The definitive UK camping packing list for 2026

The camping packing list is a genre in itself. Most of them err heavily towards 'bring everything just in case', which means you arrive at your pitch with a car full of stuff and spend twenty minutes finding the tent poles. This list goes the other way — everything here earns its place.

The tent.

For UK weather, a three-season tent with a full-coverage flysheet is the right choice. A sewn-in groundsheet and decent pegs (the pegs that come with most tents are designed to be as light as possible, not to hold in soft ground — bring six to eight proper shepherd's hook pegs for exposed or wet conditions). Pitch with the door facing away from the prevailing wind, which in the UK is usually south-west to west.

Sleeping system.

A sleeping bag rated to at least 2°C comfort for summer UK camping. The temperature ratings on sleeping bags tend to be optimistic — a bag rated 'comfort 5°C' will keep most adults comfortable at around 8°C. If you're camping in Scotland or at altitude in Wales or the Lakes, go one season warmer than you think you need. A sleeping mat with an R-value of at least 2.0; more for spring and autumn. Cold from below is harder to deal with than cold from above.

Cooking.

A gas stove and enough canisters. For a weekend, one 220g canister is usually enough for two people. A lightweight pot, a lid that doubles as a pan, and a spork. Coffee is important enough to pack a small Aeropress or a Moka pot if you're car camping. Don't rely on sites having a shop for forgotten food items — bring what you need for the full trip plus one emergency meal.

Clothing.

The UK camping principle: pack layers, not bulk. A base layer, a mid layer (fleece or light down), a waterproof shell. Spare socks — always more than you think. One pair of camp shoes (sandals or light trainers) for around the site. Waterproof trousers if you're going to walk; most camping trips in the UK involve at least one wet day. A warm hat and gloves for evenings, even in summer.

The bits people forget.

Mallet for tent pegs — grass in wet UK conditions is often firmer than it looks and softer underneath. Guy lines already attached to the tent — re-threading them in the dark in rain is not fun. A power bank for phones; a car charger. Toilet roll in a zip-lock bag. Sunscreen — British sun at altitude is underestimated. Insect repellent — midges in Scotland, mosquitoes near water in England, both are better prevented than endured.

What to leave at home.

The inflatable sofa. The portable pizza oven (unless this is genuinely the specific trip for it). Every cooking implement you own on the basis that you might want a fry-up. The guidebook to every walk in the area when your phone with downloaded OS maps does the same job. The 'just in case' clothes for weather that isn't coming.

For sites without hookup.

If you're on a non-electric pitch — which is most good campsites — a 10,000mAh power bank runs a phone through a weekend without needing charging. LED lanterns use very little power and last well. A solar panel is worth it for longer trips; most can trickle-charge a power bank during the day.

Pack less than you think you need and more than you'll actually use. The first trip you take something and don't use it is the last trip you take it.