10 surprising things we couldn't camp without

You couldn't go camping without tent, a sleeping bag and a bed – and a cooking device of some sort will also be on the camping essentials list for most people.

But what about the other, less obvious, stuff? We've put together a list of our top 10 things that we can't camp without.

Do you agree with our selection? Are there any other pieces of kit you'd add? Email us and let us know!

Iain Duff, Content Editor: Campervans/Camping

Iain Duff Content Editor: Campervan/Camping

Iain has been an avid camper since his very first night under canvas in his parents’ back garden, more years ago than he cares to remember. As a fully fledged gear geek he takes every opportunity to try out the latest camping gadgets when he’s out and about!

MORE ABOUT Iain

Duck tape

What is it about this unassuming hardware product that that gets us so excited? Well, it’s just so blooming useful – it can patch up ripped tents, sleeping bags or jackets, repair broken poles and even be used as a makeshift bandage or sticking plaster. You can even use it to cover up pesky flashing warning lights on your car dashboard. Brilliant.

Courtesy of Duck Tape

Shop for camping essentials

While the above list contains some lesser-known camping essentials, we've got the classics on the Out & About Shop, including tents, sleeping bags, camping stoves, chairs and tables. Explore the shop today!

Shop here

#2

Earplugs

Tents are not soundproof. Some people snore very loudly and babies cry. And there are some other ‘activities’ that go on behind zipped doors that you really don’t want to hear. These facts combined can make sleeping under canvas difficult. Earplugs are the obvious answer – with the added bonus that they allow you to conveniently ignore early morning requests to put the kettle on.

Courtesy of Leatherman

A multitool

You never know when you’ll need to remove a stone from a horse’s hoof so it’s important to be prepared. On the other hand, such occurrences are likely to be rare, therefore you’ll probably want a tool that is capable of a few other tasks as well. Multitools come packed with pliers, knife blades, screwdrivers, tweezers and the all-important bottle opener and are frankly essential on any kind of camping trip.

#4

A tent carpet

A few years ago we’d have laughed in your face if you’d suggested a carpet was an essential piece of camping equipment. Then we tried one. Now the thought of walking around on a bare groundsheet just seems barbaric. Every family tent should have one.

Shop tent carpets here

#5

Loo roll

You know that horrible feeling when you reach out to the toilet paper dispenser and find it’s empty? Not much fun is it? Most campsites are pretty well catered for when it comes to loo roll so really you shouldn’t need to bring your own. But at the end of a long day at peak season, you might just find that demand has outstripped supply. The only way to guarantee you don’t get caught short is to take your own. It’s also very useful for mopping up spills around the tent.

#6

Coffee sachets

So-called cofficionados will surely throw their hands up in horror, but three-in-one (or two-in-one if you don’t take sugar) sachets are brilliant to have for a quick, hassle-free caffeine burst in the morning.

This is the ultimate in instant coffee – just boil the kettle and pour. No need to worry about keeping milk fresh or sugar dry.

Courtesy of Pixabay

Citronella candles

You can get fancy camping lights that release anti-mosquito fumes into the air, but, if you want to sit outside after dark in the summer, a few citronella candles should keep the biting bugs at bay. Don't use them inside your tent, though.

#8

Portable camping toilet

Some people don't mind trekking across the campsite to the toilets during the night, but others like the convenience (sorry) of having an en suite loo in their tent. Make sure you've got a suitably private spot to set it up, though – no one likes an audience when they're on the loo!

#9

Hot water bottles

When campers talk about how to stay warm in bed they come up with all sorts of solutions, but the good old-fashioned hot water bottle in your sleeping bag is the most obvious and arguably the most effective. Stick it in your bag half an hour before bedtime and you'll be toasty warm as soon as you tuck yourself in.

Courtesy of adobe.stock.com

#10

Air fryer

OK, bear with me on this one. You might think this is insane, but believe me, if you have electric hook-up, an air fryer will change how you think about campsite cooking forever. It’s healthier than traditional frying and quicker than a camping oven and it allows you to hugely expand your campsite culinary offerings.