\n<\/p>\n
Packing for a camping trip isn\u2019t easy, especially if you\u2019re not an experienced adventurer. Newbie campers often overpack while simultaneously leaving more useful items at home.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The Guardian\u2019s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.\u00a0Learn more.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n As a lifelong city dweller, my lack of knowhow has been exposed on trips with my camping-savvy family in the US. It turns out that House of Leaves by Mark Z Danielewski and a medium-sized Bluetooth speaker aren\u2019t must-haves on a four-day wilderness hike. Who knew? An extra water bottle would have been a better use of that space, something I learned through a series of hardships.<\/p>\n For guidance on this topic, I asked experienced campers \u2013 including parents with young kids, festival-goers, outdoor guides and lone wild campers \u2013 for their must-pack items. Whether you\u2019re taking a \u00a320 tent to a muddy field, glamping in a yurt or going fully off-grid, this list is sure to feature an item you\u2019ll be thankful you threw in the bag.<\/p>\n For a comprehensive list of essentials, you should always consider the particulars of your upcoming trip. For more help on getting started, I recommend practical checklists from organisations such as the Ordnance Survey and the Camping and Caravanning Club.<\/p>\n Northcore Kick Back hammock<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a334.95 at SurfSurfSurf <\/strong><\/p>\n This hammock is great. If you\u2019re camping in, or near, a woodland, you can quickly set it up between a couple of trees to read a book, listen to the birds or take a nap. Dave, north-west London<\/strong><\/p>\n Hennessy Expedition zip hammock<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a3139.95 at Hennessy <\/strong><\/p>\n My hammock is ultra-light compared with a conventional tent; it can be fully zipped open, or closed and covered by the accompanying tarp. It comes with webbing straps to prevent any damage to trees. While my hammock is snug \u2013 and not the cheapest option \u2013 it\u2019s a really novel, comfortable and fun shelter to take on overnight adventures or multi-day expeditions, and an excellent choice when camping in wooded areas. Joe, Cambridgeshire<\/strong><\/p>\n The Filter\u2019s top pick for camping: Black Diamond Storm 500R<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a354.95 at WildBounds The Filter\u2019s top pick overall: Petzl Swift RL<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a384.99 at Decathlon<\/p>\n A head torch is a non-negotiable. Its usefulness compared with its weight and cost is unmatched. After dark, it\u2019s much harder to do basic tasks such as pitching up, prepping a fire or nipping out of the tent in the middle of the night for a loo break. Get one. Adam, East Sussex<\/strong><\/p>\n Everbeam H6 Pro <\/strong>headlamp<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a316.99 at Amazon <\/p>\n There are two main reasons I love this compact little Everbeam torch. First, it\u2019s rechargeable via USB, so easy to keep topped up, either at home or on the go using a battery pack. Second, it has an adjustable angle, so no more tilting your head back and forth; just change the angle of the lamp while it\u2019s on your head! Also, it comes with a great carry case, protecting it from damage when you just chuck it in your bag. It has two white brightness settings and a red light for when you need a low-light option. Dave, north-west London<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/span> Photograph: Jacob Little\/The Guardian<\/p>\n The Filter\u2019s top pick: <\/strong>MSR Hubba Hubba NX<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a3476 at Cotswold Outdoors I do like a minimal tent. I\u2019m only using it for sleep after all, so I don\u2019t need fancy extras. And I like the feeling of being fully enclosed. A small tent is all a single camper needs, and it provides more shelter than one of those military-style bivi bags, which I\u2019m not a fan of. Michael, Shropshire<\/strong><\/p>\n Coleman Darwin 2 Plus<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a389.99 at Mountain Warehouse I love this Coleman tent\u2019s extended porch cover. You can leave your pack and shoes outside your tent, so you get less muck inside. This leaves plenty of room indoors for a couple of people, plus a medium-sized dog. The canopy keeps your stuff dry if it rains in the night. Saskia, west London<\/strong><\/p>\n For more, read our guide to the best tents for camping<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/span> Photograph: Jacob Little\/The Guardian<\/p>\n The Filter\u2019s favourite chair for two: Kelty Loveseat<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a3130 at Mountain Warehouse My partner and I have enjoyed using this double-camping chair from Kelty for years. It\u2019s sturdier and higher quality than the typical camping chairs you may be used to, and it\u2019s comfortable enough for one person to curl up on and have a nap. Kelty also makes an Essential single version of this chair, as well as a Deluxe Lounge one, and all are available in the same smart colour schemes. Luke, Watford<\/strong><\/p>\n For more, read our guide to the best camping chairs<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Anker Soundcore Boom 3i<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a399.99 at Soundcore This Bluetooth speaker is more than just waterproof: it floats, it\u2019s saltwater resistant, and it can even self-right itself in choppy waters. The Boom 3i packs a hell of a punch too, with powerful bass and a 50W\/96dB speaker. The RGB lights add to the fun, bringing a party atmosphere to your pitch, but you can always turn them off if you find them tacky. Remember to always adhere to your campsite\u2019s noise rules and regulations: if there\u2019s a designated quiet time, respect it \u2013 or else incur the wrath of every other family sharing the site. Tom, north-west London<\/strong><\/p>\n The Filter\u2019s top pick: Coleman Pro<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a3129.99 at Amazon<\/p>\n Coleman <\/strong>15l Performance cool box<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a335 at Argos<\/p>\n My mates all said it was a waste of space to bring a massive cooler on a two-night camping trip. But who was laughing at the end of the day \u2026 when I was the only one with drinkable beer? Coolers aren\u2019t even expensive, and when you factor in the savings from not having to drive out of camp to the nearest petrol station to pick up a few cold cans, it\u2019s more than worth the initial spend. William, <\/strong>South Yorkshire<\/strong><\/p>\n For more, read our guide to the best cool boxes<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The Filter\u2019s top pick: <\/strong>MSR Switch<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a3115 at LD Mountain Centre Jetboil MightyMo<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a375 at Blacks<\/p>\n Jetboil MicroMo<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a3134.95 at WildBounds<\/p>\n A Jetboil is essential for us whenever we go camping. It doesn\u2019t matter if it\u2019s a family outing or a week-long wilderness trek \u2013 the Jetboil is the first thing we pack. It\u2019s lightweight and can bring water to the boil faster than any other camping stove we\u2019ve tried. I\u2019m always grateful to have it when I\u2019m prepping dehydrated meals at the end of a long day\u2019s hike. Don\u2019t forget to bring a spare fuel canister. Tommy, Wisconsin, US<\/strong><\/p>\n For more, read our guide to the best camping stoves<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Blue Mountain Starlight 150L lantern<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a312 at Cotswold Outdoor <\/strong> It\u2019s a small thing, but the few pounds I spent on this little lantern were more than worth it. So useful after dark when you need to look for something in your tent, or get up during the night. It also adds a cosy vibe to your haven in the wilderness. Saskia, west London<\/strong><\/p>\n Nilaqua <\/strong>no-<\/strong>rinse <\/strong>body <\/strong>wash<\/strong>, 500ml<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a36.99 at Victoria Health Clean Life no-rinse foaming body wash, 237ml<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a34.66 at iHerb The best recommendation I ever got for camping was to get a no-rinse foam wash. It\u2019s mainly used by carers, and it cleans you up without water, so it\u2019s worth its weight in gold when you can\u2019t shower. It was a life-saver for my pits at El Dorado festival last year. Mel, south London<\/strong><\/p>\n skip past newsletter promotion<\/p>\n Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian\u2019s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.<\/p>\n Privacy Notice: <\/strong>Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.<\/span><\/p>\n after newsletter promotion<\/p>\n Snugpak The Sleeping Bag WGTE<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a342.69 at Amazon <\/strong><\/p>\n For UK camping, from spring right through to early autumn, you don\u2019t need anything too hardcore. The Sleeping Bag by Snugpak is exceptionally snug and comfortable in a wide range of temperatures. Officially, it is rated suitable in climates from -7C. At less than \u00a350, it\u2019s a great buy. Luke, Watford<\/strong><\/p>\n Exped Schnozzel <\/strong>pump bag<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a326.96 at Alpine Trek<\/p>\n The Exped pump bag is my must-have if you want to pack light, since it makes getting ready for bed way easier. First off, it lets you inflate your sleeping mat quickly \u2013 and without moisture getting into the mat. Then, it doubles as a waterproof sack to keep your phone (and spare underwear) dry. Molly, Minnesota, US<\/strong><\/p>\n Kelty Cosmic Si Mummy <\/strong>sleeping <\/strong>pad<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a356 at Decathlon Maybe you don\u2019t want to bother with inflating your sleeping mat at all, in which case I can recommend the Cosmic Si Mummy. To get this mat ready, all you need to do is lay it out flat, unscrew the valve and \u2026 actually, that\u2019s it. Come back later, tighten up the valve and go to sleep. In my experience, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to fully inflate, but if you\u2019re in a rush, you can still inflate it manually. It\u2019s comfy to lie on and easy to pack down too. Tom, north-west London<\/strong><\/p>\n For more, read our guide to the best camping mattresses and sleeping mats<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The Filter\u2019s top pick: Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-port 20k<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a379.99 at Argos Juice Eco Max+ 24,000mAh portable power bank<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a334.99 at Argos<\/p>\n I got this power bank before a long weekend of climbing and camping in Suffolk. It kept three phones charged up enough for the three-day trip, which is all you can ask for. There are more expensive ones that will charge your phone faster, but I wanted one that specifically charged up to three devices at once and had a large capacity. This one does the job perfectly. Tom, north-west London<\/strong><\/p>\n For more, read our guide to the best power banks<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Halfords Advanced 2l jump starter power bank<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a360.99 at Halfords <\/strong><\/p>\n Halfords 6-in-1 jump starter power pack<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a399.99 at Halfords<\/p>\n You may never actually need it, but trust me \u2013 I\u2019m speaking from experience \u2013 you don\u2019t want to be stuck in the middle of an empty campsite in the New Forest with a dead car battery, in the rain and sleet. One of those things that\u2019s better to have and not need than the other way around. Tom, north-west London<\/strong><\/p>\n Sea to Summit collapsible X-pot 4<\/strong>l<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a379.99 at Sub Zero<\/p>\n Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight collapsible 2.2l pouring pot<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a362.95 at Outdoor Action Sea to Summit makes practical cooking pots with silicone sides that pack down flat for easy transport. The lid can be used like a sieve to pour out excess liquid when cooking pasta, plus these pots double up well as basins to do your washing-up in. Luke, Watford<\/strong><\/p>\n Lifeventure all-purpose biodegradable soap<\/strong><\/p>\n From \u00a34.99 at Lifeventure An all-purpose soap is good for cleaning your body, doing the washing-up or anything that needs a quick de-griming. Once, I didn\u2019t wash at a festival, and my friends refused to stay in the same tent as me (although now that I think about it, that was kind of a bonus). Alba, Norfolk<\/strong><\/p>\n The Filter\u2019s top pick for women: Lowa Renegade Evo GTX<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a3219.95 at Cotswold Outdoor<\/p>\n The Filter\u2019s top pick for men: La Sportiva TX5<\/strong><\/p>\n From \u00a3210.99 at Amazon<\/p>\n Danner Women\u2019s Trail 2650 Campo<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a3110 at Naked Ape<\/p>\n Danner Men\u2019s Trail 2650 Mid GTX<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a3200 at Ellis Brigham<\/p>\n I have a pair of Danner boots that I always wear when I go hiking or camping. My whole family loves Danner. They\u2019re the most reliable shoes for hiking as far as I\u2019m concerned, with a snug fit that makes you feel more balanced as you make your way through the forests and hills. They also come in lots of colours. Gwyneth, south-west London<\/strong><\/p>\n For more, read our guide to the best hiking boots for men and <\/strong><\/em>women<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n GSI Mini espresso set 1 cup<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a341.20 at Rock + Run<\/p>\n You can\u2019t start a day without a decent cup of coffee in your system. Little coffee makers such as these are awesome for camping because they\u2019re easy to clean and pack away when you\u2019re done. The promise of a proper espresso from one of these is the only thing that gets me out of my tent in the morning. Matteo, north London<\/strong><\/p>\n Flip 7<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a39.95 at Zatu Games If you go camping with your family, you should buy the game Flip 7. It\u2019s our new favourite filler game. It\u2019s easy to play, you can teach it in a couple of minutes, but you can play it for hours! It\u2019s just fine for three players, but it can go up to 12 or more. It\u2019s also cheap. You don\u2019t even need to look into it, just buy it. Trust me, you\u2019re going to love it. It\u2019s the greatest card game of all time. It says it right on the box. Clayton, Wisconsin, US<\/strong><\/p>\n Those little bug zappers that you can hang in your tent or place on a table. When bugs are thick enough to be an issue, it can\u2019t get all of them. You\u2019ll inevitably end up with some mosquito bites anyway. Stick to using good old-fashioned bug spray, and don\u2019t leave your tent unzipped if there are lots of critters about! Saskia, west London<\/strong><\/p>\n The \u201covernight\u201d bug spray that you fully saturate your clothes in, only for the effects to wear off in less than a day. The bad smell sticks around for longer! Bill, South Dakota, US <\/strong><\/p>\n Oversized, multi-room tents are just a waste of space and money. Why do you need to walk around fully upright in your tent? You won\u2019t be spending that long in there anyway. Matteo, north London<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Packing for a camping trip isn\u2019t easy, especially if you\u2019re not an experienced adventurer. Newbie campers often overpack while simultaneously leaving more useful items at home. The Guardian\u2019s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.\u00a0Learn more. As a lifelong city dweller, my lack of knowhow has<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11929,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[52],"tags":[5447,1326,3754,4413,5446],"class_list":{"0":"post-11928","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-technology","8":"tag-camping","9":"tag-dont","10":"tag-essentials","11":"tag-holidays","12":"tag-tent"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11928","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11928"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11928\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11929"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11928"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11928"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11928"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Camping essentials<\/h2>\n
Hammock<\/h2>\n
Head torch<\/h2>\n
\u00a365 at Cotswold Outdoor <\/strong><\/p>\nTent<\/h2>\n
\u00a3476 at Snow and Rock<\/p>\n
\u00a382.52 at Amazon <\/strong><\/p>\nCamping chair<\/h2>\n
<\/strong>\u00a3130 at Ellis Brigham<\/p>\nBluetooth speaker<\/h2>\n
\u00a399.99 at Amazon<\/p>\nCool box<\/h2>\n
Mini stove<\/h2>\n
\u00a3114.75 at Amazon<\/p>\nLantern<\/h2>\n
<\/strong>\u00a312 at Snow and Rock<\/p>\nFoam wash<\/h2>\n
\u00a36.99 at Boots<\/p>\n
\u00a39.99 at Amazon <\/strong><\/p>\nSleeping bag<\/h2>\n
Sleeping mat pump bag<\/h2>\n
Sleeping mat<\/h2>\n
<\/strong>\u00a369 at Mountain Warehouse<\/p>\nPower bank<\/h2>\n
\u00a379.99 at Amazon<\/p>\nJump starter<\/h2>\n
Collapsible cooking pot<\/h2>\n
\u00a390 at Cotswold Outdoor <\/strong><\/p>\nAll-purpose soap<\/h2>\n
\u00a34.99 at Amazon <\/strong><\/p>\nHiking boots<\/h2>\n
Coffee maker<\/h2>\n
Card game<\/h2>\n
<\/strong>\u00a313.99 at Waterstones<\/p>\nDon\u2019t bother with \u2026<\/h2>\n