Explore CampGear’s published guides. Browse by topic or search for a piece of kit, an outdoor skill or a question.
The guide library
Sleep comfortably
Understand your sleep system, then compare the kit that suits your trip.
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How to Choose a Sleeping Bag for UK Camping
Choose a sleeping bag suited to UK conditions, with clear advice on temperature ratings, insulation, fit and getting a comfortable night outdoors.
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How to choose a sleeping mat for UK camping
A practical guide to warmth, comfort, construction, fit and reliability, from inexpensive foam mats to compact insulated air mats.
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Best Sleeping Bags for UK Camping: 10 Bags and Quilts Worth Considering
Compare ten sleeping bags and quilts, with practical guidance on warmth, weight, packed size and choosing the right option for your camping trips.
Weather and shelter
Prepare for changing conditions and get more comfortable under canvas.
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When the Weather Turns: How to Prepare for the Unexpected in the UK Outdoors
Prepare for changing UK weather with practical advice on planning, clothing, shelter and knowing when to change your plans.
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Why tents get condensation — and how to reduce it
A practical UK camping guide to why condensation forms, how to distinguish it from a leak and how to manage moisture without compromising weather protection or safety.
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How to Organise a Family Camping Kitchen
Organise your family camping kitchen with practical ideas for packing, food storage, preparation, cooking and washing up.
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Best two-person backpacking tents for UK conditions
Buying a two-person tent always turns into a small negotiation with yourself.
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What to Wear Camping in the UK: A Practical Layering Guide for Changeable Weather
Choose and adjust clothing layers for UK camping, from base layers and waterproof shells to dry spares for campsite stays and walks with your kit.
Camping gear
Choose and use camping equipment that suits your trip.
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Camping Lights Explained: Lumens, Runtime and Not Blinding Your Neighbours
Choose a camping light by task, understand lumens and runtime, and keep unnecessary light out of neighbouring pitches.
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Camping After Work: Can One Night Fit Your Plans?
Check whether a one-night campsite stay fits between leaving work and the next day’s commitments, using your own timings and the site’s rules.
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First Camping Trip With Children: Preparing Together
Prepare for a first camping trip with children: practise together, invite planning ideas and check the rules for your actual campsite.
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Bikepacking or Cycle Touring? Choose the Camping Setup That Fits Your Ride
Choose on-bike camping luggage for your actual bicycle and ride, with bag-fit checks, suitable sleep kit and a loaded rehearsal before setting off.
Plan your stay
Choose a campsite that works for your group and the trip you want.
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How to Choose a Campsite You’ll Actually Enjoy
Compare campsite access, pitch size, facilities, rules, safety, accessibility, costs and booking terms—and know what to confirm before you pay.
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Camping Activities in England: Ideas for Days, Evenings and Rainy Weather
Choose camping activities for daytime, evenings and wet spells, with options to adapt to your group and the conditions.
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How to Plan Your First Wild-Camping Trip in the UK
The appealing version of wild camping begins with an empty hillside and ends with breakfast beside a magnificent view.
All published guides
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Camping Lights Explained: Lumens, Runtime and Not Blinding Your Neighbours
Choose a camping light by task, understand lumens and runtime, and keep unnecessary light out of neighbouring pitches.
-
Camping After Work: Can One Night Fit Your Plans?
Check whether a one-night campsite stay fits between leaving work and the next day’s commitments, using your own timings and the site’s rules.
-
Bikepacking or Cycle Touring? Choose the Camping Setup That Fits Your Ride
Choose on-bike camping luggage for your actual bicycle and ride, with bag-fit checks, suitable sleep kit and a loaded rehearsal before setting off.
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Camping Activities in England: Ideas for Days, Evenings and Rainy Weather
Choose camping activities for daytime, evenings and wet spells, with options to adapt to your group and the conditions.
-
How to Plan Your First Wild-Camping Trip in the UK
The appealing version of wild camping begins with an empty hillside and ends with breakfast beside a magnificent view.
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First Camping Trip With Children: Preparing Together
Prepare for a first camping trip with children: practise together, invite planning ideas and check the rules for your actual campsite.
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Cool Box or Camping Fridge? Choose for Your Trip, Not the Gadget
Compare passive cool boxes, thermoelectric coolers and compressor camping fridges, with UK product examples, power checks and food-safety advice.
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What to Wear Camping in the UK: A Practical Layering Guide for Changeable Weather
Choose and adjust clothing layers for UK camping, from base layers and waterproof shells to dry spares for campsite stays and walks with your kit.
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Air Tent vs Pole Tent: Which Suits Your Camping Trip?
Compare air-beam and pole tents, with practical checks for setup, packed size, maintenance and safety before choosing a model.