camping essentials

Camping essentials for your staycation: 73 things you must pack

This is the ultimate camping checklist for staycations, festivals, outdoor retreats and more...

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TV Writer
Updated: July 28, 2022

Planning a UK staycation with your nearest and dearest? With the hot weather across the UK, camping is fast becoming the ideal holiday for families. Plus, now that music festival season is officially here, many of us are getting ready to spend weekends camping outside. 

RELATED: What you need to pack for a holiday: 88 must-have items

Research from Deliveroo has revealed that nine in ten festival-goers had to borrow essential items from a stranger, with toilet paper (24%) being the most common request, followed by suncream (24%) and painkillers (22%).

Before heading out on your next big adventure, make sure you've got all the essentials. From basic camping equipment to kitchen utensils and toiletries to safety kits and clothing, we've got you covered. Get organised by screenshotting our camping essentials guide or print it out and use it time and time again! 

Shell Travel Backpack, £179, Tropicfeel

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First things first, you'll need something to put your camping essentials in - and we can't get enough of the 'Shell' from Tropicfeel. Deceptivley versatile, this lightweight backpack is fully customiseable, so you can easily switch between daily backpack to 40L hiking pack ready for all your adventures. With attachable compartments and expandable pockets, the Shell is a total packing gamechanger. Weatherproof, comfortable, and made from long lasting materials - it's worth investing in a camping essential you'll be able to keep forever. 

Camping Equipment Checklist

1. Tent 

This is a no-brainer - a tent is the one thing you really must pack for your perfect camping weekend. This four-person tent is easy to pitch and full of extra space for storage. 

Trespass Caterthun 4 person tunnel tent, £199, Great Outdoors

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MORE: 31 joyful things to do in London in June

READ: 20 things you need for a day at the beach! From stylish cool bags to portable speakers & pineapple pool floats

You want to get some decent sleep, don't you? This square-shaped sleeping bag is perfect for campers who prefer more legroom - and the best part? You can unzip and attach another bag to create a well-insulated double bag.

Basecamp 250 Summer Sleeping Bag, £24.99, Mountain Warehouse

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3. A blanket 

Nights can be chilly so make sure you pack accordingly. Wrap up warm in this waterproof, windproof, and sand proof blanket. Accommodating up to two people, it can also double up as the perfect family-size picnic blanket.

URPRO camping blanket, £24.90, Amazon

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You're guaranteed to get a peaceful night's sleep with this inflatable travel pillow - it's small in size and big on comfort. 

Travel pillow, £17.99, Amazon

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Built with high-quality water-resistant materials, these lanterns can be used for camping, hiking, hunting, mountaineering, fishing, reading and more. 

Waterproof camping lanterns (pack of 4), £10.99, Amazon

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Kick back and relax on your UK staycation using this outdoor two-seater sofa. There's nothing more romantic than spending an evening under the stars, cuddled up to your special one.  

Brunner Foldable Sofa, £129, Amazon

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7. A camping foldable sun lounger 

If the weather's nice a sun lounger is just what you need.

Lightweight folding sun lounger, £59.99, Trail Outdoor Leisure 

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A mallet is a must-have for any camper - try pitching a tent without one and you'll see why. 

Rubber Mallet, from £5.20, Amazon

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Camping doesn't have to mean sleeping on the cold, hard ground. Argos is selling this luxury double-size air bed featuring an internal coil structure for enhanced support. 

Air bed, £22, Argos

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10. Festival glitter

If you're heading to a festival, you'll want to get your glitter on. 

Festival glitter, £13.99, Amazon

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11. Projector 

Screen live music performances from summers past or enjoy a romantic night in the garden watching one of your favourite films under the stars.  

Elephas projector, £69.99, Amazon

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Camping cooking essentials

The best bit about camping is whipping up DIY dinners and rustic breakfasts. 

Enjoy cooking al-fresco? Cook up a feast for your family using this four-piece set which includes easy-grip tongs, a basting brush, two-pronged fork, and a spatula with a custom-made carrying case.

Barbecue tool set, £49.95, NotOnTheHighStreet

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Cheers to the weekend with these reusable champagne flutes!

Reusable flutes, £19.99, Amazon

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Easy to use, clean, store and care for, this stove is perfect for camping. 

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Cook up a storm using this non-stick saucepan set.

Family Cookset, was £85, now £19, Millets

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Made from biodegradable bamboo wood, this 24 piece set is ideal for a weekend away. 

Disposable cutlery, from £11.99, Amazon

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Gather around the table for a family meal in the evening with your loved ones. 

Folding Wooden Camping Table, £128.99, Wayfair

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Great for everyday use, this reusable 30-piece dining set is unbreakable and dishwasher proof, with plates, bowls and cutlery included. 

30pcs dinner set for four, £26.99, Amazon

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A camping kitchen essential, this cool box can cool up to 18°c below the temperature of the air surrounding it and keep food warm up to a maximum temperature of +65°c. 

Electric coolbox, £55, Halfords

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Chilly's matte water bottle, £22, Fenwick

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© Photo: Getty Images

Clothes you need for camping

Tip one - you can never go wrong with packing extra layers. Tip two - If you're heading out on a camping trip this summer, make sure to check out & Other Stories for our favourite selection of sunhats!

British weather can be unpredictable, so you'll be glad you packed your wellies for the trip. 

Barbour Abbey Tall Wellington Boot, £54.95, ASOS

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SHOP: The best insect repellents to buy for summer

© Photo: iStock

Health and safety for camping

Safety first! Take care of your little ones with this first aid kit. 

LittleLife first aid kit, £29.99, JoJo Maman Bébé

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Offering up to nine hours of protection, you'll be glad you packed this Jungle Formula spray. Check out our round-up of the best insect repellents for even more options. 

Jungle Formula insect spray, £9.99, Boots

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RELATED: The best insect repellants to buy for summer: From sprays to candles and the popular Mosi-Guard

Perfect for sensitive skin, this ultra-light mist will protect you all weekend long. 

NIVEA Protect & Moisure SPF 50+ sun cream spray, £6, Boots

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Just in case, never leave home without a face mask!

Reusable Face Mask, £4.99, Amazon

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© Photo: iStock

Toiletries to take camping

When it comes to toiletries you can never be too prepared. 

Toilet roll is reportedly the most borrowed item among festival-goers. Fear not, Deliveroo has partnered with Co-op to create a festival essentials hub where you can get toilet tissue, toothpaste and more must-haves, whether you're enjoying a music event or heading on a camping trip.

Deliveroo and Co-op's festival essentials hub has lots of must-haves, such as toilet paper

49. Umbrella

More essentials you need for camping

Make sure to pack these extras for entertainment...

50. A phone for taking high-quality snaps 

Google Pixel 6, £449, Currys 

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51. Headphones

52. Board games

53. Books/magazines

54. Electronic devices (iPad, radio)

55. Sports equipment 

56. Playing cards

© Photo: iStock

Whatever you do, don't forget

73. Water carrier 

Particularly essential in the hot weather, this 10-litre container stores your water so you have plenty on hand while camping - and it folds up to a compact size when not in use.

10-litre camping Jerrycan, £9.99, Decathlon

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