College Life
What to Wear to Camping: 25 Essential Camping Outfits for a Comfy & Stylish Adventure
Wondering what to wear to camping? Explore essential camping outfits that keep you comfy, stylish, and ready for any outdoor adventure.
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If you’re looking for a fun way to break up the monotony of college life, camping is a fantastic choice.
Not only does it put you in a completely different environment but preventing you from accessing the internet helps you to really take a break from all the work and stress.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when planning a camping trip is what you are going to wear.
It is incredibly important to bring the right clothes to ensure both your safety and comfort while you’re away.
Not to worry, I’ve been camping enough times to be very familiar with what you’re gonna need.
In the rest of this article, I’m gonna list some examples of some basic things you’ll need, and then we’ll talk about some full outfits for different situations that you’ll likely encounter when you’re out camping.
Along the way, I’ll be dropping some recommendations for you in the form of Amazon links for easy access.
In This Post:
• Essential Clothing Items for Camping
• Footwear for Camping
• Must-Have Camping Accessories
• Outfit Ideas by Activity
• Weather-Specific Outfit Tips
• Stylish Yet Practical Camping Outfits
• Tips for Packing Efficiently
Essential Clothing Items for Camping
Photo by Robert Kusk
• Moisture-wicking shirts
These are going to be essential if you are in a warm environment and are going to be sweating. These shirts are going to absorb your sweat much faster than a normal t-shirt, and once they do, they’re also going to dry much faster.
Trust me, being sweaty all day is not fun, but these shirts will make dealing with it far easier. A great option for these would be this multipack from Fruit of the Loom.
Multiple colors give you an option for every outfit, and my favorite feature is the lack of a tag, so they don’t irritate your neck after a long day.
• Comfortable hiking pants or leggings
When you’re on a long hike, you’re really going to feel the pants on your legs, so it’s far better if they’re comfortable. Irritation on your legs is a surefire way to have no fun for the rest of the trip.
Comfortable cargo pants or soft leggings are my recommendations to avoid this. Since finding them, I haven’t gone camping without my Eddie Bauer Rainier Pants.
The athletic fit and DWR finish keep my legs comfortable and protected, and the side zipper pocket is perfect for ensuring I don’t lose anything.
• Durable shorts
Sometimes long pants are just too hot, depending on the climate, so you’ll also definitely want to bring shorts on any hot trips.
A lot of shorts are kinda flimsy, so you’ll want to make sure to bring shorts that can hold up to a bit of wear and tear. Given those requirements, my top pick is the Wrangler Authentics Twill Cargo Shorts.
Durability is second to none thanks to the 100% cotton twill construction, and with five large pockets on the legs, they have the capacity to carry anything you’ll need on you.
• Lightweight jackets
No matter what the temperature is during the day, it often gets cold in the evening and at night. That’s why I always make sure to pack a lightweight jacket just in case it gets a little too cold.
These can also be good for layering under other jackets in cases where it’s very cold. My recent favorite has been the Hanes EcoSmart Fleece, mainly because of its soft fleece that still feels great after many washes.
• Weatherproof outerwear
The weather out in campgrounds can be somewhat unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to bring outerwear so you’re prepared for whatever you come across.
Many heavy-duty camping ponchos can actually fold up small enough to store in backpacks, like the Ultra-Lite2 from Frogg Toggs, which has been a permanent resident in my camping bag for the past year thanks to its aforementioned ability to fold and includes a pouch to store it.
Photo by Robert Kusk
Photo by Robert Kusk
Footwear for Camping
Photo by Robert Kusk
Photo by Robert Kusk• Hiking boots
There are a ton of things you’re going to be walking over when you’re at a campsite, so your normal shoes aren’t gonna cut it.
I’ve always gravitated towards tall and thick hiking boots. You want thick soles to protect your feet from anything on the ground, and having taller boots protects your ankles from low plants.
It’s for that reason that I really like the Ryno Gear Tactical Boots for hiking. The tall, padded collar makes sure nothing can cut or graze your ankles, and despite the armored look the liner is actually very breathable so your feet don’t get too hot.
• Comfortable sneakers
While boots are great for protection, around the campsite, you’ll probably want something more comfortable. Having a comfy pair of sneakers as another option is a great idea, so you don’t need to always wear your boots.
On campsites where the terrain may be more rugged than my typical city sneakers allow for, I grab my New Balance 608 V5’s.
These shoes are very comfortable, with a ton of padding in the midsole to cushion against any debris and great arch support.
• Waterproof sandals
If your campsite is anywhere near a beach or lake, you’re also going to need some kind of water shoes so you can get your feet wet.
I have sandals listed here, but there are several different options that would work; just make sure you can get them wet. As for a recommendation, I have a pair of sandals I bought for my mum, the Camel Crown Waterproof Hiking Sandals.
These have worked great for her for walks around the campsite and the beach alike, with thick and grippy soles and amphibious materials that dry quickly.
• Warm socks
Photo by Robert Kusk
Photo by Robert KuskNo matter what shoes you bring, you are going to need socks. Normal socks will suffice, but I recommend some thicker socks made from warmer materials.
These fuzzy socks from Moggei fit just what I look for in this kind of sock. Very fuzzy and comfortable, perfect for sleeping because they keep my feet nice and warm at night.
Related: 27 Exciting Things to Do at Night When Bored: Fun & Creative Ideas to Try!
Must-Have Camping Accessories
Photo by Robert Kusk
Photo by Robert Kusk• Hats (sun protection and warmth)
It is a good idea to bring multiple hats with you on a camping trip. You’ll need one for protection from the sun and another for warmth.
For my sleeping caps, I recommend the Headshion Cotton Skull Caps for being thin and stretchy, but plenty warm enough for sleep.
For a sunhat I pack the Home Prefer UPF50+ because of its extra features of a mesh top and a neck flap to help prevent sunburns.
• Sunglasses
Find a nice pair of sunglasses that can go with every outfit. During the day, the sun will be a consistent obstacle during all of your activities, so shielding your eyes will be very important.
Recommendations become difficult because everyone prefers different styles for sunglasses, but a personal pick from me would be the Sojos Classic Aviators for their polarized lenses and multiple tint options to fit your preference.
• Gloves for chilly evenings
I say for chilly evenings because that is likely when you’ll need them, but it’s a good idea to keep a pair of gloves in your bag no matter the temperature.
They don’t take up very much space. A really convenient pair I’ve been using recently has been this pair from Simari. I call them convenient because of their extra features making them very easy to wear while doing other things.
Not only are they water and wind resistant, but they have silicon on the palms and fingers to allow for a better grip, making them perfect for things like skiing.
• Buffs or bandanas
Having something to wear on your head will be helpful on those hot and sweaty days. I always bring a bandana to help keep the sweat from dripping into my eyes while hiking or working, like this example from GOT Sports.
I like this one because its moisture-wicking design is very absorbent, and the design allows for multiple ways of tying it to fit different styles and comfort.
Photo by Robert Kusk
Photo by Robert Kusk
Outfit Ideas by Activity
Photo by Robert Kusk
Photo by Robert Kusk• Hiking or exploring trails
Hiking boots, cargo pants, a moisture-wicking shirt, a bandana, and sunglasses.
• Relaxing around the campfire
Leggings and a fun hoodie.
• Swimming or water activities
Sandals, a swimsuit, a swim shirt, and goggles.
• Sleeping comfortably in a tent
Long johns, pajamas, and a beanie.
• Casual campsite activities
Sneakers, shorts, and a t-shirt.
Related: 60 Amazing Hobbies for Women in their 30s
Weather-Specific Outfit Tips
Photo by Robert Kusk
Photo by Robert Kusk• Outfits for rainy conditions
I mentioned bringing a poncho earlier in the article, but it is worth repeating. Getting caught in the rain really stinks, and being able to stay dry will be worth it.
You can also bring water-resistant boots if you are confident that it will rain and want to protect your feet.
• Dressing for hot summer days
The summer is the most popular time to go camping but it is the time when you should be most concerned about the heat.
During the summer, you need to dress lightly and prepare for sweat with things like moisture-wicking fabric and sweatbands.
• Clothing tips for chilly nights
I have two big suggestions for dealing with cold nights while camping: long johns and a sleeping cap.
Long johns are basically thick underwear, so you can wear them under your pajamas as an extra layer. A sleeping cap is a good idea because your head is actually where you lose most of your body heat while sleeping.
Wearing a beanie or similar hat while sleeping will help you feel much warmer on the coldest nights.
Stylish Yet Practical Camping Outfits
Photo by Robert Kusk
Photo by Robert Kusk• How to layer stylishly
If you’re in a cooler environment and you need to layer in an outfit, you have a few options for layering.
We’ve mentioned several light options throughout the article so far, and you’ll want to keep blank layers underneath more complex items.
• Combining comfort with fashion
When it comes to balancing comfort and fashion while camping, you’re going to want to prioritize comfort for the most part. That doesn’t mean you have to completely do away with fashion, however.
There are enough options with different colors and styles that if you plan them out, an outfit can achieve both gracefully.
• Cute, camera-ready outfits
If you plan to take a lot of pictures of your trip, that may make what you look like a bit more important, and you’ll want to prioritize the fashion aspect of your outfits.
• Outfit planning checklist
A great way to make sure all of your outfits are on point is to make an outfit planning checklist prior to your trip.
Having a list that includes all the pieces you want to bring will help you figure out outfit combinations in advance and not forget anything before you leave.
Related: 20+ Fun Sleepover Games That Will Have Everyone Laughing
Tips for Packing Efficiently
Photo by Robert Kusk
Photo by Robert KuskWhen packing your bags for a trip, you are going to want to start by knowing a general forecast for the weather in the area you will be staying.
If there is any chance of it being colder than you expect or special conditions like rain or snow, it is important to be prepared for the worst possible conditions.
Alongside weather, it is also important to prepare for wildlife and emergencies. Bringing a basic first aid kit to keep at your campsite is never a bad idea.
The scout motto is “be prepared” for a reason, and when you’re camping, you can never be too prepared.
Final Thoughts
There is no right or wrong way to dress while camping, but I hope I was able to give you a bit of guidance on the things you should be thinking about while planning your camping adventures.
By planning your outfits in advance and bringing things suitable to the weather, I have no doubt you’ll be able to come up with some fantastically fashionable camping fits that are as stylish as they are functional.
Be sure to share them with us if you come up with something great or have a fun camping story to share.
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