Must-Have Camping Accessories List [PDF Download]

Camping is one of the best ways to experience the true natural beauty of the UK. However, knowing what camping accessories to bring can be difficult for beginners. Therefore, they are advised to plan and learn from experienced people when preparing camping accessories.

This practical guide will share essential tips and advice on preparing and packing camping accessories. A portable power supply is also necessary for camping gear. It can provide sufficient electricity for communication devices (phone, radio, satellite phone, walkie-talkie), GPS, lights, and personal electronics. The Jackery Portable Power Station is a solar power supply that helps you on camping trips in the UK.

Are Camping Accessories Important for Beginners? 

Except for essential equipment such as tents and sleeping bags, the importance of other camping accessories is often overlooked. For beginners, even seemingly insignificant camping accessories can significantly improve the comfort and safety of camping and even affect the success or failure of the entire camping experience.

Dealing with Harsh Natural Environments

First, suitable camping accessories can effectively cope with the challenges brought by various natural environments. For example, in strong winds, high-quality ground nails can ensure the tent's firmness and ensure campers' safety.

Improving Camping Comfort

Second, camping accessories have contributed to improving camping comfort. For example, a high-quality inflatable sleeping pad can effectively isolate the ground's cold and enhance sleep quality.

Dealing with Emergencies

Finally, the importance of emergency accessories cannot be ignored. If you are accidentally injured during camping, the Band-Aids in the first aid kit can be used for straightforward treatment.

In summary, camping accessories are essential for the comfort and safety of the entire camping experience. Therefore, beginners should not ignore seemingly insignificant small items when preparing camping accessories, as they may greatly help their camping trip.

Download the Camping Accessories Checklist PDF >>

Must-Have Camping Accessories List 

Without the necessary camping accessories, you may feel uncomfortable (such as cold and hungry) and even threaten your health. Although the best advice for carrying camping accessories is to travel light, it does not mean you should abandon the camping accessories that make you feel satisfied and safe.

The following detailed list of essential accessories for beginners covers five aspects: sleeping equipment, cooking equipment, outdoor equipment, personal items, and emergency equipment.

A. Sleeping Accessories

Comfort is also key when sleeping outdoors, so campers should have complete sleeping equipment to combat the low temperatures at night.

Tent: When choosing a tent, be sure to consider whether it is waterproof, windproof and breathable (keeps air circulation)

Sleeping Bag: The choice of sleeping bag should be based on the camping site's temperature. Make sure the bag's temperature scale is suitable for the local climate. In cold seasons, down or thick cotton sleeping bags with lower temperature scales can protect you from the cold.

Moisture-proof Pads/Inflatable Pads: Moisture-proof or inflatable pads can effectively isolate ground moisture and provide campers with a dry and comfortable sleeping environment.

Pillow: A portable pillow can ensure that it does not add too much weight when carried and significantly improve sleeping comfort when camping outdoors.

B. Cooking Accessories

Eating and hygiene during camping are also inseparable from the support of the following cooking accessories.

Stoves and Fuel: Whether it is heating food or boiling water, portable gas stoves (gas cans), cassette stoves (canned butane gas), or alcohol stoves (alcohol blocks) are good choices for camping.

Cookware: Lightweight and easy-to-store cookware (pots, bowls, ladles, basins, knives, etc.) should be prioritised to save space and reduce burden.

Tableware: It is recommended to use reusable, environmentally friendly tableware (bowls, chopsticks, spoons, cups, etc.).

Portable Refrigerator/Insulated Box: A portable refrigerator or insulated box can keep food and drinks fresh, whether hot in summer or cold in winter.

Portable Seasoning Bottles: Multiple small seasoning bottles make carrying various seasonings, such as salt and pepper, easy.

C. Outdoor Accessories

When camping, it is inevitable to engage in outdoor activities to kill time, and high-quality outdoor equipment can ensure the safety and enjoyment of these activities.

Folding Tables and Chairs: When choosing folding tables and chairs, consider their load-bearing capacity and stability to ensure they will not tip over or shake during use.

Canopy: The canopy can provide campers with additional sunshade and rain protection. When choosing a canopy, consider its area, material, and ease of construction.

Lighting Equipment: Lighting equipment such as headlamps, flashlights, and camp lights are essential for night activities.

Camping Car: A camping car is a good helper when there is more equipment or the camp is far from the parking point.

D. Emergency Accessories

There is no doubt that emergency accessories can provide timely help in emergencies.

First Aid Kit: Basic medical supplies can be used for emergencies.

Insect Repellent: There are many mosquitoes outdoors, and insect repellent spray can effectively prevent mosquito bites and avoid affecting the camping experience due to mosquito bites.

Navigation Tools: GPS devices or maps can help campers prevent getting lost, especially in complex terrain or unfamiliar environments.

Multi-Functional Tools: Multi-functional tools, such as Swiss Army knives, can be handy in various emergencies. They can cut ropes, open cans, and repair equipment.

Survival Whistle: In an emergency, the survival whistle can send a loud distress signal to attract the attention of rescuers.

Portable Power Station: A portable power station can keep you powered outdoors. Today, camping would not be the same without a portable power station. It turns the experience from basic survival to a comfortable journey, such as Jackery Portable Power Station. It gives important devices like phones, GPS, and lights reliable power, keeping people safe and connected in remote areas.

E. Personal Items

In addition to the above essential camping accessories, you should also carry personal items that you may need.

Clothing: It is crucial to prepare suitable clothing (jackets, fleece jackets, sun protection clothing, sports shoes, etc.) for the camping site's weather conditions.

Sun Protection Products: When outdoors, sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hats) cannot be ignored.

Toiletries: Carry toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels, wet wipes, and other toiletries to maintain good personal hygiene outdoors.

Garbage Bags: Bring enough garbage bags to properly collect the garbage generated during camping and achieve no-trace camping.

This list is for reference only. Please prepare camping accessories according to your actual needs.

However, before setting off, check the equipment carefully to ensure it is complete and intact.

More Camping Accessories for Special Needs

Different camping scenarios and needs usually require specific accessories to enhance the experience. The following are special needs for camping with children and pets.

Camping Accessories for Camping with Children

Camping with children is an unforgettable parent-child experience but requires more preparation. The following is a list of additional camping accessories that need to be brought with children:

Children's Tent: If conditions permit, prepare a separate children's tent for your child to increase their sense of participation and independence.

Children's Sleeping Bags and Inflatable Mats: To ensure children can sleep well outdoors, prepare them with sleeping bags and comfortable inflatable mats suitable for their height.

Portable Child Seat: Choose a lightweight and easy-to-fold children's table and chair set to facilitate children resting, eating, or playing games in the camp.

Children's Tableware: To ensure food hygiene, please bring children's tableware, including bowls, chopsticks, spoons, kettles, etc.

Toys: Bring toys suitable for outdoor play, such as kites, footballs, bubble machines, frisbees, etc., so children can play naturally.

Telescope or Magnifying Glass: Bring a telescope or magnifying glass to guide your children in observing and exploring nature and inspire their love and curiosity.

Stroller: Please bring a stroller if the campsite is far from the parking spot.

Wet Wipes and Paper Towels: Please prepare wet wipes and paper towels to clean your children's hands and face anytime.

Camping Accessories for Camping with Pets

You must prepare additional pet camping accessories to ensure a pleasant outdoor experience for you and your pet.

Pet Bed: Please choose an Oxford cloth pet bed that is easy to disassemble, scratch-resistant and durable.

Pet Bowls and Food: Please bring pet-specific bowls and enough pet food to ensure food hygiene. In addition, please prepare some pet snacks to soothe your pet's emotions.

Poop Bags: Please prepare poop bags and poop pickers to pick up pet faeces at any time to keep the camp clean.

Pet Insect Repellent: Many mosquitoes live outdoors. To prevent your pet from being bitten, please bring pet-specific insect repellent (or an insect-repellent collar or spray).

Pet Toys: Please bring your pet's favourite toys, such as frisbees, balls, rope toys, etc., so that your pet can play and consume energy during camping.

Pet Leash and Collar: Bring a pet leash and collar to ensure your pet's safety during outdoor activities and prevent it from getting lost.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Camping

The best thing about a portable power station over a regular generator is that it doesn't need fuel or oil to work and doesn't give off harmful fumes. This makes it perfect for adventures like wild camping, where you want clean, quiet power.

A Jackery Portable Power Station is a small, battery-powered gadget that lets you get power on the go. It has AC, DC, and USB ports to run most home and outdoor appliances and smartphones. It's quieter than gas engines, doesn't emit pollution, and can be charged by solar panels, wall outlets, or car chargers.

Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus

The Explorer 1000 Plus features an impressive 1264Wh durable LiFePO4 battery and a 2000W full-power pure sine wave inverter, supplying sufficient energy for almost all essential devices. Remarkably, it can augment its capacity to 5kWh by incorporating up to three more battery packs.

Employing Jackery's exclusive technology, the Explorer 1000 Plus's capacity can be augmented from 1.26kWh to 5kWh by adding up to three supplementary battery packs. Furthermore, it features a maximum output of 2000W, exceeding the standard 1kWh LFP power plants by 20%. It can charge a coffee maker (550W) for 1.3 to 5.7 hours.  

The MPPT technique guarantees 99% efficiency in solar charging. A wall charge from 0% to 100% of the battery requires 100 minutes, while solar charging with four SolarSaga 200W solar panels takes 2 hours. With automobile charging capabilities, you will no longer need to worry about depleting power while outdoors.

The LiFePO4 battery system is secure and durable, equipped with a proprietary BMS (Battery Management System) that includes integrated protections. After 4,000 charge cycles, the battery retains 70% capacity, guaranteeing a lifespan of 10 years with daily charging. This yields an exceptional cycle life that is eight times longer than that of competitors.

The following are the working hours for using Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus to power camping appliances:

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Review from Our User:

Not long purchased the 1000 model for usage at home and motor homing; thus far, I have tested a few of the stuff I will be utilising when traveling. Using a toaster, travel hairdryer and quite happy with the charging/use times, I tried several USB charging including laptops, phones, hair straighteners, GoPro etc. and found the % of power used to be lower than predicted. Not yet able to test the solar panels; waiting for the sun to come in Britain!

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2

The Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station 2000 v2 has an astounding 2042Wh capacity and 2200W output, enough to power most outdoor equipment. It also has two AC outlets, one USB-A 18W port, and two USB-C ports (100W + 30W), so you can charge several devices simultaneously, such as the box fan and portable AC.

The world's first 2kWh LiFePO4 power station, which features advanced EV-grade CTB (Cell to Body) Structure technology⁵, is engineered to be more compact and lightweight. It weighs a mere 38.6 lbs—approximately the same as a suitcase. It is the ideal power solution for off-grid living, camping, and road trips and features a foldable handle for effortless transport.

There are many ways to recharge it, including SolarSaga 200W (5.5 hours), regular wall charging (1.7 hours), and car charging (24 hours). With Emergency Super Charge Mode, which can be activated through the Smart App, the power station can be charged from 0% to 80% in just 52 minutes with Emergency Super Charge Mode, which can be activated through the Smart App. This feature is ideal for situations where power is required urgently. A complete charge requires only 103 minutes in regular AC charging mode.            

The following are the working hours for using Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 to power camping appliances:

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Review from Our User:

You can use this 2000-watt power anytime, anywhere on your premises. It can be charged via the solar panels or directly from the wall. This gives you mobile, sustainable power in any situation and is easy to use. Because it is compact and takes up very little room, its 2200 W output power can power your refrigerator, stove, air fryer, coffee machine, and more.   

Factors to Consider When Preparing Camping Accessories

Choosing the right camping accessories can add endless comfort and safety to your outdoor experience.

Weather Conditions

The weather in the UK is changeable, so consider the forecast when choosing camping accessories. For example, in cold seasons, you should bring a sleeping bag with good insulation, thick clothes, and heating equipment (such as an electric camping heater).

Duration of Camping

The length of camping time directly determines the type and quantity of camping accessories you need. If you are going on a short-term camping trip of only 1-2 days, you only need to bring simple and practical equipment, such as a small tent and a portable cooker. However, if you plan to go camping for a long time, you may need more durable and versatile equipment, such as a large tent, folding tables and chairs, and more storage containers.

Number of People

The number of people camping determines the scale of the camping accessories required. Generally, tents, sleeping bags, cookers, etc., should be selected according to the number of people. For example, a double tent and a double large sleeping bag can be chosen for two people camping, while a large tent with partitions and a multi-person cooker may be required for multiple people camping.

Budget

The price range of camping accessories is extensive, so you should allocate them reasonably according to your budget when purchasing. You should ensure the quality of key equipment such as tents and sleeping bags and consider saving money on minor equipment. The second-hand market is a good place to find cost-effective camping accessories.

Campsite Rules

Different campsites have different regulations, so it's essential to understand and abide by them before choosing camping accessories. For example, some campsites may prohibit using open flames, requiring you to select smokeless cookers such as portable gas stoves.

Tips for Packing Camping Accessories

Camping is enjoyable, but novices often have trouble packing camping accessories. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of space and easily carry all the necessities.

Tip 1: Classify and Organise

The initial step in organising camping accessories is to classify similar items (such as tents, clothes, and cooking utensils). Then, similar items can be stored separately in waterproof or storage bags. These bags are easy to find and can prevent items from getting wet. For example, clothes and electronic products should be stored in bags with good waterproof performance, while toiletries can be placed in a dedicated toiletry bag.

Tip 2: Labeling

Use clear and concise labels to designate a place for each camping accessory and ensure easy retrieval. For example, the labels of the backpack's compartments can help quickly access necessities such as first aid supplies and navigation tools.

Tip 3: Use Compression Bags

Fluffy items such as sleeping bags and down jackets take up a lot of space, and compression bags can reduce their volume. For example, inserting the sleeping bag from the small end of the compression bag and then using the vacuum tool to expel as much air as possible can significantly reduce its volume.

Tip 4: Put Frequently Used Items in an Accessible Location

Please put camping accessories (such as gas stoves) that may be used on the road in an easily accessible location, such as the top or side pocket of the backpack. Items frequently used during camping, such as sunscreen, headlamps, mobile phones, etc., can be placed in a waist bag or the compartment at the top of the backpack for easy access at any time.

Tip 5: Specific Packing Steps

If you plan to pack camping accessories that may be used into a backpack, you can follow the following packing steps:

Place large camping accessories, such as sleeping bags and mats, in the backpack's bottom layer. The middle layer can be filled with heavy items, such as cooking utensils, food, and oil stoves. The backpack's side pockets can hold kettles, gas stoves, etc., while the waist belt storage space can hold small items.

Camping Accessories FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about camping accessories in the UK:

1. What are camping accessories?

Camping accessories are various auxiliary accessories used to improve comfort, convenience and safety during camping activities. From basic tents and sleeping bags to camping lights and portable kitchen utensils that enhance the experience, these accessories play an essential role in camping.

2. What are the most essential camping accessories?

Tents, sleeping bags, camping stoves, and first aid kits are usually considered camping accessories.

3. Can I bring entertainment accessories camping?

Of course, you can bring any entertainment accessories to camp. Here are the entertainment accessories you can bring camping:

Portable speakers

Projectors

Mountain bikes

Cards and board games

Game consoles

4. What should I do with my camping accessories after camping?

After a pleasant camping experience, you should also organise and wash your camping accessories to prepare for the next adventure.

Clean and dry

Reorganize and pack

Store in a dry and cool place

Record and replace any lost or damaged items

Final Thoughts

In short, essential camping accessories are necessary for beginners. Therefore, beginners should consider various factors when preparing for camping and choosing the right accessories. The critical camping accessories list mentioned in this article can help beginners find the right equipment and conveniently remind them to check whether the equipment and supplies are intact before departure.