Clothes on camping vacation: Helpful tips for on the go – drying, storing & packing

Clothing for your camping vacation – Are you in the middle of planning your upcoming camping vacation?
Whether you’re traveling with a roof tent or a camper, your packing list should definitely include some outdoor clothing.
Here you can find out what you should take with you when camping as well as further tips on how to store and dry your clothes properly on the go.
You can also browse our store for other useful camping accessories.

The right outdoor clothing for every season

Of course, when camping, you spend most of your time in nature and in the open air.
Whether it’s a short hike or a longer day trip – there can be serious temperature fluctuations, sudden rain or wind at any time.
So that you don’t have to cut your trip short and can still enjoy yourself, you should have the right outdoor clothing with you in advance.
In addition to a suitable jacket and outdoor trousers, this also includes suitable footwear so that you are prepared for any weather conditions, whether you are camping in summer or winter.

The key to an undisturbed camping vacation: camping clothing

For these reasons, the right outdoor clothing is very important:

  • Undisturbed vacation when the clothes fit & protect
  • Camping mostly in nature & under the open sky
  • Possible temperature fluctuations, rain or wind
  • Preparation for camping in summer & winter

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From basics to weatherproof options: Tips for warm & cold

In addition to standard items such as underwear, socks and seasonal basic clothing, you should always pack weatherproof options.
For example, rain boots and a rain jacket for rainy days.
It can also get very cold on the campsite, which is why you need warm clothing.
It will be particularly cozy in the roof tent if you can also warm up your sleeping area.
You can do this with an electric blanket, which even works with the power bank so that you don’t have to rely on a power connection.
Check them out here: But when camping, it can not only get bitterly cold, but also very warm.
A sun hat and sunglasses will help protect you from the sun.
Swimwear and towels for warm days at the beach are also essential.
Here is a packing list of useful outdoor clothing:

Tip!
You can read here how you can keep camping comfortable despite extreme temperatures, apart from your clothing: Camping in the cold and camping in the heat.

With a basic set of the right clothing, you are perfectly equipped for all situations, excursions and hikes! Two people hold their Nordic Walking poles in the picture.

How much clothing do I need for 14 days of camping?

The amount of clothing you need for a 14-day camping trip depends on various factors.
These include:

  • Weather conditions (temperatures & season)
  • Activities during your vacation
  • Washing & drying facilities on site

However, some basic recommendations can be made:

Packing list for 2 weeks camping vacation

Here you will find a packing list for a two-week camping vacation.
Of course, this list can be adapted according to individual needs and weather conditions.
It’s also always a good idea to take a small amount of detergent with you so that you can wash and reuse clothes on the go.

ClothingQuantity for 14 days
T-shirts14
Trousers/shorts7 – 10
Underwear14
Socks14
Fleece jacket1 – 2
Sweater1 – 2
Long pants2 – 3
Rain jacket1
Waterproof shoes1 pair
Hiking boots1 pair
Swimwear1 – 2
Sun hat + sunglasses1 each
Insect protection + clothing1 set
Towels2 – 3

What to do with dirty clothes?

When storing, separate dirty clothes from clean ones to avoid unpleasant odors.
A separate bag or a waterproof bag can help here.
Ideally, you should pack ahead of time and take easy-care, washable clothes with you when you go camping.
If you end up with more dirty clothes than you planned for and have with you, you can either wash them by hand or take them to a launderette.
If there is a launderette near your campsite or even on site, you can wash and dry your clothes there.
In the middle of nature, you will need access to water and can then wash the clothes yourself for a short time.
Use a natural detergent and a bucket and then dry your clothes in the fresh air.
This applies to dirty laundry:

  • Separate dirty clothes from clean clothes (separate bag)
  • Wash clothes by hand or in a launderette
  • Make sure your detergent is kind to nature

Drying clothes while camping

When camping, there are various ways to dry clothes, depending on the weather conditions and the equipment available.
In any case, make sure you shake out your clothes before drying them to remove any dirt or sand that may have accumulated.
This will prevent the clothing from becoming stiff or smelling unpleasant.
Here are some options:

  • Leave to dry outside
  • Over the campfire
  • In the roof tent / awning
  • With dry bag

Dry in the fresh air

If you are out and about in summer or spring and it is sunny and warm, you can simply let your clothes dry in the fresh air.
Hang them on a washing line, a branch or another suitable object.
Make sure that the clothes are well secured so that they don’t fly away.

Dry by the campfire

If you can make a campfire, you can carefully hang your clothes over it to dry them.
Make sure that the clothes do not hang too close to the fire and that they are not damaged by sparks or flames.

Hanging in the roof tent

If it is damp or raining outside, you can also hang your clothes in the roof tent or awning to dry them.
There should be enough space for your clothes and they should not hang too close to sleeping accessories or other objects.

Drying bag

There are special drying bags that draw the moisture out of your clothes, allowing them to dry faster.
These bags contain drying agents such as silica gel or rice that absorb moisture.
Always let your clothes dry before you pack them away to avoid unpleasant odors and possible mold growth!

The right storage on the go

Storing your clothes properly when traveling is important to keep them clean and tidy and to protect them from damage.
Here are some tips for storing clothes on the go:

  • Order & overview with storage boxes
  • Separation of dirty & clean clothes
  • Use hangers & hang up clothes

Use storage boxes

To keep everything neatly in place, you should use storage boxes.
You can store certain items of clothing separately and neatly and keep each person’s items separate.
For example, sort your clothes by category to make them easier to find.
This will prevent chaos at the campsite.

Tip!
So that you can sort everything and still store it safely, you can take a look at two different boxes here:

Separate dirty and clean clothes

It makes sense to separate dirty clothes from clean clothes to minimize soiling and odours.
Use separate bags or pouches for dirty clothes and make sure they are sealed airtight.

Hang up clothes

When you arrive at the campsite, you can hang up your clothes to air them out and remove wrinkles.
Ideally, use clothes hangers and let your clothes air out for a few hours.
Tidiness is the be-all and end-all when camping so that everything runs smoothly!

So you can pack to save space

As space is quite limited when camping, you should pack as space-savingly as possible.
You can find some methods and tips here:

  • Save space & reduce creases in your clothes: roll your clothes
  • Reduce volume with vacuum or compression bags
  • Pack everything: use empty spaces & corners in your luggage
  • Do you want to put the garment on first?
    Pack to the top

Roll instead of fold

Instead of folding garments, you can roll them.
This saves space and prevents creasing.
Lay the garments flat on a flat surface, fold them in the middle and then roll them up from bottom to top.

Vacuum or compression bags

Vacuum or compression bags are a great way to save space in your luggage.
Place your clothes in the bag and then squeeze the air out to reduce the volume.

Use empty rooms

Use empty spaces in your luggage to store clothes.
For example, you can put socks or underwear in shoes or in the corners of your luggage to save space.

Pack according to layers

Put the clothes you want to wear first on top.
This way you don’t have to search through all your luggage to find what you need to start with.

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