B&M's Ultimate Camping Guide 2026

There's nothing quite like escaping into the great outdoors.

Whether you're heading off for a weekend camping trip, a buzzing festival, or simply enjoying a sunny picnic in the park, having the right gear can make all the difference.

From comfortable sleeping essentials to practical picnicware, a few simple items can transform your experience into a luxurious and memorable time.

As the weather is starting to turn, check out B&M's ultimate camping guide, for ideas and budget buys that will see you through your next outdoor adventure!

Packing the Picnic Essentials

Starting with the essentials for any trip outdoors, picnicware is an absolute must-have to keep in your inventory.

Practical and reusable picnicware makes outdoor dining simple, convenient, and enjoyable - whether you're heading to the park, beach, or countryside for a relaxing afternoon.

Why not add some bright and durable pieces to your trip for serving up summertime snacks? The multicolour picnic tumblers 4pk keep you watered and refreshed, while the simply summer coloured bowls 4pk are ideal for serving salads, fruit, snacks, and a variety of different picnic treats.

For larger gatherings, the simply summer dining set 31pc provides everything you need for easy outdoor dining, making a full picnic spread compact, colourful, and budget-friendly. On warmer days, keep food and drinks fresh with a multicoloured cooler bag, and make serving drinks effortless with the collapsible drink dispenser - perfect for lemonade, juice, iced tea, or cocktails.

To complete your picnic set-up, the soft touch printed picnic blanket creates a comfortable space to sit, relax, and enjoy your food. Lightweight and easy to carry, it's ideal for everything from spontaneous park picnics to longer outdoor adventures.

With colourful, practical picnic essentials packed and ready to go, you'll have everything you need for a fun and relaxed day outdoors.

B&M Top Tip: Disposable foil BBQ trays are another great addition to your outdoor dining, perfect for on the go grilling that requires minimal set-up.

Summer Socialising

Long summer evenings and warm days make the perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family outdoors. Whether you're setting up a campsite, relaxing in the garden, or heading to the beach, having the right gear can turn a simple meet-up into a comfortable and memorable experience.

Create a welcoming space by starting with a dome shelter, providing shade during sunny afternoons and a cosy spot to gather as the evening cools. Pair it with a double folding camping chair with cup holders, so everyone can relax comfortably while keeping their drinks within reach.

For serving food and keeping essentials organised, the outdoor adventure table with storage is a practical must-have, perfect for friendly barbecues or family camping trips. To cook up some crowd-pleasing favourites, don't forget to bring along a portable BBQ for easy and enjoyable outdoor dining, perfect for grilling burgers, vegetables, or skewers while everyone socialises nearby.

To keep refreshments flowing, a drink dispenser and cup set is ideal for serving chilled drinks to a group of people throughout the day, while a simply summer ridged wine glass 4pk adds a touch of style and sophistication to cocktails, wine, and socialising under the stars.

With a few thoughtful essentials, you can transform any campsite or outdoor space into the perfect spot for sunny gatherings with friends and family.

Sleeping Soundly Under the Stars

A great night's sleep can make or break your camping experience, so it's worth getting all the necessary ingredients for a night to remember under the stars.

Start by choosing a well-designed tent that assembles easily and quickly on flat, slightly elevated terrain. For trekking or fishing on your own or with your partner, the outdoor adventure 1-2-person tent is ideal for solo and couple trips, giving ample space for sleeping and lounging. Or are you taking the whole family to your favourite camping site in the countryside? For larger groups, the outdoor adventure 4-6 person tent is a spacious option that features two different compartments for more privacy.

If necessary, you may also want to pick up a camping mallet to ensure your tent stays secure and stable, especially if wind picks up overnight. If you're staying on wet or rough ground, you may also want to place a ground sheet under your tent to provide a dry and protective barrier,

Inside your tent, think in layers to create a cosy sleeping environment. A single, double, or queen size air mattress is a staple go-to for most campers, ensuring you have a soft and comfortable surface to sleep on. Alternatively, a camp bed is an absolute game changer for comfort, lifting you up off the ground and saving you from the cold, hard, bumpy floor.

For sleeping outdoors, a warm and insulating sleeping bag is one of the most important things to bring, and preferably one suited to dual season camping like the 190 tog sleeping bag, which regulates your body temperature and keeps you feeling comfortable whatever the weather. To take your comfort even further, an inflatable camping pillow will give you that soft and cushioned place to rest your head after a long day of adventures, providing proper neck support and even starrier dreams.

B&M Top Tip: Don't forget lighting! Camping pull lights are a great essential to have in your gear, illuminating your reading, organising, changing, and nightly wind-down.

Festival Buzz

Camping at a festival - or simply basking in the great outdoors - is all about balancing high-energy fun with laid-back comfort. With the right set-up and gear, your pitch can become more than just one place to sleep; it transforms into a welcoming social hub where friends and family can recharge, regroup, and make lasting memories in between sets or after a long day of exploring.

Start by creating your own basecamp with a wind breaker to section off your space - adding a touch of privacy while shielding you from unexpected gusts. It creates a cosy corner where your group can unwind, chat, and escape the bustle of the wider campsite.

Comfort is key when you're spending long days on your feet, so you'll thank yourself for bringing along an inflatable chair where you can kick back and rest. Pair it with a cool box stored with drinks and snacks to keep everyone refreshed and you will be in heaven. For cooking up food and avoiding the high-cost of festival catering, bringing a camping gas stove lets you level up your meals while saving money in the process.

Of course, festival camping is a far cry from the luxuries of a five star hotel, but a few thoughtful extras can make all the difference. A solar camping shower is a game-changer when you need to freshen up, especially if you're camping out for multiple nights. Don't forget your other essential toiletries either - baby wipes, a toothbrush, mouthwash, and deodorant to keep you clean and comfortable throughout your stay.

B&M Top Tip: Be prepared for whatever the weather throws your way. Whether it's a blazing sunshine or sudden showers, packing a handheld fan and a trusty umbrella will ensure you stay cool, dry, and ready to enjoy every moment.

What are your camping and festival hacks? Share your tips, tricks, and essential gear with the B&M community over on Facebook, X, TikTok and Instagram.