Whether you’re planning to travel across the continent in a camper van or you prefer an old-fashioned tent in the great outdoors, even total amateurs know that there are camping essentials you need before venturing out into the wilderness.
You could spend hours planning an itinerary, but you need the right gear — or that great trip can go south pretty quickly. That also goes for festival weekends. Gear is essential to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
You probably already have a decent torch and portable charger kicking around, but you might want to consider investing in some camping basics, like a decent stove and fire top coffee percolator for example. Sure, there are some seriously innovative camp gadgets out there, but if you’re a beginner, you’re better off investing in the basics and spending any extra cash filling up your cooler with drinks and snacks.
Need more advice? Here’s all the need-to-know info before you set off camping.
What camping basics do you really need?
Camping is all about getting back to nature and appreciating the great outdoors, but there’s a lot to take into account when packing for a given season.
Whether you’re braving the elements or you much prefer camping in the heat of the summer (we don’t blame you), you’ll always want to pack ample sleeping and cooking gear. We also recommend leisurely items for relaxation, such as a good camping chair and speaker — it’s a holiday, after all. And don’t forget a handy tool, such as a knife. You never know when you might need it.
What is ‘three season’ and ‘four season’ camping gear?
Camping gear will often be marked as “three season” or “four season”. This is fairly self-explanatory. Three season is good for spring, summer, and autumn, but might not be tough enough for the winter months. Four season gear is built to withstand the winter.
How do you plan for wet weather?
As this is a beginner’s guide, it’s safe to assume your first camping trip won’t be an arduous journey into the mountains, but this is still the UK. Always plan for rain. It’s worth packing extra clothes and wet weather gear. Consider picking up a rope for hanging clothes to dry should you get caught in any unexpected drizzle. Double check that your tent is rated all-weather, and even if it is, we suggest bringing an extra tarp to help absorb any unexpected moisture in the ground.
Should you go camping in cold weather?
If you are intent on braving sub zero temperatures, consider swapping your thin nylon tent and sleeping bag for thermal options. There’s a wide variety of four-season tents that sport a thicker outer layer, but you’ll also want to look out for a sleeping pad with an R-value of four or more — as well as a sleeping bag that’s rated lower than the coldest temperatures you’re expecting.
How should you pack for hiking?
If you’re physically carrying your gear on your back rather than lumping it in the boot of your car, you’ll want to streamline your supplies as much as possible. No matter how cool or innovative a piece of gear can be, we promise you’ll be wishing you left it in the shop once it’s weighing you down during your hike.
Consider purchasing lightweight materials like down feathers over synthetic options and a flexible water bladder over a plastic or glass bottle. If you’re hiking in the summer, picking up a simple poncho is a great way to avoid the weight of a cotton jacket.
What is the best camping gear for beginners?
There are plenty of cool gadgets out there that would be nice to have, but your boot (or rucksack) will be filled to the brim before you know it. All those nice-to-have products will just weigh you down and make unpacking even more of a hassle.
Consider the basics. Do you plan on camping frequently, or is this more of a one off or semi-annual trip? If you’re an avid camper, it’s worth investing in top-of-the-line gear that will serve you well for years to come. Of course, the price tag will be a factor. If you’re not entirely sold on the idea, opt for budget-friendly items or consider renting gear from your local outdoor supplies shop.
From a utility-first portable camp stove to one of the highest rated (and least expensive) sleeping bags on the internet, this list of the best basics will help ensure your wild adventure goes off without a hitch.
This is the best camping gear for beginners in 2022.
