Words by Rachel McAlley
If this is the first time you are planning a camping trip or attending a festival don’t worry, you’re not alone! It’s not as daunting as you might think, you just need to make sure that you’ve got a few essential items with you to be able to enjoy your staycation or festival.
Don’t forget that you will need to book the campsite that you’re visiting, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll get in to a busy seaside or countryside camp site unless you pre-book. Same goes for a festival, you will definitely need to pre-book your tickets. So, take a look around start planning your trip early.
There are a number of core pieces of camping equipment that you are going to need, so we’ve popped together a list of some basics for you. We’ve included a tent, ground mat, and sleeping bag, plus a BBQ, hammock, warm clothing, water bottle, and a travel wash for clothes.
Festival in a Bag
Festival in a Bag, £129.99, from Festival in a Bag
This ingenious bag has everything you need for a camping trip or festival, including: 2-person tent, sleeping bag, camping mat, and water bottle. The business was founded in 2019 with the purpose of providing a sustainable one stop, time saving, camping solution for festivals and other camping events. The bags are available in 3 colours including orange, black and blue. Each bag has enough space to include a change of clothes, limited toiletries, and your phone/wallet/charger.
Briefcase BBQ
Briefcase BBQ Grill by Kikkerland, £85, from Beaumond
This versatile briefcase is actually a charcoal grill and great way to grill your food wherever you are. Simply unfold the case and follow the simple instructions and you’ll be cooking in no time! The grill accommodates cooking for 2 people and has a convenient mess-free ash catcher. It locks and closes securely for easy and safe transport. You will also help to save the planet with this folding portable BBQ, which is designed to be compact and used time and again.
Hammock
Quechua One Person Hammock (Basic 300 x 152cm), £14.99, from Decathlon
The camper designers developed this hammock to be practical and versatile to fit in any nature surroundings. You will be able to sleep almost anywhere in this multi-purpose hammock, equally it is light and easy to assemble.
Hoodie
Snuggy Oversized Hoodie, £34.99 – £59.99, from Snuggy
The Snuggy is an oversized hoodie that’s super cosy and warm. It’s ideal for throwing on when the temperature drops in the evening or to snuggle into first thing in the morning. Available in adult and kid sizes, in pink, blue, purple, red, and grey.
Clothes Wash
Dr. Beckmann Travel Wash, £1.25, from Wilko
Cleaning and laundry experts, Dr. Beckmann’s Travel Wash is the perfect travel companion and allows you to wash on the go. This subtle, soapy travel wash is only 100ml, so you can pop it in your camping bag, allowing you to wash anytime, anywhere.
