Essential Gear For Camping In The UK
Is All This Necessary?
If you’ve been googling “what do I need for camping” and are feeling overwhelmed by the tents, sleeping bags, chairs, hammocks and a whole host of other things that have been thrown your way. Take a step back and have a cuppa; you don’t need to look like you’re about to scale Everest!
What’s actually happening is outdoor gear companies want you to buy everything. Websites list fifty “essential” items you’ve never heard of. Forums argue about high-tech specs that don’t matter for one weekend of camping in the Peak District once a year. It’s almost as if all this deliberate confusion is designed to make you spend more!
The truth is, it’s pretty simple to camp in the UK. It’s about staying dry and reasonably comfortable. If you get these basics right, then you’ll have a brilliant time, even if the weather is doing it’s typical British thing.
Tents: Your Home Away From Home
So what actually matters when you’re tent shopping? Ignore the marketing nonsense, the only thing that really matters is space and keeping you dry when the heavens open (which they will).
Your tent needs to keep water out. Look for waterproof ratings around 2000mm for the flysheet, as this will handle typical British drizzle and most proper downpours. For the groundsheet, aim higher (3000mm+) because you’ll be putting pressure on it and British ground is usually soggy. The waterproof ratings usually mentions Hydrostatic Head or HH, it just means how waterproof it is before the water gets through the fabric. The higher the number, the better but don’t get too hung up on this.
For space, aim for something slightly bigger than advertised. As you can physically fit two people in a two-man tent, however you’re unlikely to fit all your gear too – unless you’re at a festival and have only brought your tent, your wallet and a dream! So for a solo camper, two-man tent is adequate. A couple, three or four-man. Family of four needs a six-man, you catch my drift!
Which Tent Shape Won’t Drive You Mad
Dome tents are brilliant for beginners. Stable in wind, pretty fool proof to put up, and handle most weather conditions well. They’re the reliable choice that won’t let you down. Most come with decent headroom too, so you won’t feel like you’re living in a cave.
Pop-up tents are another good shout for beginners, especially those who want to skip the setup faff. They literally spring open in seconds, which is great for festivals, family trips, or anyone who’d rather spend time exploring than wrestling with tent poles. You just need to master folding them back down! (But that’s what YouTube and a bit of practice is for right?)
Tunnel tents give you loads more space inside and often have great porches, but you need to think about wind direction when pitching. They can feel a bit flappy in strong winds if not positioned right. On the plus side, they’re usually lighter than dome tents of similar size.
Geodesic tents laugh in the face of gales and are built like tanks. They cost more and can be trickier to pitch, but are worth it if you’re camping in an exposed spot, or in harsh conditions. They’re the go-to choice for serious mountain camping.
Other Tent Bits That Will Save Your Sanity
Sleep Systems: Stay Warm, Sleep Happy
Sleeping Bags
British summer nights can drop to 10°C. Which, let me tell you, can feel pretty cold in July, especially when you thought you’d packed for the Mediterranean. So getting a sleeping bag that actually works is key. Choose one that is comfort rated to at least 0°C for summer or -5°C if you’re camping in spring or autumn. Don’t get too hung up on GSM numbers, as they only show how much insulation is in the bag and not how warm it will actually feel. Instead, look for the comfort temperature rating, which is a standardised measure and far more reliable for real-world conditions. Oh, and synthetic fillings beats down in our damp climate. Down filling needs to stay dry, the slightest mistake will turn it into a soggy mess when wet. Synthetic keeps you warm even when it’s damp and is much more forgiving for beginners.
Sleeping Mats, Not Optional!
The ground sucks the heat right out of you. A decent sleeping mat isn’t luxury, it’s survival. Self-inflating mats are brilliant for beginners ( as they’re comfy and easy), air mats are super comfortable but can puncture, foam mats are very traditional, will keep you warm but feels like sleeping on, well, foam. Look for an R-value above 3, that’s the insulation rating. Higher number = warmer you. Many campers actually use two mats, a thin foam one underneath for puncture protection and extra insulation, then their main mat on top. It’s one of those tricks you pick up after a few cold nights that makes all the difference.
Pillows, The Often Forgotten Essential
Pack a pillow or get one of those inflatable camping ones. Your neck will thank you and a good night’s sleep will make everything better. Alternatively, stuff spare clothes into a pillowcase (it’s old school but it works). Some people also swear by those compact travel pillows too, though they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. Whatever you choose, test it at home first! There’s nothing worse than discovering your pillow choice was a mistake when you’re already knackered from a day outdoors.
Staying Dry: The British Camping Essential
Layer Like An Onion
British weather changes faster than your mood after too much food. You really can wake up to sunshine, have a downpour during breakfast and be back to blue skies by lunch. It’s mental if you’re unprepared. I’ve seen people in shorts and t-shirts shivering by evening because they didn’t pack layers. Layering is your friend and once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like being able to strip off or add layers as the day changes, while watching other campers either sweating buckets or looking miserable in the cold.
- Base layer: T-shirts or long sleeve top made of merino wool or synthetic stuff that wicks sweat away from your skin and keeps you dry are a must. Cotton might feel nice at first, but it holds moisture like a sponge and will leave you cold and clammy. Cotton kills when wet, as they say.
- Middle layer: Fleece or thin insulated jacket for warmth. This is your adjustable bit, easy to whip off when you’re hiking uphill and getting toasty or throw on when you stop for a brew and start cooling down. Try and keep it light, so if you do need to pack it, it doesn’t take up too much space.
- Outer shell: Proper waterproof jacket and trousers for when it’s properly grim outside. Don’t cheap out here, a decent shell will keep you dry and comfortable. Whilst a rubbish one will have you soaked and miserable within minutes. Once you have that decent shell, remember to re-waterproof it to increase its lifetime. Once a year should be enough, but if you notice water doesn’t bead on it, then it’s not doing its job. It’s surprisingly easy to re-waterproof a jacket, just buy a spray or wash-in proofer, follow the instructions and in a few minutes or one wash cycle your jacket is performing again. No need to keep buying jackets every couple of years.
The Right Gear Allows For Great Adventures
Feet Matter More Than You Think
If you’re at any campsite then waterproof hiking boots are non-negotiable. All it takes is one heavy downpour and even your kid friendly Haven Holiday site could resemble a bad year at Glastonbury! Pack some lightweight camp shoes too, something you can just slip on for pottering around the campsite. Your feet will need a break from boots.
If you’re doing something a bit more adventurous then gaiters (waterproof leg covers) are a good shout for longer hikes. These stop water and mud getting into your boots, which is handy if you want to ford a stream or avoid trench foot (seriously, there have been cases of hikers getting trench foot in as little as 8 hours). So these are a game-changer in wet conditions.
Finally, take several pairs of socks wherever you go. Once misplaced step is all it takes to get wet feet, so a quick change of socks will make all the difference.
Other Little Things That Make a Big Difference
It might seem like a lot of kit but once you’ve got the basics sorted, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without this. The difference between being miserable and cold versus comfortable and dry, often comes down to these smaller items. Pack smart, stay flexible with your layers and remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices. Get this stuff right and you’ll be the one out adventuring, when everyone else is huddled in their tents waiting for the rain to stop.
Camping Kitchen: Kit That Won’t Let You Down
Right, let’s talk about feeding yourself in the great outdoors. You don’t need a full outdoor kitchen setup for your first few trips, just something reliable that’ll boil water for tea and cook a decent meal without setting fire to the campsite. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can then dream about that full outdoor kitchen setup.
Stoves: The Only Essential You Need
Gas Cartridge Stoves are perfect for beginners. They are reliable, easy to control and work well in all types of typical British weather conditions. They also light instantly with the click of a button, which is unlike liquid fuel stoves that need priming first. A 230g gas cartridge gives you about 2-3 hours of cooking time, so one usually covers a weekend trip. Always carry a spare, as running out of gas mid-dinner is no fun. The cartridges work down to about -5°C, which is perfect for UK camping conditions.
What To Look For When Buying
The Other Helpful Cooking Bits
Keeping Food Fresh
Camping (with car): If you’re on a family camping trip or glamping, you’ve probably got good access to your car, which will make life a bit simpler. British summers require food to be properly cooled, so bringing a cool box is a good way of keeping your food fresh and beers cold. We reckon on 2kg of ice per day for a standard cool box. Pre-freeze meals and use frozen water bottles for extra cooling and if you do pass a shop, try and remember to top up your ice supplies.
Hiking/wild camping: Forget the cool box, you’re in the wilds and carrying everything on your back. Focus on non-perishable foods that don’t need refrigeration: dried pasta, rice, tinned food, nuts, energy bars. For fresh items, eat them on day one before they spoil and consider dehydrated meals designed for backpacking. They’re lightweight and last ages.
Always, pack food in airtight containers to keep moisture and curious wildlife out. Unlike some places, we’re lucky enough not to need bear-proof storage, so that squirrel is more interested in your biscuits than breaking into your tent.
The Other Bits You Might Forget
Don’t Get Caught In The Dark – Lighting And Power
Forget normal torches, headlamps are your best mate. They allow you to keep your hands free for setting up camp, cooking or finding the loo in the middle of the night. Look for ones with white light for general use and red light for night-time (red doesn’t kill your night vision and doesn’t attract every moth in the county to your face!).
Remember, A battery-powered LED lantern transforms your campsite from creepy dark corner to cozy outdoor living room. Solar ones are clever but with the weather in this country being what it is, pack a battery backup too as you don’t want to be eating dinner by phone light.
Your phone isn’t just for Instagram photos, it’s your emergency lifeline and map for when you inevitably get lost looking for the shower block. So a decent power bank is needed to keep it charged for several days. Get one with enough juice for your trip length plus a bit extra, but try and make sure it’s light enough to pack easily. Nothing kills your back quicker than lugging round something with the weight of a small diesel generator!
First Aid & Hygiene: Prepare For The Worst, Hope For The Best
Pack a small but comprehensive first aid kit with plasters in various sizes, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, bandages, medical tape, tweezers for splinter removal, any personal medications and consider adding antihistamines and rehydration salts. You’ll be grateful for being over-prepared when someone takes a tumble on the trail.
For personal hygiene, bring biodegradable soap, wet wipes, camping friendly toilet paper (the stuff that dissolves when wet) and a small towel as staying dry and clean helps prevent infections and also keeps morale up when you’re roughing it. Don’t forget toothbrush, toothpaste and small bottle of hand sanitizer for those moments when water isn’t readily available.
For washing up, biodegradable soap is kinder to the environment and pack everything in waterproof bags. Wet toilet paper is nobody’s friend and neither is soggy soap or damp toiletries when you need them most.
UK Camping Gear Summary: A Lot To Unpack
So, that was a lot to digest in this section and you’re probably thinking this will cost a fortune! Don’t panic though, you don’t need to buy everything new for your first few camping trips in the UK. You can borrow, rent or buy second-hand while you figure out what works for you before splashing serious cash.
What’s the secret to brilliant British camping? Stay dry, stay warm and pack more chocolate than you think you need. It’s pretty simple really, everything else is just details.
Speaking of which, we’ve put together a downloadable checklist of all the gear mentioned above for you to print out before your next trip. So no more standing in a field wondering what you’ve forgotten.
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You Now Know What Good Gear Looks Like, We Can Help You Get It
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