Clothes for camping: 4 must-haves for the beginner
It’s about escaping the grind…being one with nature…embracing your primeval self. Spending nights under the stars gives you an enormous sense of freedom. But having the right clothes for camping is essential. Without them, it can get very wet and cold very fast. And that’s a recipe for a disastrous outdoor experience.
Generally speaking, your camping clothes should be lightweight where possible, quick-drying, easy to remove, and breathable. If your purchases tick all those boxes, you have a good chance of making your time in the great outdoors rewarding and – dare I say it – fun.
Here are a few clothes for camping we wouldn’t be without.
Icebreaker Men's 260 Tech Long Sleeve Half Zip Base Layer
Being in your 40s or 50s, you're wise enough to know that a good base layer is the secret to long-lasting comfort and warmth. This Icebreaker hugs without pinching, pulling sweat away before it turns clammy. The result? You get to stay fresh even after a full day on the move.
It's a reliable layer under your jacket or fleece that keeps the chill at bay during those early morning brews or late-night chats by the fire. Natural fibres mean no smells or awkward itching — just support and added warmth.
You can grab an Icebreaker Base Layer at Cotswold Outdoor.
Rab Men's Vapour-Rise™ Pants
Camping trousers don’t get much more advanced than these. Rab's Vapour-Rise Pants are the dependable pair that deliver faithful service without the fuss.
Lightweight and stretchy, they withstand even the worst of the British weather with a fabric that breathes, so you don't overheat when you’re climbing or hiking. Quick to dry if they take a soaking, and easy to pull on over shorts or base layers, they're built for the man who's there to get stuff done — not battle his own camping clothes.
You can pick them up at the official Rab website.
Rab Men's Kinetic Alpine 2.0 Jacket
This is quite simply one of the most incredible camping jackets on the market today.
Rab's Kinetic Alpine 2.0 features Gore-Tex technology that keeps the wet out while letting the heat escape. Despite its protective qualities, it packs down small for a standard rucksack. It also features sleeves that move with you for chopping logs or scrambling rocks.
For the bloke in his forties who's traded wild weekends for family getaways, this is the no-nonsense camping jacket that means more time enjoying the view and less time swearing at weather reporters!
Buy the Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 Waterproof Jacket at the official website.
Scarpa Men's Zodiac Mid GTX Walking Boots
Choosing our favourite camping boots was a challenge. However, after several hours of research and a lot of debate, we settled on Scarpa Men’s Zodiac Mid GTX Walking Boots.
Gore-Tex lining gives you incredible confidence when walking through puddles. And the Vibram soles bite into mud and stone with ease. And let’s be honest, when you reach our age, anything that can make slips and trips in the great outdoors less likely should be embraced with open arms.
Break them in once, and they're yours for years of outdoor adventures. Buy your pair of Scarpa Zodiacs today.
The older we get, the harder camping becomes. Ageing muscles and joints don’t take too kindly to cold, wet weather and a lack of creature comforts. But being prepared with the right camping clothes can make your experiences a lot more comfortable.