The 50 Best Camping Essentials - Clothes

Whether it’s a rock festival or a faraway field, Simon Usborne finds the tents, togs and tackle for your outdoor adventure

Lewiston Jacket

A waterproof jacket is a must on any camping excursion. There are plenty of more stylish numbers on the market, but for a reliable option, Clive recommends the lightweight Lewiston. “It’s simple and is made from eVENT – awaterproof, breathable material that rivals other more famous brands,” he says. “It has everything needed to keep you dry and comfortable on the hill, diving in and out the tent orwandering down the high street in search of supplies.”

Where: Blacks (0800 665410; www.blacks.co.uk)

How much: £124.99

Beaufort Spectator Jacket

“You really can’t go wrong with this wax jacket,” say Jonathan and Sophie. “It has everything that makes Barbours iconic: it’s weather-proof, sturdy, lightweight and cosy, with a fetching tartan lining, smart, corduroy collar and large, bellow pockets. This model also has a secretweapon guaranteed to keep campers happy and bottoms dry: a pull-down waterproof seat. Neatly hidden inside the jacket, it unfolds when you press a little stud to provide protection against dewy grass at picnics or damp logs around the campfire.”

Where: Barbour (0800 009988; www.barbour.com)

How much: £199

One Earth T-shirts

“Comfy, colourful, and made from 100 per cent organic cotton, these scoop neck T-shirts, with slogans like ‘Campers do it in the mud’ and ‘Camp Fairy’, will add a bit of fun to any camper’s wardrobe,” say Jonathan and Sophie. “They’re machine washable (great news for festival-goers and those who like to walk the muddier side of outdoor life) and are dirt-cheap.”

Where: Millets (0800 389 5861; www.millets.co.uk)

How much: £11.99

Folk Jumper

“A nice warm jumper is an absolute essential for a festival or camping excursion,” says Rob da Bank. “Folk has a large collection for each season, including cosy cardigans and jumpers for chilly summer nights. The firm’s organic style looks great and their garments have a very high quality finish. There’s nothing better to keep you warm in the outdoors on a miserable day on the Downs.”

Where: Folk (020-7404 6458; www.folkclothing. com)

How much: from £70

Buff Visor Evo 2

Clive says, “The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to theGalaxy says travellers should always carry a towel. Well, I say make that a Buff. The fabric tubecan beworn as a hat (soak with water to keep you cool), dust mask, neckwarmer, wrist band, emergency glove, sling, or water filter. I can’t imagine camping life without one. They now also do an ultra-cool, lightweight hat. The Evo 2 is reversible, breathable and offers UV protection.”

Where: Buff (01707 852244; www.buffwear.co.uk)

How much: £16.99

Vaude Boya Bermuda Short

“Smart and comfortable, these shorts are a real boon in hot weather,” Clive says. “The cool, fast-wicking lightweight material is very easy for a camper to keep clean. It’s not on the care label, but I stamp on them as I take my evening shower and hang them up to dry overnight. By the time I get up they are normally clean, dry and crease-free. Just remember to empty the many pockets before you wash them.”

Where: Vaude (01665 510660; www.vaude.co.uk)

How much: £29.99