A glamping checklist: your guide to a successful trip

Whether you are seeking outdoor adventure without sacrificing comfort or simply want to try camping without the hassle of setting up tents, glamping can offer a good balance. Our comprehensive checklist will make sure you pack everything you need for a memorable and comfortable glamping experience.

Glamping a  hybrid word that combines ‘glamour’ and ‘camping.’ It provides more comfort than the average camping experience and glamping might be your ideal outdoorsy holiday if you prefer comfortable sleep setups, such as large, climate-controlled tents, tree houses and vintage campervans. 

Glamping is for people who want the idea of camping without sacrificing too many comforts. Glamping transforms the rugged into the refined. Forget about sleeping on the ground – glamping lets you indulge in sophisticated facilities with a backdrop of trees, stars and easy access to the outdoors.

Every glamping resort can have a different level of facilities, so be sure to check where you’re booking to see what you need to bring, and what you might be able to leave behind. 

Toiletries

For glamping, bring the basics, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo, deodorant and a quick-dry towel. Be sure to pack toilet paper, as it may not always be provided, and pack face or baby wipes because you might not always have access to running water. 

Add a razor if needed, hand sanitiser, a small hairbrush, nail clippers, tweezers and any other personal hygiene products. Pack everything in a hanging toiletry bag that keeps all your skincare organised.

Food

Glamping meals can be simple or more elaborate if you prepare in advance. Think elevated camping food – pack easy-to-prep meals like marinated meats or veggie skewers ready to  grill, gourmet sausages, pre-cooked grains and some cheeses. Fresh bread, ripe fruit and fancy snacks like olives, nuts and dark chocolate can make you feel indulgent without much effort. 

For breakfast, consider pre-made pancake batter in a bottle, granola or even eggs and smoked salmon if your setup has a fridge or cooler. For drinks, bring your favourites like flavoured seltzers, wine, beer and spirits, canned cocktails and juice. Good coffee is especially welcome, and experiment with a low-tech brewing method that suits your needs.

Water bottle

Invest in a well-insulated stainless-steel bottle, something that keeps your water cold for 24 hours or your coffee hot until noon. If you are somewhere with questionable water sources, a bottle with a built-in filter might be very useful. If your glamp site is full-service and water is abundant, bring a larger jug or carafe for campsite refills.

Insect repellent

Prepare for being outdoors so you can enjoy your trip without bugs. Bring an insect repellent that suits the conditions and helps protect you from bites. 

If you are in tick territory, treat your clothes or gear with permethrin ahead of time or wear long layers. At night, zip up your tent or yurt and consider a mosquito net over beds or hammocks if your glamping host did not provide.

Sun protection

Start with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, ideally water-resistant if there is any swimming or sweaty hiking involved. Reapply regularly to avoid sunburn. Sun cream sticks are great for touch-ups on the nose, cheeks and ears without getting your hands greasy, and mineral powders with SPF are perfect for a quick midday refresh. 

A wide-brimmed hat is essential for protecting your scalp and neck, while polarised sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays. Long, light layers in UPF-rated clothing are good for sun-drenched days when you do not want to keep reapplying sun cream. Pack a lip balm with SPF as well to keep lips hydrated and burn-free.

Coolers

Rotomoulded coolers are sturdy and can keep ice frozen for days. Be precise about what size you need. Do not get one too big unless you are bringing food for a group. 

Use block ice and regular cubes for maximum cooling, and pre-chill the cooler the night before. Keep drinks separate from food if you do not want to open the lid too often and melt your dinner. Wheels are nice if you are not parked right next to your tent. Built-in cup holders or bottle openers can be convenient bonuses.

Blankets

 Pack a blanket that suits the season, such as a lighter outdoor blanket for warm-weather trips or a thicker insulated or wool blanket for colder nights.

Torch

Pack a rechargeable LED torch with solid battery life and multiple brightness settings. Something compact but powerful that will light up your path or help you do a scan of the area around you. A red-light mode can also be useful to preserve your inherent night vision but enhance your ability to see in dim conditions, and also won’t attract as many bugs.

Headlamps are also a great choice to give you hands-free mobility while cooking or reading. If you are serious about ambiance, bring a solar-powered lantern or string lights for that comfortable atmosphere. Do not rely solely on your phone torch  – this can quickly drain your battery.

On a glamping trip, you can look stylish without sacrificing practicality. Here’s a go-to glamping packing list:

• Footwear: good trainers or hiking shoes.Sandals designed for the outdoors with ankle straps and rubber soles are great for flatter areas, and water shoes are a good idea if you plan to do any water activities.
• Socks and underwear: make sure to bring socks that will prevent blisters.
• Layers: bring a variety of layers, long trousers and shorts, short and long sleeves, depending on the temperatures of your trip. A warm thermal layer that can be worn under trousers on the coldest of mornings can be a life-saver, as well as a hat and gloves.
• Outerwear: bring different options for top layers including sweatshirts, rain jackets or ponchos and puffer coats.
• Swimsuit and towel: many glamping locations are near lakes and bodies of water, so it is always a good idea to pack a swimsuit or two. Pack a travel towel that is not too bulky that you can carry in your backpack.
• Loungewear: bring joggers or comfortable athleisure with a relaxed fit but looks polished enough to wear around the firepit for cocktails.
• Buff (or snood): buffs earn their keep, offering warmth, sun protection, bad hair cover-up and even a dust mask if you end up in a windstorm.
• Slippers or recovery footwear: after hiking, your feet will thank you for some impact-absorbing recovery shoes. Bonus points if they have a rubber sole for those late-night trips to the toilet.
• Quick-dry everything: wicking fabric rules in the great outdoors. This goes for underwear, shirts and even trousers.
• A smart outfit: for when you want a little glam in your glamping. Think casual dress, smart shirt or jumpsuit that packs light and wrinkles minimally.

Comfort and convenience

If you want to feel at home while at camp, for instance, consider bringing a supportive camp chair. Love your gadgets? Keep them charged with a solar-powered power bank. If you want to make the space feel more welcoming, add LED string lights or solar lanterns.

Entertainment & games

If you are glamping, do not forget to pack for fun. Bring fun party games or a deck of cards. Travel-sized board games are easy to pack and simple to set up. It is also a great time to catch up on reading or carve out time to write. If you play a travel friendly instrument c, bring it on your trip to offer guests some evening entertainment. Do not forget binoculars – take the time to really look at what you are seeing, whether you are birding or stargazing. 

Hammock

A hammock can be one of the most relaxing holiday accessories available. Whether you are reading, napping, stargazing or just sipping something cold, a hammock offers relaxation, harnessing all of nature's best attributes – breezes, sunshine and quiet – simultaneously.

Kitchen supplies

Chefs have myriad ways to bring the joy of the kitchen to the campground, with outdoor knife sets, camp ovens and roll-top kitchens. Whatever you can dream of for your outdoor kitchen, there is probably a camping version of it.

Glamping is less about packing everything and more about bringing what you need for your specific stay. Before you leave, it helps to check what your site already provides, think about the weather and make a short list based on the activities you have planned. That way, you can cover the essentials without overpacking. A little planning can help you feel more prepared, while still leaving room to enjoy the outdoors.