The Ultimate Roof Top Tent Packing Checklist

There's nothing worse than arriving at a remote campsite only to realise you've forgotten something essential. Whether it's the tent's bedding, your cooking fuel, or the first aid kit, that sinking feeling of "I knew I was forgetting something" can dampen even the most anticipated adventure.

After years of camping trips and countless lessons learned the hard way, we've compiled this comprehensive packing checklist specifically designed for roof top tent camping. Print it out, laminate it, and keep it in your vehicle for every trip.

Tent and Sleeping Essentials

These items are specific to your roof top tent setup and sleeping comfort. Many RTT owners keep these permanently in or near the tent.

Must-Have Items

Fitted sheet for RTT mattress (measure your specific tent's mattress dimensions)
Top sheet or sleeping bag liner
Doona/quilt or sleeping bags (appropriate for expected temperatures)
Pillows
Pillow cases
Tent cover (should be on the tent already)
Ladder (verify it's properly attached)

Recommended Additions

Mattress protector
Anti-condensation mat (for under the mattress)
Small battery-powered fan
Eye mask and earplugs
Hot water bottle or heat pack (for cold weather trips)
Ladder mat/shoe mat
Shoe storage bag

💡 Pro Tip

Keep a dedicated "tent bag" packed with bedding that stays in your vehicle. You'll never forget sheets again, and setup becomes even faster.

Lighting and Power

Modern camping relies heavily on lighting and charging capability. Don't underestimate your power needs.

Essential Lighting

Headlamp (hands-free is essential for nighttime tasks)
Camp lantern or string lights
Torch/flashlight as backup
Spare batteries for all devices

Power Solutions

12V charging cables (for phone, camera, etc.)
Portable power bank (fully charged before departure)
Dual-battery system or portable power station (for extended trips)
Solar panel (optional but valuable for remote camping)
USB charging hub

Kitchen and Cooking

Camp cooking can be as simple or elaborate as you choose, but these basics cover most needs.

Cooking Equipment

Camp stove (plus adequate fuel/gas canisters)
Lighter or matches (multiple sources)
Pots and pans suitable for camp cooking
Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs, cooking spoon)
Sharp knife and cutting board
Can opener/bottle opener
Plates, bowls, cups (durable options like enamel or melamine)
Cutlery set
Coffee/tea making supplies

Food Storage and Prep

Cooler/esky with ice or ice packs
Dry food storage containers
Ziplock bags (various sizes)
Aluminium foil
Paper towels or reusable cloths
Dish soap and sponge
Collapsible wash basin

ℹ️ Food Planning

Plan your meals before packing food. It's better to have slightly more than needed than to run short. Non-perishables like pasta, rice, and tinned goods provide reliable backup options.

Water Management

Drinking water (minimum 5L per person per day for remote areas)
Water containers (jerry cans or purpose-built tanks)
Water filtration system or purification tablets (for emergency use)
Reusable water bottles
Water for cooking and washing (separate from drinking water for long trips)

Clothing and Personal Items

Pack for the conditions you expect plus one level worse. Australian weather can change rapidly.

Clothing Basics

Weather-appropriate clothing layers
Rain jacket (even in dry seasons)
Warm layer for evenings (fleece or down jacket)
Hat for sun protection
Beanie for cold nights
Sturdy closed-toe shoes for around camp
Thongs/sandals for easy on/off
Sleepwear
Underwear and socks (always pack extras)
Swimmers (many campsites have swimming spots)

Personal Care

Toiletries bag with essentials
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Biodegradable soap (for environmentally-sensitive areas)
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Insect repellent
Prescription medications
Toilet paper
Hand sanitiser
Quick-dry towel

Safety and Emergency Equipment

Hopefully you'll never need these items, but they're non-negotiable for responsible camping.

First Aid

Comprehensive first aid kit
Any personal medications
Emergency contact information
Basic knowledge of first aid procedures

Vehicle Safety

Spare tyre(s) in good condition
Jack and wheel brace
Tyre pressure gauge
Air compressor
Tyre repair kit
Jump starter or jumper cables
Basic tool kit
Recovery gear (straps, shackles, MaxTrax)
Fire extinguisher

Communication and Navigation

Mobile phone (charged) and car charger
Offline maps downloaded
Physical road maps as backup
UHF radio (for remote areas)
Satellite communicator or PLB (for truly remote adventures)

⚠️ Don't Skip This

Tell someone your itinerary before departing, including expected return date and check-in times. This is critical for remote travel where communication may be impossible.

Comfort and Recreation

Camping should be enjoyable. These items enhance the experience beyond mere survival.

Camp chairs (compact folding styles for RTT travel)
Camp table
Awning (if your setup includes one)
Ground mat for outside the vehicle
Books, games, or entertainment
Camera and charging accessories
Binoculars (for wildlife and scenery)
Fishing gear (if appropriate to your destination)
Music speaker (be considerate of neighbours)

Documentation

Driver's licence
Vehicle registration and insurance documents
Roadside assistance membership details
Park passes or permits if required
Campsite booking confirmations
Emergency contact numbers

🎯 Pre-Departure Quick Check

Tent cover secure and latches closed
Ladder properly attached
All roof rack bolts tight
Fuel tank full
Water topped up
Phone charged and itinerary shared
Cooler packed with ice
Tyre pressures checked

Creating Your Personal Checklist

While this guide is comprehensive, your perfect packing list will be unique to your camping style. After each trip, note what you used, what you forgot, and what you brought but didn't need. Over time, you'll develop a refined list that ensures you have exactly what you need without overloading your vehicle.

Consider creating separate lists for different trip types: weekend escapes need less than extended tours, and summer packing differs from winter. Whatever your approach, the key is having a system that works—so you can spend less time worrying about gear and more time enjoying the adventure.