How to Choose Camping Equipment for Summer
Whether youʼre heading off for a weekend escape in the countryside or a family holiday by the coast, summer camping is hard to beat. Thereʼs something about longer days, warmer nights, and the smell of woodsmoke that makes it all click into place.
Getting the gear right is where it starts. Pitch your tent, get the stove going, and the rest takes care of itself. But turn up unprepared, and even the best campsite loses its appeal. This guide breaks down everything you need to choose the right summer camping equipment, whatever your trip looks like.
What camping gear do I need?
Summer camping has its own demands, but a few essentials never change. Before you start comparing products, build a camping essentials list around the core pillars of any trip:
Shelter:
tent, footprint, rainfly, pegs
Sleeping system:
temperature-appropriate sleeping bag, sleeping pad or camping
Cooking equipment:
stove and fuel, lighters or matches, cookware and utensils, cooler, washing-up kit
Personal items:
appropriate clothing, headlamp or torch, first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen
Storage and transport:
duffel bag or backpack
Depending on your trip, you might want to add camping furniture, an awning, or other comfort extras, but the list above is your baseline.
Consider your camping style
Knowing how you camp is just as important as knowing what to pack.
Car camping
Driving straight to a campsite changes the equation. Weight and pack size stop being a concern, which means you can focus on comfort and making the most of your boot space.
Look for:
Spacious multi-person tents
Larger sleeping mats or air beds
Camping chairs and tables
Multi-burner camp stoves
Cool boxes
Backpacking
When youʼre carrying everything on your back, every gram has to earn its place. Keep your kit lean and purposeful.
Look for:
Lightweight tents
Compact sleeping bags
Compressible sleeping pads
Minimal cooking systems
Packable clothing
Family camping
Families need room for gear, the kids, and the general organised chaos that comes with them. Prioritise shelter that has proper storage space and enough room to stand up in.
Look for:
Large vestibules
Multiple sleeping areas
Easy-pitch designs
Durable materials
Ample gear storage
Additional security features
Choose the right tent
Ventilation is the priority for summer camping. A poorly ventilated tent on a warm night is uncomfortable at best, and with multiple people inside, it gets stifling. When comparing tents, weigh up capacity, airflow, ease of pitching, and weather protection.
Stormbreak 2-person tent
The Stormbreak 2-person tent is a solid choice for couples or solo campers who want extra space. The dual-door design means you can get in and out without disturbing the person next to you, and the storage keeps boots and bags off the floor.
Wawona 4
When space matters, the Wawona 4-person tent delivers enough room for families or groups who want a proper living area. The large vestibule creates a sheltered area for storing gear, cooking prep, or relaxing when the weather changes.
Browse our full range of tents and sleeping bags, or use our tents and sleeping bags finder to help narrow things down.
Build your sleeping system
A good nightʼs sleep changes everything. Your sleep system should include a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and a pillow for each person. Get any one of those wrong, and youʼll feel it by morning.
Sleeping pads provide cushioning and ground insulation. For summer, a lightweight, compact sleeping pad hits the right balance between comfort and packability.
When choosing sleeping bags, think about temperature rating, insulation type, compressibility, and breathability.
Trail Lite Down 2°C Sleeping Bag
The Trail Lite Down 2°C sleeping bag is for campers who care about weight, with downinsulation keeping the warmth-to-weight ratio sharp.
Prepare for campsite cooking
Food is one of the best parts of any camping trip. Your cooking setup should be practical, but it should also fit the adventure youʼre on.
A reliable camping stove is non-negotiable. Solo campers and backpackers can get away with a compact single burner; families and larger groups will want a multi-burner system. Cookware doesnʼt need to be elaborate; a pot or pan, mug, plate, cutlery, and a couple of utensils cover most situations.
Hydration is just as important for summer camping, so think about how youʼll carry water. Options range from reusable bottles to hydration reservoirs or larger carriers.
If youʼre travelling by car, a cool box like the Base Camp Cooler 15L keeps food fresh throughout your trip. Prepping ingredients at home also saves time and space at camp, making cooking feel much less like a chore.
Transport your gear
How you carry your camping equipment deserves as much thought as what youʼre packing. Whether itʼs a short walk from the car park or a full dayʼs hike to your pitch, the wrong bag makes the whole experience harder.
Base Camp Duffel
Few pieces of outdoor equipment have the track record of the Base Camp Duffel. From road trips to remote expeditions, itʼs weather-resistant, organised, and available in several sizes.
Terra Hiking Backpack
On trips where a duffel stays in the car but you still need enough room to carry your gear the Terra 65-Litre Hiking Backpack is a great choice. With 65 litres of space and numerous compartments you have plenty of space whatever your trip demands.
Base Camp Gear Box
On trips where a duffel isn't structured enough but you still need an effective way to haul your equipment, the Base Camp Gear Box is the ultimate choice. With its rigid design and generous storage capacity, it provides maximum organization and heavy-duty protection for all your essentials, whatever your trip demands.
Choose a backpack for smaller items or days when youʼre exploring away from camp. Or
explore our full range of duffels and luggage to find the right carry solution.
Your summer camping checklist
Before setting off, run through our camping essentials list. It only takes a few minutes, and itʼs saved more trips than we can count.
Shelter
Tent
Footprint
Pegs
Guylines
Sleep system
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Pillow
Camp kitchen
Stove
Fuel
Cookware and utensils
GuylinesWater storage
Clothing
Moisture-wicking layers
Insulating layer
Waterproof jacket
Spare socks
Hat
Safety
First aid kit
Map
GPS or phone
Power bank
Comfort
Camping chairs
Lantern
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Storage
Duffel bag
Daypack
Dry bags
Choosing the right summer camping equipment
Whether itʼs a family campsite holiday, a weekend road trip, or a lightweight backpacking journey, start with the basics. Everything else will follow.
Shop camping equipment, tents, sleeping bags, and duffels and bags at The North Face.