How to really get the most out of small-spaces in your campervan?
Make overpacking a thing of the past and get the most of your campervan’s space by prioritising versatile, multi-purpose clothing. Pack smartly by placing heavier items close to your back and rolling clothes to maximise space. Keep food straightforward with compact, easy-to-prepare meals and snacks.
Packing for a holiday sounds simple…
… Until you actually start! It’s that same old struggle: you’re only working with a smaller space, and just to top it off the weather refuses to make up its mind. After all, the forecast says mild, but everyone knows that could mean anything from sunny days to sideways rain. Before you know it, that weekend away calls for about a hundred different outfit changes (and that’s a low estimate!).
So, how do you get by on a campervan trip without bringing half your wardrobe? Well, we have all the answers you seek!
What to pack for backpacking?
Instead of endless options, the secret is efficient packing. To help you out, we’ve put together a few tips to ensure you can make every item count:
Prioritise multi-purpose items
When space in the campervan is running low, keep your focus on pieces that can be used again and again. Take the Alden hoody or Abigail neck sweat, which work just as well as an extra hiking layer as they do loungewear for an evening round the campfire.
For your main layer, a lightweight 3-in-1 jacket is hard to beat. It gives you a few different options without taking up loads of space, combining a waterproof outer layer for when the weather turns with a detachable inner jacket you can wear on its own when the skies brightens up.
Style-wise, neutral colours and simple styles make things easier to mix and match, essentially meaning fewer items but more combinations. Quick-drying fabrics are also a bonus, especially when you’re dealing with limited drying space and the occasional downpour.
Packability
The key here is to stick to items that don’t take up unnecessary space, meaning you’ve always got them on hand when the weather turns, but they’re never in the way when it doesn’t.
Jackets like the TOG24 North RDS jacket or the Craven waterproof packaway jacket are great here. Both are designed to pack down into a small bag or pocket so they can live in your backpack without you even really noticing they’re there.
It’s that kind of flexibility that makes all the difference when space is limited!
Comfort in the van
The important thing to remember is that none of this should come at the expense of your own comfort.
You might picture campervan travel as endless exploring, but the reality includes a fair amount of relaxation as well. Comfortable layers, such as the Revive fleece, are great for those slower moments.
When the rain’s tapping on the roof and you’re tucked up with a hot drink, you’ll be thankful you packed something to relax in.
How to pack a backpacking bag?
This is where packing really does morph into a game of Tetris.
In a more traditional backpacking bag (such as this one), we’d recommend starting off with the heavier items, like your walking boots or bulkier clothing, placing them close to your back. This helps keep the weight centred and makes carrying your bag far easier on your back. Lighter items can then be packed in around them to fill the gaps.
Rolling your clothes instead of folding them is another great trick that saves on space and makes everything easier to locate. Instead of creating a mountain of clothes just to find that one t-shirt you just have to wear, you’ll now be able to quickly grab what you need.
If you need something a little easier on your back, a rolling bag is a great alternative. It comes complete with separate compartments for better organization and is super easy to manoeuvre around.
For more backpack advice, we’d recommend checking out our detailed guide.
What food to take camping?
Food planning is often overlooked in the excitement of going away, but it can really make or break your overall experience. The main goal is to keep things short and sweet. You don’t want to be prepping meals that require a lot of equipment or time, especially after a long day of adventures or travel.
Breakfasts like oats or granola are ideal as they are easy to store and don’t require a lot of thought. For lunch, things like trail mix or energy bars are there to give you a quick boost without taking up much space in your luggage.
Keep your evening meals just as straightforward. Pasta or pre-prepared camping meals are both great options that don’t require much effort but still leave you going to bed full.
Just make life easier for yourself and keep things simple. After all, who wants to be worrying about cooking when you’re on holiday!
Happy camping!
Packing for a UK campervan holiday doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of thought upfront, you can cover all your bases without overloading the space you’ve got. Just remember: less is more!
If you’re after more outdoor tips and tricks, there’s plenty more to explore over on our blog, from a guide to dog-friendly walks in the lake district to the best outfits to wear on your summer holidays.
To add more gear for your camping trip, take a look at our full collection online.
