What do you need for your first night of camping?

The first night of camping is mostly about finding out what you actually need. You will either overpack and laugh about it, or underpack and learn exactly which item you will never forget again (usually the mat). Both are fine. The trick is to make the first night easy enough to enjoy.

The short kit list

Sleeping

• Tent. Borrowed, rented or bought. Pitch it once in a garden or park before the weekend away, in daylight, so you know which pole goes where.
• Sleeping bag. Check its comfort temperature against the night-time forecast for where you are going, not the daytime one.
• Sleeping mat. As important as the bag. The ground pulls warmth out of you, and a mat stops it. Foam, self-inflating or air: any is better than none.
• Pillow. A camping pillow, or a stuff sack filled with your spare clothes.

Clothes

• Warm layers. A fleece or light down jacket for the evening, even in summer. Nights outdoors are colder than you expect.
• Waterproof jacket.
• Dry clothes to sleep in, including fresh socks and a warm hat.
• Shoes that can get wet, plus your main walking shoes.

Light and kitchen

• Head torch, with spare batteries or a charged power bank. Both hands free makes everything easier.
• Food that needs little cooking. Bread, cheese, fruit, tomatoes, crisps, biscuits, something sweet. A simple stove is a bonus; see our guide to cooking on a camping stove if you want hot food.
• Water bottles, and a mug for a hot drink in the morning.
• Bin bag for rubbish, which you take home.

Small things people forget

• Toilet paper, toothbrush, a small towel, sun cream, any medicines, a basic first-aid kit, a phone charger, and a lighter or matches if you have a stove.

Choosing a first campsite

For a first night, comfort beats wilderness:

• An organised campsite with toilets, showers and drinking water.
• Near the car, or near a train station or bus stop if you are going without one. Carrying gear a long way is a pleasure for later outings.
• Somewhere with a café or pub within walking distance is a very civilised backup plan.
• Follow local rules. Where and when you can camp varies a lot between countries and regions, and many places do not allow camping outside official sites. Check before you go.

Once there, pick a flat, slightly raised spot for the tent (not a dip where rain collects), away from the toilet block's lights and footpaths, with the door facing away from the wind.

Staying warm

Cold is the most common reason people say they did not sleep. A few habits help:

• Put the mat under you, not just the bag. Insulation from the ground matters most.
• Eat something before bed. A warm drink and a snack are very comforting.
• Wear a hat and dry socks in the sleeping bag.
• Go to the toilet before bed, so you do not have to brave the cold at 3am.
• Do not seal yourself in completely. A bit of ventilation reduces condensation inside the tent.

Check the weather, and keep it flexible

Look at the forecast for the night, including wind and temperature, and be willing to change plans. A first night in heavy rain and wind is not a test of character; it is just wet. Pick another weekend.