Packing list for a campervan holiday in Norway – what to bring
It is easy to overpack before a campervan trip, especially if it is your first one. But in most cases, you need less than you think. The main things are clothes that work in changing weather, a few practical essentials, and enough food so you do not spend the trip constantly looking for shops. If the campervan is already well equipped, much of the work is already done for you. Then packing becomes more about making the trip simple and comfortable.
Clothes and personal items
The weather in Norway changes quickly, even in the middle of summer. That is why it usually makes more sense to think in layers than to pack for one specific temperature.
It is useful to bring:
- Underwear and socks for several days
- T-shirts and light layers
- A wool jumper or fleece
- A rain jacket
- Warm clothes for the evening
- Swimwear
- A towel
- Waterproof shoes or good hiking shoes
- A cap or sun hat
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
Personal items
For personal items, it is smart to bring:
- Toiletries
- Medication
- A toothbrush and toothpaste
- A hairbrush
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitiser
- Earplugs
- A sleep mask
Midnight sun reflected in Kåkersundet with Ryten and Middagstinden in Flakstad
Photo: Simo Räsänen / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and kitchen
A campervan with a 65-litre fridge and plenty of storage space gives you much more freedom than many people expect. You do not need to assume that you will be grocery shopping all the time. In fact, it can be much nicer to do a proper shop when you are already near a store and then spend the next few days enjoying the trip instead.
In most cases, it is enough to bring some simple breakfast basics, a few dinner ingredients, and a handful of staples that make it easy to cook without too much planning.
It makes sense to stock up on:
- Coffee and tea
- Milk or plant-based milk
- Sandwich toppings
- Bread or crispbread
- Butter
- Eggs
- Fruit and vegetables
- Yoghurt
- Cheese
- Dinner ingredients for a few days
- Snacks
- Water
- A little extra to drink on warm days
Staples that keep well
It is also practical to bring a few ingredients that keep well:
- Pasta or rice
- Canned food
- Oats
- Crispbread
- Oil
- Salt and pepper
- Spices you use often
What is often included in a well-equipped campervan
Before you start packing kitchen gear and other bulky items, it is worth checking what is actually included. In a well-equipped campervan, a lot may already be taken care of.
That often includes:
- A gas stove
- A fridge
- A frying pan and pots
- Cutlery, cups, plates, and bowls
- A spatula and a cooking spoon
- Washing-up liquid and dishwashing equipment
- A sink and water setup
- Duvets and pillows
- An outdoor table and chairs
Small practical things that are easy to forget
Some of the most useful items are usually the smallest ones. These are the kinds of things many people are glad they brought:
- Charging cables
- A power bank
- A headlamp or torch
- First aid supplies
- Your driving licence
- Water bottles
- A small daypack
- A card game or a book
- Offline maps or downloaded GPS
- Bags for rubbish and laundry
Romsdalen and Trolltindene in Rauma
Photo: Simo Räsänen / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
What you usually do not need to bring
When you rent a campervan where a lot is already included, there are often several things you can leave at home. That usually includes:
- Kitchen equipment
- Plates, cups, and cutlery
- Pots and a frying pan
- An outdoor table and camping chairs
- Duvets and pillows
Ready for the road
A good packing list is really about one thing: making the trip easier from the start. When you know you have what you need, it becomes much easier to relax and slip into holiday mode straight away.
It is always worth checking this before you leave. That way you avoid both double packing and unnecessary clutter.
Want to travel light while still bringing what matters? See what is included in Campy McCampface and start planning your next campervan holiday in Norway.