Unusual, but useful, things to take camping that you’ve probably forgotten about
From handy nightlights to space-saving gadgets, we've asked volunteers to recommend the things that you might not think to take for your next Scout overnight adventure. Whether you’re camping or staying indoors, we’ve put together a list of some of the more unexpected, but practical items, for your Night’s Away event.
Eating
Make personalised placemats before you go and laminate them to make sure everyone has somewhere to sit at the table. You could also use them to label luggage!
Use a whiteboard and markers to let everyone know today’s menu or for an activity schedule!
A water carrier that’s collapsible can be really hand and compact, you could even pull it on a sledge when full!
Take a big drink dispenser, one with taps to turn them off and on. They can be great for meal times, without the worry of spilling a big jug of juice.
You can use the washing up bowl to collect dirty plates, for messy activities, to store or carry drinks, or as a catcher under drinks dispensers.
First aid
This makes them a little less daunting than seeing red blood on white tissues. However, always avoid putting anything up the nose.
These are useful for medical conditions, such as diabetes. They can also be used as magical homesickness tablets to make people feel happier.
Make sure everyone can feel proud of who they are if there’s any small cuts and grazes.
These are helpful if anyone needs to trim nails for an activity or snags a nail while outdoors.
A small plastic bag is handy to keep in your first aid kit for your first aid waste.
Relaxing
Make sure people can relax outside on the grass, even after any morning rain. You can even put a picnic blanket under your air bed for some extra warm and waterproof insulation, or use it to put belongings on at any activity stops to keep them dry.
Create giant board games on the floor, mark game lines and boundaries, do some chalk art or make mazes. Remember to check with the landowner first!
Colouring books, puzzle books and reading books are all great for quiet time, a calming corner or before bed. If you’re colouring, put in some skin tone colouring pencils and try to choose a diverse selection of books, so everyone can see themselves represented.
Pop in some bubbles for some great fun during spare time and see who can pop the most.
Magnetic game help keep the pieces together and waterproof games handle multiple uses, especially in wet weather. Packs of cards are also great!
Activities and sports
Add them into changing rooms to use them when taking off wetsuits after activities. You could also put them outside showers to stop the floor getting really wet and to help you change after.
Pop in a bike repair kit to make sure you’re not caught out in case of a puncture.
If you’re planning on doing water activities, a waterproof phone holder, dry bag or dry bumbag can be super helpful, so you can keep any emergency bits, such as a car key, safe.
You could use songs as a timer, have a washing up disco or host a music quiz. Remember to be respectful of everyone, including other site users, follow any quiet times set by your location, and remember to only play age-appropriate music, including lyrics.
Make sure you’ll be able to keep on playing the beautiful game - it might be worth putting in a spare ball too, just in case.
Keeping clean and tidy
Use doormats at the entrances of tents or buildings to help prevent mud and grass getting in.
Keep shoes nice and tidy if people have to swap between outdoor and indoor shoes, helping to prevent trip hazards.
They can be great to put over the bottoms of muddy boots, either for packing or just to keep places clean.
Have a spare tub for any lost property to be put in, so you know where to look.
This’ll help keep tents or rooms clean and tidy.
At night
Jigsaw foam squares or tiles, such as the one’s used for toddlers or playrooms, to make a comfy tent floor.
If you’re staying inside, use plug in night lights. If you’re camping, solar fairy lights and solar lanterns can be useful. Place lights at the bottom of guy ropes to prevent them from becoming trip hazards at night, too.
Pack a kettle, cocoa powder, mugs, spoons and some tasty toppings for a hot chocolate station. Just remember to check for allergies, intolerances, fasting and dietary requirements. Take a look at our food safety tips.
Explore the night sky, identify constellations, and learn about the stars you can see with a stargazing app.
Keep your midnight bathroom visits hassle-free with easy-on shoes, such as wellies, crocs or flip flops.
Luggage and bags
A sledge can be super handy on grass for moving bags or equipment around, just don’t leave it at the top of a hill!
Make everything hands-free and take a bum bag to put all your essentials in, including a pen. You could even wear it when putting up your tent and keep all your tent pegs in the bumbag to make sure they don’t get lost.
A shower curtain (or even spare tarpaulin!) can be great for storing luggage on a wet field or covering it on a rainy day. Remember to pack an umbrella too!
From funnels and washing up bowls to water containers and kettles, see if you can find a compact version to save space.
Take a permanent marker for labelling clothing, marking items, or leaving notes.
Staying safe and camp management
Keep your toothbrush safe, clean and hygienic, even if they’re dropped!
These lightweight, space-saving and quick-drying towels are perfect for camping and swimming.
This is ideal for dirty washing. You also pop a bin bag inside for a handy bin.
A portable clothesline and pegs can be super handy for drying things out, especially towels!
Coat hangers can be great for drying items from trees or hanging up any shirts. You could even use a coat hanger with clips to hang up tea towels!
Laundry and personal hygiene
Make zips easier to find by adding some large keyrings to them – great for little hands!
These clips are great for securing fairy lights and bunting to tents, making sure it’s easy to remove.
High-vis jackets are great wear on walks, or have them for if your vehicle breaks down. For Scouts, you may want them for doing manual jobs around the task, to help identify who’s on in tag or to help everyone to be seen on day trips.
Keep your electrical connections safe and functional, even in wet conditions, with waterproof extension leads.
Use ‘No entry’ hazard tape to mark off dangerous areas or restricted zones, such as rabbit holes. It’ll help prevent accidents and making sure everyone knows where they can’t go. You could also use cones.
Repairs and emergencies
Always take spare sleeping bags too in case of any accidents. For a group trip, spare torches and some spare batteries can also be useful, as well as spare toothbrushes, towels, socks, hair bobbles and toiletries.
Make sure your gas bottle connection is properly tightened by using the right spanner.
Including a screwdriver, pliers, and other basic tools can be incredibly handy for minor repairs and adjustments during your trip, especially if someone gets locked in the toilets by accident. Duct tape has lots of wonderful uses too, from fixing broken shoes to bag straps.
A portable charger is a must-have to make sure your phone stays charged on long days, especially if it's being used for navigation or emergencies. You might even want to take a spare phone.
If you’re taking a vehicle, don’t forget the jump leads. They might just save the day if your vehicle’s battery decides to act up.