Your First Night Under Canvas: A Checklist for Beginners

Tent, sleeping bag, mat and a warm layer: what to pack for a first night out, and the small things that make it comfortable.

Start with what you will really do

The best gear is the gear that suits the outings you actually have, not the expedition you dream of. Think about how often you go, how far and in what weather.

1. Once a month: choose comfort and an easy fit.
2. Every week: look at weight and how it packs.
3. Racing or long trips: spend on what touches you most.

Try before you trust it

Wear it around the house, then on a short outing close to home, before you rely on it far away.

Good gear disappears when you use it. You only notice the view.

Look after it

Rinse, dry and store it properly after every use and it will last for years.