Camping Jackets: Choosing the Best Camping Gilet, Fleece, and Lightweight Jackets

Camping Jackets: Choosing the Best Camping Gilet, Fleece, and Lightweight Jackets


Story by:

C. Fraser Claire

Get warmth without the weight with the best camping jackets

If you are researching what to wear camping, camping jackets are going to be at the top of your essential camping checklist. As with safari and many other outdoor pursuits, layering up is the most sensible way to dress for changing conditions. When it comes to camping – where pack space comes at a premium – the trick is to pick a warm layer that insulates without the weight. Find out our top camping jackets recommendations, what features to watch out for, and shop our bestselling range of jackets, fleeces, and camping gilets.

What To Wear Camping: Advice on Camping Jackets

The best camping jackets combine a range of features for the outdoors. This is because camping is usually one component of larger outdoor adventures. By packing a jacket that offers warmth together with other smart features for the outdoors, you're making an investment in comfort and preparedness on any and all camping adventures. Ultimately, the warm layers you select depend on the duration of your camping trip, the season and expected weather conditions - and adapting jackets and fleeces to these factors. We spend a significant portion of the year camping and, as a result, have narrowed down our warm layer must-haves into four categories.

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Camping Jackets Favourites

Fleece Camping Jackets: Premium fleece adds a soft touch to the rough and tough outdoors. Fleece is our go-to material for warmth on camping trips - offering great thermal abilities in a lightweight garment. It's also breathable, durable, and moisture resistant, making it a great fit for camping and outdoors. Top tip: look for designs with elasticated cuffs, adjustable waists, and to-the-chin zips - or an old-faithful hoodie - to effectively trap warmth when conditions get chilly.

The Anti-Insect Camping Jacket: Outdoor and camping clothing has evolved our experiences by offering incredible modern fabric advancements. Our men's and women's anti-insect jackets have a range of features that make them a perfect fit for camping. The outer is made from anti-insect, sun protective, moisture wicking, quick drying, and anti-microbial BUGTech™ fabric, with an inner core that's made from soft and warm micro-fleece. This jacket is lightweight - but is also styled in a classic safari or bush jacket design, which always looks great. If you are looking for a camping jacket that is pack-friendly, these safari jackets are sure to suit your adventure style and keep you as comfortable as you are cool (or is that warm?) while camping.

A Waterproof Camping Jacket: Keeping dry is key to staying warm on any camping trip. Don't leave home without a waterproof layer. Before you start comparing your trusty raincoat to the size of your pack, look into packable waterproof layers instead. In a poncho or jacket and hood design, these products fold up into their own compact bag so they are easily on-hand if the weather turns rainy. They take up such little space in your backpack or daypack that you'll be prepared whatever the weather.

A Camping Gilet: The multi-pocket utility vest is not only for archaeologists, scientists doing field research, or fishermen. The hands-free convenience of lots of pockets has found its way into outdoor and camp life and it's here to stay. Keep camping essentials like your torch; compass, map, or GPS; insect repellent; mobile; and other accessories close at hand around camp and on the go. Our BUGTech™ Explorer Multi-Pocket Gilet offers a practical multi-pocket design in anti-insect, sun protective, quick drying, and anti-microbial fabric - all benefits that are especially useful around camp and out on the trail.

Add The Best Beanies and Winter Scarves: If you're worried about warmth in chilly conditions, add knitwear to your camping checklist. Oh, the difference a scarf or beanie can make - the perfect way to tuck up against icy winds, misty early mornings, or wintertime adventures. Our Thusk™ range of knitwear has been lovingly hand-knitted by a team of African grandmothers in sustainably sourced wool - which has a range of advantages from wicking to warmth. They are also small enough to tuck into your pocket or into your pack without taking up too much space. Not into knitwear? Our nano-weave Vintage Head&Neck Scarf can be worn eight ways and is a fantastic camping accessory in windy and dusty conditions.

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Things to pack for camping: camping jackets

The Best Camping Jackets Shopping Guide:

Shop our selection of the best camping jackets, fleeces, hoodies, and gilets for men, women, and children. Pair your jackets with the best camping shirts and use our full camping checklist to fill your pack with essential outdoor and camping clothing and accessories.

Fleece Camping Jackets

Rufiji Women's Bonded Fleece Camping Jacket Rufiji™ Women's Bonded Fleece Jacket
• Made from warm, premium double-bonded fleece.
• Adjustable, elasticated waist and elasticated cuffs. Full-length zip with storm flap.
• Two zipped, fleece-lined hand pockets.
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Rufiji Men's Bonded Fleece Camping Jacket Rufiji™ Men's Bonded Fleece Jacket
• Made from warm, premium double-bonded fleece.
• Adjustable, elasticated waist and elasticated cuffs. Full-length zip with storm flap.
• Two zipped, fleece-lined hand pockets.
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Rufiji Children's Bonded Fleece Camping Jacket Rufiji™ Children's Bonded Fleece Jacket
• Made for boys and girls from warm, premium double-bonded fleece.
• Adjustable, elasticated waist and elasticated cuffs. Full-length zip with storm flap.
• Two zipped, fleece-lined hand pockets.
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Men's and Women's Hooded Fleece Camping Jacket by The Safari Store Men's & Women's Ultimate Safari Hoodie
• Made from 100% cotton hoodie fabric with soft, warm micro-fleece on the inside.
• Generous-depth hood with drawstring. Fitted cuffs and waistband.
• Large kangaroo hand pocket.
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Safari Jackets and Camping Gilets

Explorer BUGTech Men's Anti-Insect Camping Jacket BUGTech™ Explorer Men's Safari Jacket
• BUGTech™ outer: insect defence, UPF50+, moisture wicking, quick drying, anti-microbial.
• Core lined with premium micro-fleece, with two fleece-lined hand pockets.
• Double layer of BUGTech™ on the arms.
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BUGTech Pioneer Women's Anti-Insect Camping Jacket BUGTech™ Pioneer Women's Safari Jacket
• BUGTech™ outer: insect defence, UPF50+, moisture wicking, quick drying, anti-microbial.
• Core lined with premium micro-fleece, with two fleece-lined hand pockets.
• Double layer of BUGTech™ on the arms.
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BUGTech Explorer Multi-Pocket Camping Gilet BUGTech™ His and Hers Multi-Pocket Gilet
• Made from BUGTech™, with insect defence, UPF50+, anti-microbial, moisture wicking, quick drying properties.
• Nine pockets, including a zipped security pocket.
• Elasticated, adjustable waist. Full-length zip. Waist and collar studs.
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Packaway Waterproof Camping Jackets and Ponchos

Packable Waterproof Camping Jacket for Men and Women His and Hers Packaway Waterproof Jacket
• Windproof, waterproof (10000mm) and breathable (8000gsm).
• Taped seams, concealed hood, and adjustable drawcord.
• Made for men and women.
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Packable Waterproof Camping Poncho For Men and Women Packable Waterproof Poncho
• Waterproof and breathable. Taped seams, three-piece hood, and side snap button fastenings.
• Packs into its own compact travel bag - perfect for camping packs and day packs.
• One size fits all - suitable for men, women, and children.
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Children's Packable Waterproof Camping Jacket Packable Children's Camping Jacket
• Waterproof and breathable with a foldaway hood.
• Elasticated cuffs and adjustable waist.
• Packs into its own compact bag for camping convenience.
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The Best Beanies and Winter Scarves

Thusk Women's Knitted Headband for Camping Thusk Knitted Women's Headband
• Made from 100% sustainably sourced South African wool.
• Hand-crafted by a team of African grandmothers as part of a community project.
• Pin back camping locks and warm ears in style.
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Thusk CableKnit Beanie For Men and Women Thusk Cable-Knit Beanie
• Made from 100% sustainably sourced South African wool.
• Hand-crafted by a team of African grandmothers as part of a community project.
• A camping classic - with the natural benefits of wool.
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Thusk Women's Knitted Button Scarf for Camping Thusk Women's Knitted Button-Scarf
• Made from sustainably sourced 75% wool, 25% acrylic blend with coconut husk buttons.
• Hand-crafted by a team of African grandmothers as part of a community project.
• Wraparound design that is cosy and stylish for camping and everyday wear.
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Thusk Knitted Bow Scarf for Camping Thusk Knitted Bow Scarf
• Made from 100% sustainably sourced South African wool.
• Hand-crafted by a team of African grandmothers as part of a community project.
• Thread-through design for the perfect, secure fit around camp.
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Thusk Rib Knit Beanie for Camping Thusk Rib-Knit Beanie
• Made from 100% sustainably sourced South African wool.
• Hand-crafted by a team of African grandmothers as part of a community project.
• The simple solution for snugness whenever there is a nip in the air.
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Vintage Print Head and Neck Scarf for Camping Vintage Head&Neck Scarf
• Made from nanoweave fabric with UPF50+, soft hand feel and wind-proof properties.
• Eight ways to wear it.
• Four-way stretch for comfort.
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