After years of camping, I've come to realise something. While I love a good bit of high-tech gear, some of my most-used, most-loved items are things I've repurposed from home. Official camping checklists are great, but they often miss the clever, budget-friendly hacks that can make a trip so much easier and more comfortable.
Before you rush out and spend a fortune, have a look through your cupboards. You might find you already own some of the best camping kit there is. Part of my Smart Budget Camping philosophy is using what you have!
10 Unexpected Items That Are Genius for Camping
The Humble Jam Jar
Glass jars are perfect for storing coffee granules, tea bags, and sugar. They're airtight, completely waterproof (even in a torrential downpour), and stop half-empty bags from spilling all over your food box.
Frozen Water Bottles
Don't waste money on disposable ice packs. Just freeze a couple of 2-litre bottles of water. They act as giant, solid ice blocks, keeping your cool box chilled for much longer. As they slowly melt, you get a constant supply of ice-cold drinking water.
Foam Floor Tiles
This is my absolute favourite camping hack. Those interlocking foam tiles used for kids' playrooms make an incredible floor for your tent's living area. They provide insulation from the cold ground, give you a soft, comfortable surface to walk on, and protect your groundsheet.
Comfort Upgrade
Interlocking Floor Mats
"Honestly, once you've tried this, you'll never go back. It makes the tent feel so much warmer and more homely. A pack of these is cheaper and better than any specialist 'tent carpet'."
Check Price on AmazonA Hanging Shoe Organiser
A cheap, over-the-door shoe holder is a brilliant storage solution. Hang it from one of the tent poles to store everything from cooking utensils and toiletries to head torches and phone chargers, keeping your tent floor free of clutter.
Clutter Buster
Hanging Pocket Organiser
"This is my secret to a tidy tent. Everything has a home, and you can find what you need instantly without rummaging through bags. An absolute must-have for family camping."
Check Price on AmazonSolar Garden Lights
A handful of cheap solar-powered stake lights are perfect for marking your main guy lines. At night, they provide a soft glow that stops you from tripping over the ropes after a late-night trip to the loo.
Safety First
Solar Stake Lights
"A simple but effective safety hack. I put one by each of the main guy ropes and one by the tent door. They charge all day and then provide a gentle, free light all night."
Check Price on AmazonA Hot Water Bottle
A true British classic and an underrated piece of camping kit. Ten minutes before you get into bed, stick a freshly boiled hot water bottle deep inside your sleeping bag. It's the ultimate cosy treat on a chilly night.
Tic Tac Boxes
Don't throw away those empty plastic boxes. They make perfect, waterproof mini-containers for a travel-sized selection of herbs and spices – salt, pepper, chilli flakes, mixed herbs. A little flavour goes a long way with camp cooking.
Duct Tape (Wrapped)
Everyone knows duct tape is a repair miracle. But don't bring the whole bulky roll. Just wrap a good couple of metres of it around your main water bottle or a lighter. It saves space and means it's always to hand when you need it.
A Dustpan and Brush
A small, cheap dustpan and brush is invaluable. Your tent will inevitably get full of grass, dirt, and crumbs. A quick two-minute sweep-out each morning makes the space feel infinitely cleaner and more pleasant to live in.
Keep it Clean
Mini Dustpan and Brush Set
"This is one of the first things I pack. Keeping the tent floor clean makes a huge psychological difference on a multi-day trip. A tiny set like this takes up no space at all."
Check Price on AmazonTumble Dryer Sheets
A slightly weird one, but they work. Pop one in your sleeping bag's stuff sack to keep it smelling fresh, and some people swear that wiping them on your clothes and tent door helps to repel midges and other insects.
3 "Must Have" Gadgets You Can Leave at Home
Plastic Egg Carriers
I've never understood these. Your eggs come in a perfectly good, protective cardboard box from the supermarket. It's free, biodegradable, and works a treat. Just pack it at the top of your food box and you'll be fine.
Dedicated Tent Lanterns
You can spend a fortune on fancy lanterns, or you can just hang your head torch from the loop in the ceiling of your tent. It lights up the whole space, you already own it, and it means you pack one less thing.
Pie Irons / Toastie Makers
They're fun for one trip, but these single-use gadgets are a pain to clean and take up loads of space. A simple frying pan is a hundred times more versatile. Stick to the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it always cheaper to use household items for camping?
For many things like storage, cleaning, and comfort, repurposing household items is a massive saving. However, for critical performance and safety gear like a properly waterproof jacket, a warm sleeping bag, or a safe stove, I always recommend investing in the real thing. It's about being smart with your budget, not just cheap.
What's the one 'hack' item you think is most effective?
For me, it has to be the interlocking foam floor tiles. They completely change the feel of a tent, making it warmer, softer, and much more comfortable underfoot. It protects your groundsheet and is especially good if you have kids playing on the floor. It's the one hack that genuinely feels like a luxury upgrade.
Are there any safety risks with these camping hacks?
Most of these hacks are very safe. The main thing to be mindful of is using glass jars – just make sure they are packed securely so they can't break. The biggest safety rule in camping is to never use anything that burns fuel inside your tent due to the risk of carbon monoxide.
