Your Camping Checklist

A Clothing and Accessories Camping List: Pack The Camping Essentials

In our opinion, camping is the very definition of freedom. Outdoor adventures are some of the best ways to experience the world - and camping gives us the privilege of nights closer to nature and a head start to fill the days with activities. As with any outdoor pursuit, what you pack makes a difference to the quality of your experiences. At The Safari Store, our advice on what to pack for camping comes from real-world experience. Our founder works remotely from wild campsites around Africa for many months of the year. As a result, we have unique insights into that most popular campfire (and camp forum) question: what are the camping essentials? Read our advice and shop the camping essentials list.

Camping Clothes: The Camping Essentials List

1. Layer up in outdoor clothing: Made-for-purpose outdoor clothing has a range of benefits for camping - including insect defence, sun protection, and quick-drying properties. The trick is to pack (and dress) for changing conditions during the day. For early morning and evening chills, a fleece or jacket and snug knitwear is a must. For everything in between, layering down to adapt to the heat of the day or to activities holds the key to day-long comfort.
2. Look for technical outdoor clothing: Find clothing and accessories that are a match for insects and the elements so that nothing gets in the way of your enjoyment of the great outdoors. Our BUGTech™ anti-insect clothing is one of the few brands on the market that offers built-in insect defence treatment and effective moisture wicking (the ability of the shirt to move moisture away from the skin, helping with temperature regulation and dryness). BUGTech™ has other fantastic features like built-in UPF50+ sun protection and anti-microbial properties - all made from ultra-soft, lightweight, and strong ripstop fabric. If you're looking for pure sun shirts, SAFARITech sun protective fabric offers built-in UPF50+ in lightweight, moisture wicking, soft fabric.
3. Use clothing to cover up: The best method to ensure sun care and insect protection is to cover up. By limiting the skin that's exposed to the sun and insects, you reduce your chance of getting bitten or burnt - keeping you comfortable throughout your camping adventures and after you return home. This starts with a wide-brim hat, but bolster your efforts with BUGTech™ anti-insect and sun protective clothing, an effective sunscreen, and the best insect repellents.
4. Versatility means simplicity: Pack less that does more. For example, convertible trousers are longs and shorts in a single garment (and, if you're planning on fishing or exploring nearby trails during the day, convert in seconds when you're out and about). Our BUGTech™ long-sleeve shirts give you the cover you need from the sun and insects, but have roll-up sleeve tabs that secure rolled-up sleeves for the functionality of a short-sleeve shirt.
5. Do your feet a favour with blister-free socks and good walking shoes or boots: You'll probably use your campsite as a base to explore the local trails or fishing spots. Go the distance by packing reliable walking shoes or boots and blister-free socks.
6. Slip-On Camp Boots and Camp Shoes: Slip-on camp shoes with closed toes are a must for campsite life, so that you can wander around camp with confidence at every time of day.

The Wise Accessorise: Camping Accessories

1. Insect Protection: Love nature, but not the bugs? An effective insect repellent is always going to be the first barrier to bugs on camping trips. We've extensively tested our selection of natural and Australian-made DEET-based bug sprays on safari and at home to ensure that they really work.
2. Ankle Protection: Mosquitoes love them, ticks find their way on to them, and blackjacks are powerless to resist the magnetic force of socks. Without question, ankles are the sweet spot when it comes to vulnerability. A pair of ankle gaiters is not only a great walking tool for campers, they are also fantastic for insect protection and reducing blackjacks and debris from getting into socks and boots.
3. Sun Protection: Even in overcast and winter weather, sun care is essential for camping. The number one way to protect yourself from sunburn is to cover up. Our BUGTech™ and SAFARITech technical clothing feature built-in UPF50+ sun protection. Accessorise with an effective sunscreen spray. Add a hat for extra sun protection for the face and neck when you're out on walks or relaxing around camp.
4. Torches: A torch is a camping accessory essential for enjoying nightlife in nature. From preparing meals and simply lighting your way to playing a protective role for awareness of wild animals, keep it light with hand torches, headlamps, and camping lanterns to suit your camp needs.
5. Safe Drinking Water: If there is even the slightest question about the safety of your water supply, a simple water filter is a great camping accessory for peace of mind - and is an investment in health and wellbeing.
6. Bags for Camping: From rugged duffel bags and camping toiletry bags to satchels and backpacks for day trips, what you pack is as important as what you pack it into. Our luggage collection has some exciting options, some with build-your-own-bag, compound bag functionality that allows you to customise your bag to your camping plans.

The Camping Essentials Shopping Guide

Women's BUGTech™ Pioneer Shirts
• Built-in insect defence, UPF50+, anti-microbial and moisture wicking properties.
• Ultra lightweight, quick-drying ripstop fabric with a soft hand feel for outdoor performance with a luxury touch.
• Vents along back seam for breathability, double roll-up sleeve tabs, sunglasses loops
Shop now >

Mara&Meru™ Serengeti T-Shirt
• Lightweight and luxurious, with a soft hand feel.
• Loose fit in a V-neck T-shirt design.
• Available in three colours. Also available in a long-sleeved T-shirt design.
Shop now >

Men's BUGTech™ Explorer Shirt
• Anti-insect, moisture wicking fabric with UPF50+, quick drying, and anti-microbial properties.
• Made from lightweight, ultra-soft, and cool ripstrop fabric.
• Features include vented seams, double roll-up sleeve tabs, and sunglasses loops.
Shop now >

Men's Mara&Meru™ Savute T-Shirt
• 100% cotton.
• Buttoned crew neck design with sunglasses loop.
• Available in two colours.
Shop now >

Children's BUGTech™ Shirt
• Anti-insect, moisture wicking, anti-microbial fabric with built-in SPF50+
• Quick drying, lightweight, and cool.
• Roll-up sleeve tabs for versatility.
Shop now >

SAFARITech Men's Sun Shirt
• Built-in UPF50+ and moisture wicking.
• Quick drying, lightweight, and cool.
• Roll-up sleeve tabs for versatility.
Shop now >

SAFARITech Women's Sun Shirt
• Built-in UPF50+ and moisture wicking.
• Quick drying, lightweight, and cool.
• Roll-up sleeve tabs.
Shop now >

BUGTech™ Women's Anti-Insect Shirt
• Anti-insect, moisture wicking, anti-microbial fabric with built-in UPF50+
• Quick drying, lightweight, and cool.
• Roll-up sleeve tabs for versatility. Pocketless design.
Shop now >

BUGTech™ Men's Anti-Insect Shirt
• Built-in insect defence, UPF50+, and moisture wicking.
• Quick drying, lightweight, and cool.
• Roll-up sleeve tabs for versatility. Pocketless design.
Shop now >

Women's BUGTech™ Pioneer Zip-Off Trousers
• Converts from long trousers to three-quarter capris or shorts
• Anti-insect, moisture wicking, UPF50+ sun protection, and quick-drying.
• Made from lightweight, cool ripstop fabric with a soft hand feel.
Shop now >

Women's Mara&Meru™ Jogger Pants
• 97% cotton, 3% spandex with a super-comfy fit.
• Elasticated waist with drawstring and elasticated ankles.
• Available in two colours.
Shop now >

Men's BUGTech™ Explorer Convertible Trousers
• Lightweight, cool, quick-drying anti-insect trousers with moisture wicking and UPF50+.
• Convert from long trousers to shorts or three-quarters.
• Cargo pant design with six pockets.
Shop now >

Mara&Meru™ Men's Savute Cargo Pants
• Lightweight 97% cotton, 3% spandex trousers.
• Cargo pant design with six pockets.
• Available in two colours.
Shop now >

BUGTech™ Children's Convertible Trousers
• Quick-drying, anti-insect, moisture wicking, anti-microbial, UPF30 ripstop fabric.
• Quickly and simply converts from long trousers to shorts.
• Cargo trouser design with two hand pockets and two cargo pockets.
Shop now >

Mara&Meru™ Men's Savute Cargo Shorts
• 97% cotton, 3% spandex.
• Knee-length design.
• Cargo short style with six pockets.
Shop now >

BUGTech™ Men's Adventurer All Day Longs
• Lightweight BUGTech™ anti-insect ripstop fabric with soft hand feel.
• UPF50+ sun protection, moisture wicking, quick drying, fast crease release, anti-microbial finish.
• Cargo pant design with six pockets.
Shop now >

Mara&Meru™ Serengeti Women's Camping Shorts
• Made from lightweight cotton and spandex blended fabric.
• Elasticated waist with drawstring for comfortable, adjustable fit.
• Two front hand pockets and decorative slit pockets.
Shop now >

Mara&Meru™ Serengeti Women's Leggings
• Made from cotton and spandex blended fabric.
• Thick enough for optimal opacity. Light enough for warm-weather travel.
• Comfortable elasticated waist.
Shop now >

Women's BUGTech™ Anti-Insect Jacket
• Anti-insect, UPF50+ sun protective, moisture wicking outer layer.
• Core lined in premium, soft, and warm micro-fleece.
• Double layer of BUGTech™ fabric on the arms.
Shop now >

Women's Rufiji™ Bonded Fleece Jacket
• Made from soft, warm, premium bonded fleece.
• Adjustable elasticated waist and elasticated cuffs trap warmth.
• Full-length zip and storm flap.
Shop now >

BUGTech™ Men's Explorer Jacket
• Anti-insect, quick drying, moisture wicking outer with built-in UPF50+.
• Core lined with premium, warm micro-fleece.
• Double layer of BUGTech™ fabric on the arms.
Shop now >

Rufiji™ Men's Bonded Fleece Jacket
• Made from soft, warm, premium double-bonded fleece.
• Adjustable elasticated waist and elasticated cuffs trap warmth.
• Full-length zip with storm flap.
Shop now >

Fleece Hoodie
• Made from 100% premium cotton, with micro-fleece feel on the inside.
• Generous-depth hood with drawstring. Kangaroo pocket.
• Made for men and women.
Shop now >

Children's Bonded Fleece Jacket
• Made for boys and girls.
• Made from premium double-bonded fleece material.
• Adjustable, elasticated waist and elasticated cuffs.
Shop now >

Buffalo Boots
• Made from 100% cowhide leather with a strong, rubber sole that's made for the outdoors.
• Double reinforced pull tabs for slip-on and off camping convenience.
• Micro and leather in-sole prevents seepage in wet conditions.
Shop now >

Rufiji™ APU Combat Boots
• Made from genuine cowhide leather with leather soles.
• Made for walking - covering ground on anti-poaching foot patrols in Africa every day.
• Contribute to our boot project for conservation with every purchase.
Shop now >

Rufiji™ Women's Leather Sandals
• Made from genuine cowhide leather with rubber soles.
• Brass buckles.
• Comfortable, secure wraparound design.
Shop now >

Rufiji™ Explorer Veldskoen Shoes
• Genuine cowhide suede leather upper with crepe soles.
• Steel eyelets with antique bass finish.
• Crafted in Africa in a stylish veldskoen design.
Shop now >

Mara&Meru™ Blister-Free Socks
• Double layered for reduced friction and blister prevention.
• Moisture wicking promotes dryness.
• Quick drying for the wash-and-wear needs of camp life.
Shop now >

Rufiji™ Canvas and Leather Ankle Gaiters
• Made from safari-grade canvas and leather with brass detail.
• Secured by an elasticated cuff around the lower leg, velcro and press stud along the back, and shoe clip.
• Also available in suede leather.
Shop now >

Must-Have Camping Accessories

Rufiji™ Explorer Leather Hat For Men & Women
• Made from genuine suede leather, offering SPF50+ sun protection.
• Detachable chin strap. Internal drawstring for fit.
• Packable.
Shop now >

Rufiji™ Explorer Canvas Hat for Men & Women
• Made from water-resistant canvas with a mesh crown for breathability.
• Detachable chin strap. Adjustable internal drawstring for fit.
• Packable.
Shop now >

Thusk Rib-Knit Beanie for Men & Women
• Hand-knitted by a team of African grandmothers as part of a community project.
• Made from 100% sustainably sourced South African wool.
• Naturally warm, breathable, and hypoallergenic.
Shop now >

Adventurer Flat Packable Hat For Men & Women
• Made from durable, packable cotton canvas.
• Flip and clip brim. Adjustable, detachable chin strap. Internal drawstring.
• Floatable.
Shop now >

Mara&Meru™ Vintage Print Tubular Head&Neck Scarf
• Made from 100% polyester microfibre fabric with nanoweave technology.
• SPF50+, windproof, quick drying.
• Eight ways to wear it.
Shop now >

Bushman Insect Repellent
• Made in Australia - where it sells around 1.3 million bottles every year.
• Safe, effective 40% DEET formula.
• Slow release actives for long lasting protection.
Shop now >

Mosi-guard Extra Natural Insect Repellent Spray
• Up to 10 hours' protection.
• Non-DEET, plant-based formula (40% Citriodiol (oil of lemon eucalyptus), which is effective against a range of insects.
• Family-friendly - for use by adults and children over the age of six months.
Shop now >

Satchels and Duffel Bags for Camping

Mara&Meru™ Safari Voyager III
• Made from safari-grade canvas and luxury leather with brass hardware.
• End pockets zip off to become stand-alone satchels and backpacks.
• Zip-off end pockets are interchangeable, so you can build your own bag with our range of attachments.
Shop now >

Mara&Meru™ Selous Satchel
• Made from safari-grade canvas and leather, with brass hardware and an interchangeable front flap in a range of designs.
• Use interchangeable straps to wear it as a shoulder bag, backpack, or belt bag.
• Comes with removable padded binoculars pouch.
Shop now >

Mara&Meru™ Selous Washbag
• Made from safari-grade canvas and leather with brass hardware. Also available in full leather.
• Rolls up for compactness during packing. Hanging hook for easy access to your toiletries when you reach your camp spot.
• Comes with a wooden soap box.
Shop now >

Build a Never-Fail Camping Wardrobe For Comfort and Protection

• Made for the outdoors: Find out more about camping clothes and shop the men's camping clothes, women's camping clothes, and children's camping clothes essentials.
• Advice on all forms of camping apparel: The right gear is a strong start for the success of your camping adventures. Read ourcamping shirts advice, camping pants advice, camping jackets advice, and camping boots advice.
• Top camping accessories: No camping trip is complete without insect repellent, sun protection, and a good torch. Read our advice and shop the essentials: insect and mosquito repellent for camping, sun care for camping, and torches and camp lanterns
• That's a wrap: Never get cold on a camping trip. Find out our top choices of beanies, scarves, and head and neck tubular scarves and shop the recommendations on our beanies and winter scarves advice page.