Camping Equipment

Buying a suitable tent is one of the most important parts of planning your camping trip. When you choose carefully, you can explore with the peace of mind that you've got a comfortable, spacious and reliable shelter to return to. Get it wrong and you could end up with all sorts of trouble, especially if you're going wild camping in extreme weather conditions.

We have a fantastic range of tents in a wide variety of sizes, suitable for group trips, solo expeditions and family camping holidays. Choose between:

• One-person tents, perfect for solo travel
• Two-person tents, for wild adventures together
• Three-person tents, ideal for two people plus bags
• Lightweight and easy-to-pitch backpacking tents
• Family tents, with separate pods and extensions
• Bivi bags and shelters, ready for adventurous wild camping

The variety of camping accessories on the market might feel overwhelming, especially if you've never been out in the wild before. Above all, what camping gear you need depends on the type of trip you've got planned.

On multi-day expeditions, packing light should be your priority – but you'll also need to pack those all-important first-aid supplies. Weight isn't so much of an issue for family holidays, so you'll benefit from sturdy camp cooking equipment, a spacious family tent and perhaps some home comforts like coffee makers. Once the sun sets, meanwhile, torches and lanterns are invaluable for any setup.

Along with your tent, though, there are a few essentials for every camping trip. These include:

• Sleeping Bags

  Lightweight and packable sleeping bags make all the difference to your sleeping setup. Whether you're sleeping in the comfort of your tent or beneath the stars in a bivi bag, you'll need to choose carefully according to fit, warmth and functionality.

  Season ratings are used as a guide to indicate the conditions your sleeping bag is designed for. These vary from brand to brand but we'd recommend choosing at least a three-season bag if you're camping in the UK. We provide sleeping bags from leading UK camping gear brands including Berghaus, Sea to Summit, Vango, Rab, OEX and many more.

• Sleeping mats

  You'll be so much more comfortable when you place your sleeping bag on top of a sleeping mat. For family camping, this could look like a deluxe air bed with a blow-up camping pillow. Those on multi-day hikes and sleeping in the wild, however, should choose a lightweight inflatable sleeping mat instead.

  Despite their differences, all sleeping mats serve the same purpose: to insulate you from colder temperatures and to provide comfort. This critical bit of camp equipment protects you from lumps and bumps on uneven ground, providing a supportive and cosy sleeping space.

• Food and cooking equipment

  When you're out camping, cooking equipment can make or break the experience. Whether you stay on a campsite or out in the wild, it's unlikely that you'll be able to connect any electrical devices. You need to be self-sufficient, so your camping kit should always include supplies for preparing, cooking and eating food.

  There are several camping stoves to choose from, so you should think carefully about your needs. Compact gas stoves, like the MSR PocketRocket, are more portable than traditional options like those by Trangia but both offer advantages. Campers on expeditions often choose to buy long-life camping food, which can be cooked by submersion in hot water

Getting organised makes any adventure better. Even though it might be tempting to set off with just the essentials, you should make sure that the camp equipment you've packed is suitable for your trip, the weather conditions you expect to encounter and your group's safety too.

Before you head out there, don't forget to:

• Check your camping gear: Discovering a hole in your tent or a fault with a stove could ruin your trip, so checking first is key. We're happy to help replace or repair damaged or faulty camping kit.

  Pitch your tent at home: If you've bought a new tent, it's always worth giving it a test run at home before heading out there. Pitch it in the house or garden to learn about how it all works, check that it's the right size and make sure that it's ready to go.

At Tiso, we believe in sustainable and responsible action.

Camping is all about appreciating the environment, so you should respect it too. Use your common sense and follow the rules, whether you're wild camping or staying on a site. Leave only footprints behind you.

We understand the importance of preserving the beauty of our natural spaces, so we're proud to offer a range of eco-friendly camping products. You can also look out for the Think Green badge on products online and in-store, including biodegradable toiletries and camping cookware, to help reduce your impact on the environment.

We stock a wide range of reputable camping brands, ensuring that you have access to the best outdoor gear for your camping adventures. Some of the popular camping brands available at Tiso include:

• Vango
• MSR (Mountain Safety Research)
• Hillberg
• Yeti
• Highlander
• Rab
• Berghaus
• Sea to Summit
• Nemo
• Hydro Flask

Yes! From our stoves and fuel range, you can buy new gas canisters or have your existing canister topped up with us. Please note that, if you've ordered gas canisters online, these must be collected in-store due to courier restrictions.

Yes, we do sell Hilleberg tents!

Hilleberg is a brand renowned for its high-quality and reliable tents designed for extreme weather conditions. Its tents are favoured by outdoor enthusiasts, mountaineers and adventurers who require robust shelter in challenging environments. Whether you're planning a winter expedition or a summer camping trip, Hilleberg tents at Tiso offer unrivalled protection, stability and comfort.

Yes! Tiso proudly supports both DofE participants and leaders, and both are entitled to discounts across the range. For more details and unique camping discount codes, please check the Duke of Edinburgh's Award website.

Yes, Tiso sells midge repellents to help protect you from these tiny biting insects while you're camping.

Midges can be a nuisance, especially in certain regions and during specific times of the year. In the Scottish Highlands, peak midge season starts in summer and lasts through to September. We know how important it is to keep midges at bay – and to enjoy your time outdoors without constant bother!

You can find a range of midge-repellent products at Tiso, including sprays, lotions, creams and other formulations specifically designed to repel midges and other biting insects. Products including Smidge repellent and Avon Skin So Soft are popular with keen campers.

Yes, we offer festival camping tents designed to meet the needs of festival-goers.

Festival camping tents are typically lightweight and easy to set up, offering compact packing for convenient transportation. These tents often prioritise speedy pitching and packing away so that you can spend more time having fun rather than struggling with complicated instructions!

Additionally, festival tents may feature unique designs, such as pop-up tents or those with spacious sleeping areas and integrated storage pockets. Whether you're attending a music festival or any other outdoor event, our selection provides a suitable option to accommodate your camping needs in style and comfort. On a budget? Check out our sale tents before you go!