What clothes do you take camping?

[Frog253]

I'm a jeans and t-shirt sort of person but I suspect jeans are not the best for camping (awful when wet). We will be in the UK and I am keeping my expectations low regarding the weather. So assuming that the weather will be, at best, mixed and probably cool in the evenings what do you wear? Do you manage with tracky bottoms and leggings or do you buy specialist outdoor wear? Is a fleece best for keeping warm in the evenings? Do you always take waterproof trousers?

Advice appreciated as I don't want to be the inappropriately dressed wally on the campsite. I've got wellies and a waterproof jacket

Shorts in case it's hot, trackies in case it's cold, leggings if it's in between. Tee shirts with fleece jumpers on top, waterproof jacket and trousers for those grotty days. Wellies are essential if it's raining and crocs do for every other eventuality.

Always always take waterproof trousers (and jacket of course), they are an absolute lifesaver if it's wet. As well as keeping the rain off, you can sit on wet surfaces or on the ground without worrying. I wear mine instead of normal trousers if it's warm-ish but wet so as not to get too hot. If it's really cold I'd have my thermal leggings underneath!

If it's a camp/hike holiday, then I'd have the proper 'outdoor wear', otherwise trackie bottoms or cargos, or shorts, but jeans are fine if it's dry.

I've never bothered with wellies (haven't owned any since I was about 5) but always have waterproof shoes/boots. Fleeces are great for keeping warm, and I'd bring a warm hat as well in case you get chilly in the evening or at night.

Thanks for your thoughts, will definitely get waterproof trousers as well as some other bits.

Shorts, warms tops (half-zip fleece or woollen jumper) and a waterproof coat. Have never bothered with waterproof trousers, as it's easier to dry your legs on a towel than to find somewhere to hang the waterproof trousers. A large golf umbrella is very useful. Don't have wellies, but waterproof gardening shoes, flip flops or walking sandals. You'll need socks for the night time, whether you're outside or tucked up in your sleeping bag. Lots of layers for sleeping in at night - sometimes you're hot, sometimes you're definitely not. A good blanket helps too to keep you cosy.

OP, thank you for posting this! If I hadn't have seen it then the inappropriately dressed wally would have been me. I am committed skirt wearer and may need to modify this to include a few more pairs of leggings underneath!

Don't take as much as you'd normally take for a short break, other than clean underwear every day, you need enough clothes for 60% of time going and do lots of recycling and mixing and matching. It's tricky keeping unused/clean clothes looking unmanky and I find the post-camping family clothes wash a really big chore, unless kept minimal.