What to Take Camping: The Ultimate Packing Guide

If you’re embarking on your first camping adventure, then there is a fantastic range of truly wonderful and grounding escapades to throw yourself into, alongside family, friends or your partner. However, to make sure your trip is comfortable as well as exciting, you need to pack all of the right things.

To help make your next staycation as smooth as possible, Rhyd y Galen Caravan Park   has put together the ultimate guide on what to put in your tent, once you’ve found the right one.

Clothing Essentials

Unfortunately, no matter how many times we check the weather report, the weather in the UK can be unpredictable so it’s important to be prepared.

Of course, if it’s summer, you don’t want to take up valuable packing space with winter coats and woolen scarfs, and it would be best to avoid sunbathing attire in December, but aside from these little exceptions, here is a little guide on all the clothing you should pack for a camping holiday:

1. The Basics:

We don’t need to tell you to pack t-shirts, trousers, underwear and socks but sometimes, when your mind is stuck on all the other essentials, you can forget to pack the basics. Don’t forget to bring jumpers, a few long sleeved tops, shorts if the weather permits, pyjamas, and a good range of comfy and practical socks.

Our biggest tip is to make sure you have spares of all the basics. Although you’ll want to save packing space, it’s important to prepare for the inevitable: getting muddy.

2. The Coats

Coats are undoubtedly one of the most important pieces of clothing to have with you at any campsite. Depending on the weather and your chosen activities for your holiday, we would recommend packing:

• A lightweight, waterproof jacket
• A padded windbreaker jacket for walks
• An insulated hiking jacket or ski jacket
• A good fleece

Whatever the climate, a good quality waterproof jacket is non-negotiable.

3. Footwear

There are a few types of shoes that you can’t afford to miss from your packing list. These include:

• Hiking boots
• Trainers
• Cushioned slippers (tent shoes)

4. Thermals

Unless it is the height of summer, thermal innerwear can’t be underestimated. Anyone who’s been camping will tell you that nights are always colder than you expect them to be, and tents provide little protection from the temperature.

So, it’s best to have a little extra padding under your pyjamas. When putting your suitcase together, make sure you throw in the following thermals:

• Long sleeved top
• Leggings
• Vests
• Socks

5. Hats

This one should be fairly self explanatory, but in spring and summer, make sure you have a ball cap or bucket hat and sunglasses.

In autumn and winter, a scarf, gloves, and warm hat of your choice can’t be missed. Beanie, bucket, trapper or fleece hood; whichever style is your favourite, as long as it keeps your head nice and toasty. A hat might also come in handy at night.

Sleeping Essentials

A good night’s sleep is vital for a successful camping experience. Make sure you pack everything needed for a restful night under the stars:

• Sleeping bag: Choose a sleeping bag appropriate for the season and temperature. Opt for one with insulation to keep you warm on cooler nights.
• Duvet: If you prefer extra comfort, a light duvet can make your tent feel homier and also act as an alternative to a sleeping bag if you find them too restrictive.
• Pillows: You need a pillow to rest your head at night.
• Blankets: For cushioning or to help your tent feel more cosy, a couple of extra blankets are recommended.
• Sleeping mat or inflatable mattress: To protect you from the cold ground and add comfort, an inflatable mattress or sleeping mat is a must.
• Warm sleeping clothes: Ensure you pack thermals or comfortable sleepwear to keep you warm at night.
  
  

Cooking Essentials

If you’re planning on catering your own meals rather than eating out, then you’ll need all the right stuff to cook with. Here’s everything you'll need to prepare your meals in the great outdoors:

• Portable stove
• Matches or lighter
• Aluminium frying pan
• Aluminium saucepan
• Cooking utensils
• Fridge box
• Oven gloves
• Washing up liquid
• Water container
• Plates, bowls and cutlery
• Glasses and thermal mugs
• Tin opener and scissors
  
  

Food & Drink

Planning meals for your camping trip is important, and you need a good variety of healthy food and treats to keep you going.

• Non perishable food: Pack canned food, dried goods, and snacks that won’t spoil. Think beans, rice, pasta, nuts, and energy bars.
• Fresh produce: Bring fresh fruits and vegetables if you have a way to keep them cool.
• Drinks: Don’t forget coffee, tea, or juice for morning and evening routines. If you’re hiking, energy drinks or electrolyte powders can be helpful too.
• Toasting food: If you fancy a bonfire or barbecue, having some marshmallows and biscuits is always a good shout.

Toiletries

Of course, you’ll want to stay clean and hygienic whilst living outdoors. Camping can be a great time to really strip back your skincare routine, but you do need to bring all the basics and make sure that you’re still looking after yourself.

It also doesn’t hurt to have a few homes comforts in your routine so you don’t feel too distended from your usual life:

• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash
• Deodorant
• Hand sanitiser
• Soap (bar soap is recommended)
• Towels
• Tissues
• Menstrual products

Entertainment

Whether you’re solo camping, having a grown up trip or embarking on an exciting family staycation, you need things to do in the quiet moments, or days where you don’t have big activities and walks planned.

We recommend bringing:

• Books
• Compact sports equipment like balls, rackets, frisbees and plastic bowling
• A deck of cards
• Explorer kits are a fantastic adventure starter
• Colouring books and painting kits
• Portable games
• Electronic devices and audio books
• Binoculars
• Camera

Health and Safety Essentials

When camping, it’s very important that you bring your home medicine cupboard with you, or at least all the necessary essentials from it. Health and safety should be on your mind during a good camp, so make sure you have:

• First aid kit: A well stocked first aid kit should include plasters, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and any personal medications.
• Bug repellent: Keep insects at bay with a good quality bug repellent.
• Sunscreen and lip balm: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays during the day.
• Lanterns or torches: Essential for navigating at night.
• Map and compass: If you plan on hiking or exploring unfamiliar areas, always have a map and compass or a GPS device to guide you.
• Allergy medication: You can never be too careful with allergy medication. Make sure you have antihistamine on hand, or any inhalers, epipens and other equipment vital to your health.
  
  

Practical Essentials

These practical items may seem minor but can make a big difference to your trip:

• Tarp or groundsheet: Protect your tent from the elements and moisture with a durable tarp or groundsheet.
• Clothesline: Hang your wet clothes to dry after a rainy day or washing.
• Camping chairs: Comfortable seating can make lounging around the campsite much more enjoyable.
• Multi-tool or pocket knife: A versatile tool for quick fixes or emergencies.
• Dustpan and brush: This can help you sweep up any crumbs or dried mud that gets into your tent.
• Spare batteries: In case your torch batteries go flat.

At Rhyd Y Galen Caravan Park, we have all the amenities you need to relax on your family holiday amongst the breathtaking Welsh mountains. Our caravan park, campsite and glamping accommodation are a beautiful base for exploring everything North Wales has to offer, alongside the people who mean the most to you.

Book your getaway online today.