The Camping Essentials You Didn't Know You Needed Until Now (2024)
Over the last 4 years my family and I have started going camping and now we enjoy at least one trip each year where we try and leave the technology behind and just enjoy the great outdoors, fresh air and being together. This usually translates as making the kids go for walks in the rain and then refereeing the fights in the tent but for whatever reason we all enjoy ourselves and look forward to the next trip. We have even started going to festivals where we camp for the weekend too, like Nozstock and Cornburyand I am even eyeing up some caravan and motorhome club stays for later in the year when the weather isn’t as good.
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Each year we update our camping kit with some new camping essentials and have discovered some amazing products along the way. The obvious camping essentials are covered loads in articles online but the below list is a list of the things we believe to now be camping essentials that we didn’t know we needed but now wouldn’t be without.
So if you are a keen camper or are looking at starting and want to know our camping essentials then here it is
This product is fab for those that camp in England because lets face it you can never rely on the British weather. Or rather you can rely on it, rely on it raining the minute you pitch that tent. So chances are your tent will be muddy and dirty in no time, especially if the birds decide to leave you a gift or two on top as well.
This wash by Storm is specially formulated for tents and aids the removal of dirt, tree sap and bird lime meaning your tent will look fresh and new each time you use it. There is nothing worse than pitching your tent for the first time in the new year and realising that there are marks all over it. Or, putting your tent away and trying to clean it with baby wipes or loo roll knowing you will need to re do it at some point and will probably forget. Take a bottle of this with you and give your tent a quick clean before you dismantle it.
Storm Proof
Storm also do a proof product that is created to restore the water repellency of materials, rejuvenating your camping equipment and promoting its longevity. This product can add years onto the usability of your tents, awnings, covers and flysheets because if the waterproof ability of your tent runs out so does your desire to camp in England.
Grangers Odour Eliminator
Grangers odour eliminator is brilliant for your camping equipment and clothes, especially your shoes. And, if like us, you take the bikes camping with you then the helmets too. As I said we spend a lot of time out walking and cycling when we go camping and this can often leave us either sweaty or damp from the usual mid walk down pour so this little bottle helps to keep all our stuff smelling fresh which is a god send when you don’t have access to a washing machine. You can grab a bottle of this for less than £5 and it’s only a small bottle so doesn’t take up much room but is definitely a camping essential.
Now this next product isn’t necessarily a camping essential that you would take with you but I do love to know that I am coming home to it as it is an active wash that is specifically formulated to wash active wear, including materials such as Lycra. It will eliminate not only stubborn dirt but also the sweat odours and is perfect for the post camping mass wash that is always required and never desired.
Most of the camping essentials so far have been about keeping your camping equipment fresh and clean and making it last as long as possible to help you get your moneys worth. This next item, however, is more for you whilst you are camping than for your kit.
Swish to go teeth cleaners
These are great and top of my list for unexpected camping essentials. Having these with you means you can clean your teeth and freshen your breath on the go. They are especially useful when camping on large site or at festivals when you are miles from the toilette facilities or they are simply just too crowded. These are also amazing if you are camping as a single adult with children because it means you can clean your teeth before bed after the children are asleep without having to worry about leaving them in the tent. These should definitely be in everyone’s festival and camping bags, in fact they should just be in everyone’s bag full stop, you never know when you might need to freshen up and it beats carrying your tooth brush round with you.
They are available in three flavours there is one for everybody: fresh mint, cool mint or lemon zest.
If you are planning on going camping at a festival then check out our more specific list of festivalcamping essentials that will help make sure you have the best time and don’t spend more money than you need to when you’re there.
Now you know what to pack be sure to follow our guide on how to pack for your camping adventure so that it all fits nicely in your bags.
When it comes to camping, the rule #1 is to respect nature and leave no trace behind. This essential principle guarantees the preservation of the environment and promotes a sustainable outdoor experience for all. Upholding this rule is vital for maintaining the beauty of campsites and protecting wildlife habitats.
For camping, food that keeps well includes dehydrated meals, canned foods, whole grain cereals, dried fruits, nuts, and hard cheeses. These options are durable, non-perishable, and don't require refrigeration, making them ideal for sustaining energy levels and nutrition while enjoying the great outdoors.
Perhaps the golden rule of camping, always leave no trace that you were ever there. Whether you're packing up after a week of camping or just stopped by the outhouse for a moment, always leave the area in better condition than you found it. Always check for garbage before you leave.
1. Clean your site: Don't leave a dirty site for the next campers. Leaving trash in an otherwise pure, natural space is frowned upon, and most campgrounds will charge you for leaving garbage or other items behind. Remember the motto: take out what you bring in.
The Ultimate List of Essential Foods to Take Camping
Bread. This could be anything from a freshly baked wholemeal loaf to a packet of flatbreads Anything versatile you can make a quick meal with is excellent to have on hand.
While you can enjoy a relaxing trip by researching your potential campsite and making a list of things to bring, there's another way to achieve this: minimalist camping. As its name suggests, this type of camping doesn't require too much equipment, allowing you to enjoy the activity hassle-free.
What is the 3-3-3 Rule of RV Travel? The 3-3-3 rule is a set of guidelines for how you can structure your travel for maximum enjoyment by driving only 300 miles per day, camping for three nights in every campground, and arriving at your site by 3 PM.
In camping, a ground pad, sleeping pad, thermal pad, sleeping mat, or roll mat is lightweight pad, common among hikers, backpackers and budget travelers, often used in conjunction with a sleeping bag. Its purpose is to provide padding and thermal insulation.
If your campsite does not offer shower facilities, and there is not a freshwater source nearby, you will have to look for potable water spigots to fill a water bottle or bags for DIY showers, use a Rinse Kit (my favorite), and may even want to invest in a private shower tent to set up at your campsite.
HOW TO LEAVE NO TRACE. The motto of green wild camping says all there is to know about its premise; “Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints.” Essentially, it's all about leaving as little trace as possible that you've been at the site and as such, have no lasting impact on the environment.
Glamping combines the thrill of camping with the luxury of a boutique hotel, offering a unique way to experience the beauty of nature. With a variety of accommodations, destinations, and activities, glamping appeals to a wide range of campers, promising comfort, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
First, you'll want to find a spot that's level and clear of debris. Then, you'll want to make sure you have enough space for your tent and all of your gear. Next, you'll want to set up a tarp or some other form of shelter in case of bad weather. And finally, you'll want to create a fire ring for cooking and warmth.
Hobby: LARPing, Kitesurfing, Sewing, Digital arts, Sand art, Gardening, Dance
Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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