THE CAMPING EDITION
A camping trip you can enjoy—without overpacking.
Plan the site, expected weather and people going before buying another piece of equipment. A first camping weekend and a remote multi-day trip require different preparation.
Before you pack anything
Choose a permitted campsite or obtain appropriate landowner permission. Across the UK, countryside access, camping, cutting vegetation and lighting fires are subject to local rules. Check the forecast, site restrictions and permitted activities, and share your route with somebody you trust.
Sleep, shelter and clothing
- Tent or approved shelter with pegs, ground protection and a quick setup check at home.
- Sleeping bag appropriate to expected conditions, sleeping mat, dry layers and rain protection.
- Suitable footwear, spare socks, warm layer, waterproof jacket and clothes stored dry.
- Working torch or headlamp with adequate power and suitable backups.
Food, water and hygiene
For a campsite with safe drinking water, bringing extra specialist filtration may be unnecessary. Plan simple meals your group actually likes, suitable safe storage and only the cooking gear allowed on site. Ready-to-eat supermarket options can be sensible and inexpensive. Bring hygiene items and a way to pack out litter.
Navigation and staying in touch
Take a route plan, appropriate map/offline navigation, charged phone, emergency contacts and a realistic exit plan if weather or fitness changes. If hiking far from a campsite, carry suitable navigation tools and know how to use them.
Family camping
Plan for each person’s sleep, dry clothing, food allergies, medications and daytime activities. Check whether the campsite offers toilets, potable water, washing facilities and phone coverage. Keep children appropriately supervised around cooking, water and access roads.
Fire, stove and tent safety
Follow site instructions and fire restrictions. Never use outdoor fuel-burning stoves, barbecues or heaters inside a tent, vehicle or enclosed space: carbon monoxide and fire are serious hazards. Be especially careful in dry conditions. Take litter home and respect habitats.
Buy ordinary items first
Reuse coats, suitable blankets, cutlery and storage bags if they work. Buy normal meal ingredients locally rather than relying entirely on specialist food. Purchase a suitable tent, sleep system or purpose-made gear only when it adds measurable comfort, safety or reliability.
UK countryside guidance: Consult the official countryside or outdoor-access code for the place you visit, respect landowner requirements and any fire restrictions, and leave the environment undamaged. Access rights vary across the UK.
Related guides: Trip Planning Hub · Car Emergency Kit · Driving for Work · Road Trips · Camping · Bushcraft
Our approach: Check what you already own and buy ordinary supplies locally where practical. Specialist equipment should solve a genuine problem and be backed by specifications, not marketing.