Wondering what to wear when camping? Choosing the right clothes for camping trips can be tricky, as you’ll want to strike the right balance of comfort, practicality, and style.
Your camping outfits should be easy to pack, durable, and offer exactly what you need for the climate and environment you’re camping in. When you pack smart, any camping trip becomes a whole lot more comfortable and fun.
To help you choose the right camping gear and pack exactly what you need, here are our top tips and insights.
Tips for Packing Clothes for Camping
Packing for a camping trip can be tricky, but with a bit of planning, you can make sure you have everything you need without overloading your backpack.
Here are some of our best tips to help you pack smart.
Keep it Light
When figuring out what to wear camping, one of the most important considerations is to only pack the essentials.
Count the days you’ll be camping and the activities you’ll be doing. This will help you decide how many outfits you need. Try to minimize wardrobe changes to keep your load manageable.
However, always remember to bring a few spares depending on your activities. For example, if you plan to go kayak camping or backpacking, you’ll definitely want a fresh change of clothes after getting wet, sweaty, or dirty on the trails.
Choose Two Sturdy Pairs of Shoes
Shoes can be heavy, so choose wisely.
Bring one pair of walking boots for hikes and a lightweight pair of trainers for relaxing at the campsite. Consider packing flip-flops or sandals for showers or the beach, but don’t rely on these shoes for your main footwear.
And if you’ll be hiking, bring more socks than you think. An extra pair of dry, clean socks when you need them can make a massive difference on any backpacking trip.
Pack for the Weather
Always check the weather forecast before you pack.
If rain is expected, pack waterproof layers and shoes. For cold weather, bring a warm coat and plenty of layers. In hot weather, focus on breathable, lightweight clothing.
Always bring a waterproof jacket just in case the weather changes unexpectedly.
You need to make sure you’re prepared for all conditions without overpacking. So, having a good understanding of the expected weather is essential when planning what to wear camping.
Bring a Small Bottle of Laundry Detergent
To cut down on the number of clothes you need, bring a small bottle of laundry detergent. You can wash your clothes at the campsite if there are washing facilities or a tap available.
This way, you can reuse your clothes instead of packing extras. Packing ultralight and washing clothes is generally a lot more enjoyable than having a massive pack of clean clothes.
Wear a Practical Outfit to Travel
Choose a practical outfit for your journey to and from the campsite. Avoid wearing your favourite jeans, which might not be practical for camping.
Opt for comfortable trousers or leggings, and a moisture-wicking T-shirt and jumper. These can be reworn during your trip.
And sure, you want to look good. However, you’ll have a lot more fun if you focus on practicality over style.
Layer Up
Layering your clothes is key. It helps you adjust to temperature changes throughout the day.
So, try to pack clothes that can be easily layered. This also helps you pack for cold climates without needing to bring overly bulky and heavy clothes.
Opt for Quick-Dry Fabrics
Choose clothes made from quick-dry materials. They are convenient if you get wet or need to wash them.
Synthetic materials tend to dry faster and are more lightweight to pack. These materials are your best options for camping trips.
Plan for Extra Warmth
Even in summer, nights can be chilly. Pack an extra layer like a fleece or thermal top whenever you go camping.
Trust us, you’d rather be stuck with extra clothing on a warm night than be stuck freezing in the unexpected cold without an extra layer to add.
Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes can help organize your clothes and maximize space in your backpack. These can be amazing for camping trips, as they add a touch of organisation and luxury to your pack. When you use packing cubes strategically, it’s like converting your backpack into an organised wardrobe.
What to Wear Camping: Best Types of Clothes
Choosing the right clothes for camping is key to staying comfortable and prepared for the outdoors. Here are the best types of clothes to pack when you go camping.
Waterproof Jacket
A waterproof jacket is essential for any camping trip. It keeps you dry during unexpected rain.
Look for one with a breathable membrane like nylon or polyester. These materials help repel water and keep you comfortable.
Quick-Dry T-Shirts
Pack quick-dry T-shirts instead of cotton ones. These are made from polyester or nylon and dry quickly after rain, sweat, or a swim.
They’re often labelled as ‘sweat-wicking’ and are available from sports or outdoor brands.
Long-Sleeved Tops and Trousers
Long-sleeved tops and trousers are versatile. They can be layered easily, protect you from sunburn, and reduce insect bites. This makes them great for changing weather and environments.
Extra Layers Like a Fleece or Warm Jumper
Weather can be unpredictable, and it gets colder at night. Pack extra layers like a warm fleece or jumper. These are easy to add or remove based on the temperature.
Dry, Warm Layers for Night
Sleeping in damp clothes can ruin your night. Always pack clean, dry clothes specifically for bedtime. Include extra layers in case it gets cold.
Underwear and Socks
Don’t forget plenty of underwear and socks. Pack at least one or two pairs for each day, plus spares. This is especially important if your activities might get you wet or muddy.
Walking Boots
Proper walking boots are important if you plan to hike. They provide good ankle support and are better than trainers for rough terrain. Make sure they’re broken in to avoid blisters.
Trainers for Around the Campsite
When not hiking, you’ll need a lighter pair of trainers. Choose sturdy ones. If the campsite is muddy, consider packing wellies instead.
Small Backpack
A small backpack is useful for day trips, hikes, or biking. It’s more comfortable than a carrier bag or handbag.
Suitable Hat
Bring a hat suitable for the weather. A sun hat for sunny days or a woollen hat for cold weather can protect you from the elements and keep you warm.
What Not to Wear Camping
Knowing what not to wear camping is as important as knowing what to pack. Here are some tips to help you avoid common clothing mistakes.
Flip-Flops
Flip-flops are not suitable for camping. They offer little protection from rocks, thorns, and bugs. They’re only useful for campsite showers. Opt for sturdy sandals instead.Denim
Avoid wearing denim. It absorbs moisture quickly and becomes heavy when wet. Denim takes a long time to dry and does not wick away sweat, making it uncomfortable for camping.
Cotton
Cotton clothes lack breathability and moisture-wicking properties. Choose nylon or polyester instead. These materials dry quickly and keep you comfortable.
Jewellery
Leave jewellery at home. It can catch on things and is easy to lose or damage. Shiny items might also attract thieves.
Socks and Sandals
Don’t wear socks with sandals. Sandals are meant for breathability, while socks are for warmth. Wear socks with trainers or boots for proper protection and warmth.
Expensive or Sentimental Clothes
Camping can be rough on clothes. Leave expensive or sentimental items at home to avoid damage from mud, tears, or stains.
Light or White Clothes
Light or white clothes easily show dirt and stains. Pack darker clothes to hide dirt and keep you looking clean.
Perfume
Avoid wearing perfume. Flowery or sweet scents can attract insects. Stick to unscented products while camping.
What to Wear Camping in Summer
For summer camping, wear lightweight, breathable clothes such as quick-dry T-shirts and shorts made from polyester or nylon to stay cool and dry. Opt for a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun, and bring a waterproof jacket in case of rain.
Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals are ideal for hiking and general activities, while a warm layer like a fleece is useful for cooler evenings.
Don’t forget to pack plenty of socks and underwear, and avoid cotton as it retains moisture and dries slowly.
What to Wear Camping in Winter
For winter camping, wear thermal base layers to retain body heat, followed by insulating layers like a fleece or down jacket. Top these with a waterproof and windproof outer layer to protect against the elements.
Choose moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics to stay dry. Wear insulated, waterproof boots for warmth and protection, and bring plenty of warm socks. Add accessories like a woollen hat, gloves, and a scarf to keep extremities warm.
Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and can make you cold.
Summary
Packing the right clothes for camping is crucial for comfort and safety. Choose practical, durable clothes that match the environment you’re camping in. Plan ahead, and you should have the perfect camping outfits for each day.
With careful planning, you’ll stay comfortable and prepared for any outdoor adventure. Happy camping!
New to camping? Check out our complete beginner camping guide for more helpful tips to plan your adventure.