrooms, electricity or a kitchen can change your packing list considerably. Confirm opening hours, arrival requirements and your reservation directly with the operator. Plan an alternative for bad weather.
1. Sleeping gear and personal essentials
- A sleeping bag or bedding suited to the expected overnight temperatures
- A pillow and clean clothes for sleeping
- A head torch or small torch
- Personal toiletries, a towel and any medication you need
- Earplugs and a sleep mask if useful
- A bag for shoes and separate storage for damp clothing
Try arranging your sleeping gear in the open tent before travelling. This helps you check that everyone can lie comfortably and that small essentials remain within reach at night. Whether bedding may stay in the closed tent during travel depends on the model and its instructions. Never force the tent closed over too much equipment.
2. Clothing for daytime and evening
- Spare underwear and socks
- An extra warm layer for the evening
- A waterproof jacket and, if needed, waterproof trousers
- Footwear suited to the terrain and weather
- Sun protection and a hat appropriate to the forecast
- A separate bag for used or wet clothing
Pack for your actual plans. A weekend with a day hike calls for different clothing from two quiet days at a campsite. Keep a dry set of clothes for the night separate from your daytime clothing.
3. Food and a small camping kitchen
Plan your meals first, then work out which kitchen items you need. Simple meals requiring few ingredients and one pot are practical for a first trip. If you plan to eat out, you can bring less cooking equipment.
- Drinking water and suitable containers for your needs
- Food and suitable cooling equipment if required
- Plates or bowls, cups and cutlery
- A pot, cooking utensils and a small chopping board if you will cook
- Washing-up liquid, a sponge and a tea towel for the designated washing-up facilities
- Rubbish bags and sealable food containers
If you bring a camping stove, check its instructions and the correct fuel beforehand. Never use a gas stove inside a roof tent or vehicle; follow the manufacturer's instructions and the campsite's rules. Find information about our Willi camping stove set on its product page.
4. Power, organisation and time outdoors
- A charged power bank and the charging cables you actually need
- A mobile phone with saved booking and contact details
- An offline route and the address of your campsite
- Small, labelled bags or boxes for cooking equipment, clothing and electronics
- A seat or picnic blanket if needed
The Heidi picnic blanket is one option for breaks outdoors. What matters is what you will use: keep everyday essentials together and easy to reach, and avoid loose items in the car.
5. Checks before departure
Packing does not replace the mounting and travel checks in the manufacturer's documentation. Check the mountings, that the tent is closed correctly, and that the ladder and accessories are secured according to the relevant instructions. Observe the permitted loads and the vehicle's actual height with the roof tent fitted.
Keep instructions and relevant documents within reach. Resolve any questions about vehicle or rack compatibility before driving. The BIA product manuals and our contact details can help you prepare.
Improve your list after the weekend
When you return, note three things: what did you use, what was missing and what stayed unused? Adapt the list for your next trip. Dry damp equipment according to its care instructions before storing it. Each trip will help you build a compact packing list that suits you.