First-time campers
A quick-pitch tent and simple kit make the first trip far less daunting.
Camping Over the Long Weekend
A long weekend is the perfect amount of time to get away without a big pack-up. We would keep the kit simple: a tent that pitches fast, a comfy night's sleep, cold food and a few camp kitchen basics.
What do you need for a short trip?
The gear we would pack for two or three nights, most important first.
QUICK PITCH
Pop-up tents that pitch fast, so camp starts sooner.
What to prioritise
Less set-up
Pop-Up Tents
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SLEEP WARM
Sleeping bags with temperature ratings to suit the season.
What to prioritise
Check the rating
Adult Sleeping Bags
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SLEEP WELL
Air beds, self-inflating mats and foam pads, plus pumps.
What to prioritise
Off the ground
Inflatable & Air Mattresses
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KEEP IT COLD
Hard and soft cooler boxes, plus freezer packs.
What to prioritise
Food stays fresh
Cooler Boxes
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CAMP KITCHEN
Stoves, cooksets, mugs and cutlery for the camp kitchen.
What to prioritise
Simple meals
Cooking Sets
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AFTER DARK
Lanterns to light the tent, the table and camp.
What to prioritise
Light up camp
Camping Lights
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Quick to pitch
Arriving after a long drive is easier with a tent that goes up fast. Practise pitching and folding it at home once, so there are no surprises at the campsite.
A warm night's sleep
Check the comfort temperature on your sleeping bag against the overnight lows you expect, and add a mattress or mat for insulation from the ground. Nights can be cooler than the daytime suggests.
Weatherproofing
Look at the tent's waterproof rating and pack a tarp if rain is possible. Check the forecast before you leave and pitch on slightly higher ground.
Pack size
Short trips are about easy loading and unloading. Choose gear that fits the car with room left for food, water and the cooler.
Who this kit suits
Families
Comfortable sleep and cold food keep everyone happy for a couple of nights away.
Weekend regulars
Pack-and-go gear that lives in the boot makes it easy to leave on a Friday.
Your long weekend checklist
| Item | Why it matters | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Tent | Shelter for sleeping and storing gear | Practise pitching at home first |
| Sleeping bag | Keeps you warm overnight | Match the comfort rating to the forecast |
| Mattress or mat | Comfort and insulation from the ground | Pack the pump if it needs one |
| Cooler | Keeps food and drinks cold | Pre-chill it and pack frozen bottles |
| Cooking set | Easy meals at camp | Plan simple meals before you go |
| Lantern | Light around camp after dark | Charge it fully before you leave |
| Camping chairs | Somewhere comfy to sit | Fold-flat chairs save boot space |
Look after your kit
- Air your tent out at home and make sure it is fully dry before you store it.
- Store sleeping bags loosely between trips rather than in their compression sack.
- Wash the cooler and leave the lid open to dry so it stays fresh.
- Recharge lanterns as soon as you get home, so they are ready for next time.
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Frequently asked questions
How early should I book a campsite for a long weekend?
As early as you can. Popular campgrounds, especially in national parks and near the coast, often book out well ahead of busy weekends and school holidays. Check the booking system for the park or campground you have in mind, and keep a back-up option nearby in case your first choice is full.
What is the minimum gear for two or three nights?
A tent, a sleeping bag and mattress for each person, a cooler, a way to cook, water and a light for after dark cover the basics. Add chairs, a table and some shade if you are car camping and have the space. We would also pack a small first aid kit and check whether the site has drinking water before relying on it.
What temperature rating should my sleeping bag have?
Look at the comfort temperature rather than the extreme figure, and compare it with the overnight low where you are going. Inland and higher areas can be much colder at night than the coast, even in warm months. If you tend to feel the cold, choose a bag rated a few degrees warmer than you need and add a liner or blanket.
Air mattress or self-inflating mat?
An air mattress is usually the comfier choice for car camping, as it is thicker and closer to a bed, but it needs a pump and can feel cool underneath. A self-inflating mat packs smaller and adds insulation from the ground. Plenty of campers use an air bed in the tent and keep a self-inflating mat as a spare.
How do I keep food cold for a whole weekend?
Chill the cooler and the food before you leave, and pack it full, since empty space warms up faster. Frozen water bottles work as ice and give you drinking water as they melt. Keep the cooler in the shade, open it as little as you can, and store raw meat sealed at the bottom.
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Book early, pack light, enjoy the break
A few good basics are all a short trip needs. When you are ready to plan the next one, our full camping range is here.
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