We pride ourselves on achieving a 24-hour delivery service for most of the UK, sending any orders placed before 2 pm out the same day. We use a reliable, tracked, next-working-day service for Mainland UK but this can take an extra day or two for highlands and Islands addresses. You will be emailed your tracking details as soon as your order is dispatched, so please keep an eye on your emails – including your junk/spam just in case.

We are proud to work alongside Royal Mail for the majority of our deliveries. However, for larger, heavy items we use DPD. We have used lots of couriers in the past and can safely say we trust both of these couriers to deliver quickly and professionally.

We aim to refund your order as soon as the item has arrived back at our store and this will revert to the original payment method within 24/48 hours.

Yes, we can ship to the Channel Islands however this will inevitably take a little longer to reach its destination. If you are looking for VAT-free orders, please contact us directly to arrange this.

As long as an item is unused and still in its original condition, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund. If you have changed your mind about your purchase and there is no fault with the item, return postage costs will fall to the buyer. Please follow this link for full return details - Refund Policy

We appreciate you contacting us beforehand if you wish to return your item so we know to expect your parcel. We recommend using a tracked returns service using a courier of your choice! You can buy a returns label here on our website with Royal Mail Tracked. Once purchased we will send the label to you via email. Our returns address is Camping Essentials (Summits), 36 Moss Street, Paisley, Glasgow, PA1 1BA. Please follow this link for full return details - Refund Policy

Yes, we offer free shipping for large domestic orders. Check the cart to see the current deal on free shipping..

Camping equipment warranties are even more comprehensive depending on the item purchased and each manufacturer's warranty policy. Some items require registration with the company:

For example, Vango offers a 2-year warranty with most of their products that you can extend to a 3-year warranty by registering your Vango product here -https://www.vango.co.uk/product-registration

We recommend you register your product with the dedicated brand by visiting their website directly. Please follow this link for full warranty details - https://camping-essentials-uk.myshopify.com/policies/refund-policy

Please contact one of our dedicated team members to ensure we get a swift solution to the issue. Our email address is Sales@camping-essentails.co.uk - we would appreciate as much information as possible when presenting your warranty case (including photos) so we can liaise with the manufacturer and present the warranty claim on your behalf.

The majority of our brands upload pitching instructions to their YouTube channels to ensure an easy step-by-step tutorial. If this can't be located on YouTube and the instructions below are not clear or relevant for your tent, please feel free to get in touch with us and we shall advise as best we can!

All tents follow the same basic steps (if a poled tent), which goes as follows:  

Flysheet First Pitching

1. Assemble poles and lay them on the ground.

2. Open the flysheet on the ground along with the tent footprint (if purchased which we do advise). Position it in the desired direction, ideally best suited to the wind direction. Check internal TBS cords (if applicable) are un-tensioned and the flysheet door is closed.

3. Match the coloured poles to the same coloured pole sleeves - thankfully most poles have colour coding to help with pitching although these can be small tabs so look closely. Once you have located the correct coloured poles, start feeding them through the sleeves. Just makie sure you do not pull the pole, only only push them through. Take your time and do not force the pole at any point in case it is caught or snagged on the tent, its a frustrating place to rip something!.

4. Once the poles are all fed through the tent pole sleeves, locate one end of a pole and connect it to the corresponding eyelet/pin on the pole anchor strap. 

5. Start one pole at a time, locating both ends, before moving to the next pole. Work your way around the tent doing this to the poles that are in place.

6. Once all poles are in place and the tent has taken its shape, start pegging the tent out. Start at one end and pull the tent in tension as you move along pegging each anchor point.

7. Finally work around the tent, pegging each of the guylines and adjusting until the flysheet is taut.

Inner Attachment

1. Open out the inner tent, inside the flysheet and position it so that doorways on the inner and flysheet line up.

2. Suspend the inner by attaching toggles of the inner tent through rings on the inside of the flysheet

3. If necessary, insert TBS cords through access points in the inner tent (ceiling and sidewall) and connect to the side-release buckles.

Don’t pack it wet - or if you have no choice in the matter, take the inner out and keep that separate and dry. As for the wet flysheet, pack it up separately and at your earliest opportunity, aerate it and allow it to dry fully. Always ensure the tent is fully dry before packing it back into its bag and storing, this is essential and will prevent mildew/mould ruining your tent. 

. 

Lie the flysheet and inner of the tent out flat (if fully dry this can be done with both inner and outer still connected). Then fold the tent in half/thirds/quarters along the shorter side leaving a thin and long line of material that matches the same width of the tent pole bag. The pole bag is the key to not only making the correct width for rolling the tent up, but it can also be used to roll the folded flysheet and inner up as tight as you can. Once that is done, it can be tied to hold it in its tightest wrapped form, before being placed into the bag.

We recommend practising packing tents at home to make it easier when you are doing so on your adventure, and remember to pack the pegs as well!

In this day and age, the materials used are more waterproof than they have ever been. This doesn’t mean that your tent might not have a leak, occasionally the seam might have a hole or there might be a split in the material but the majority of the time it is condensation. 

Condensation is becoming more common now as the materials used are more waterproof and therefore less breathable. So you might be wondering where the moisture comes from, did you know that 1 person can produce up to 1 pint of condensation per night? So, let’s say you have 4 people in a tent, that’s potentially 4 pints of water inside your tent from the users! Other likely sources of moisture are wet shoes, clothes, dogs, the ground and even the air itself. Cooking needs to be done in a fully vented area for more reasons than just condensation but steam is not what you need in a non-vented tent.

Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air, so as the temperature drops at night, more moisture is released into the air which then sticks to the inside of your tent. That combined with everything else mentioned above, means that when you wake up with a puddle on the floor it doesn't mean the tent has sprung a leak.

If you think your tent is leaking, we suggest you pitch your tent and pour water onto the outside, especially in areas that you assume are leaking. If water comes through then you have a leak, if it does not then condensation will more than likely be to blame. If you find the tent leaks, then check if the tent has any obvious holes/splits in the material. If your tent is new or still covered by the manufacturer's warranty then please contact us. 

However, if the tent is old and out-with any warranty then you can still fix the problem. If you have a material split (from rips/wear and tear) then it can be taped using Gear Aid Tenascious Tape (https://camping-essentials-uk.myshopify.com/products/mcnett-tenacious-repair-tape). Another fault that may happen over time, is the material weakening from the sun. Over time solar damage can weaken material, you might spot this before the tent actually leaks by parts of the tent that look damp/hold onto the water after the rest of the tent is dripping dry. Either way, we offer a range of products that you can use to reproof the tent or fix any seams. Please look at our Nikwax and Gear Aid products on our Care & Repair page

Ventilation is key to dealing with condensation, the more ventilation you have, the more moisture will escape from the tent and not build up inside. Here are our top tips:

• All tents should have vents, some of which are connected to guy lines so make sure they are all open fully. 
• Most tent doors can be opened slightly at the top to increase airflow through the tent without letting rainwater in. 
• Making sure there is nothing pushed up against the side so the airflow can enter inbetween the tent and the ground. 
• Pitching somewhere with a breeze also helps keep the air flowing through the tent.
• Best to store wet items outside - Shoes, clothes and anything else that holds moisture should be placed outside the tent if possible.
• Don't touch the side - touching the inside of the tent with anything, like bags, will draw water through the material so make sure your tent walls are clear. This also includes making sure the inner and outer tent do not touch as that will allow water to transfer through.
• Cookers and heaters - Cooking or using portable heaters will cause a lot of condensation inside, so try to avoid this in the evening inside the tent unless the door can be fully open to allow maximum ventilation.
• Take spare towels - This might not be ideal if you are hiking but spare towels to soak up the moisture will help.
• Vango help explain this perfectly here: https://youtu.be/JLyu5kSg

A tent pole splitting/breaking typically occurs when the pole is not fully located in the connecting joints. This can cause increased pressure on parts of the pole leading to a split lengthwise in fiberglass poles and a crack/break in alloy poles. 

To prevent this we recommend checking the bungee threaded inside your poles when erecting them - these can become loose over use/time and might need tightening. Simply pulling the bungee out from one end of the pole and shortening the length by tying it off and cutting off the excess. Just make sure you can still fold the poles back up before you cut the bungee incase you made it too tight! It’s also important to ensure the poles are fully and correctly connected before feeding into the tent sleeves, again making sure you do not pull the poles through the sleeves as this will definitely create connection issues.

Not all brands cover pole breaks apart from Wild Country and Terra Nova, so if you have bought one of those tents and have an issue with a pole please get in touch with us. If it was not one of those brands, then we would be unable to pass this on as a warranty issue. However, we do sell repair kits to get you back up and camping. These contain the pole threader wire, spare bungees, pole ferrels and usually 5 x pole sections as well that can be cut to shap. Find the range here - Tent pole repair kits

In short, yes! We would always recommend investing in a footprint that is designed to protect your tent from anything underneath. Not only will this help keep your tent clean and dry, it will inevitably increase the longevity of your tent. It is also extremely helpful for positioning your tent, being able to check if it will fit in the space you are looking at. This is especially handy when trekking and trying to find a level spot without anything hard underneath.

Due to the nature of down-feathered sleeping bags,  it is standard that feathers will poke out of the material and shed from time to time, especially when the sleeping bag is being used on its first few outings as the feather settles. 

The feathers are so fine they will move around and poke through the thin fabric, although it is important not to pull these out of the sleeping bag as more will follow. Instead, it is best to locate the feather and pull it back into the bag from the opposite side. This can be done by pinching the feather from behind, through the sleeping bag material, where it is sticking out of the bag and slowly tease it back inside. This will in turn allow the hole to reseal iteself and stop more feathers being pulled out.

If you suspect an unusual amount of leakage and there is not a rip/tear/split in the sleeping bag, please get in touch with us (with some photos) so we may advise.

Of course, however, we recommend avoiding any domestic machine unless it's definitely needed! Please ensure you follow the instructions on your sleeping bag - found on the labels - to check the exact requirements. Generally speaking, most sleeping bags are easy to clean using lukewarm (30 degrees Celsius) water and a sponge but if you are using a washing machine, the main challenge is drying the sleeping bag too. 

Typically, your new sleeping bag will be factory-rolled. Once it has been taken out, that is the last time you will see it factory rolled! The bag supplied is called a stuff-sack, so we recommend taking the footwell of the bag and start stuffing it into the stuff sack bit by bit. This will encourage compression, allowing the air to escape the bag and easily allow you to stuff it away down to the small size required. This will also allow you to use the compression straps to make the bag even smaller if needed. 

If you have a down sleeping bag, then you should also have a lofting bag. This is a large, mesh bag that will allow the sleeping bag to be stored without being compressed. Down feathers will become damaged over long periods of time sompressed in a stuff sack, so always store them in a lofting bag when not being used.

The two main categories you will need to pick between is a trekking mat - lightweight and portable - or a family/car camping mat that is more for comfort and pack size is not an issue. Once you have decided what category you are in, the next step is realistically setting your budget. 

For trekking mats the more you spend, the lighter and more compact the mat will be. You can pick between self-inflating mats which include foam, so do not compact down as much as the inflatable mats you can buy. We offer w side range of trekking mats here that you can look at - https://camping-essentials-uk.myshopify.com/collections/trekking-self-inflating-mats

For family/car camping mats, the more you spend the comfier and thicker the mat can be. Size should not be an issue here as they can be really large in packsize but can offer the best nights sleep. Some mats even have memoryfoam to add another layer of comfort you didn’t think camping could offer!

When you lie directly on the ground, you quickly get cold due to the heat transfer from your warm body to the cold ground. Sleeping bags are not even an effective barrier on their own, as your body would compress its insulation underneath you. Camping mats offer a protective layer between you and the ground, so the mats thickness and insulation is denoted by its R-value. The higher the R-value of a sleeping mat will equal a greater resistance against heat transfer and keep you insulated from the ground. With a top rating of 7,  which is rarely seen in trekking mats, the majority of recommended winter mats we sell sit between 4 and 5.

Essential camping supplies can be broken down into a few sections, from ‘Sleeping’, ‘Cooking’, ‘Carrying’ and ‘Accessories’.

Within ‘Sleeping’, you need a shelter (Bivi, Tarp or Tent),  a sleeping bag and a sleeping mat. A pillow is a great final touch for the ultimate sleeping set up.

‘Cooking’ covers stoves, gas/fuel, cooking pots, plates and cutlery including the food you need to eat as well!

The ‘Carrying’ category depends on where you are going. Duffle bags are ideal for car camping, but a range of trekking and hiking packs can be looked at to pack all of your kit in for a trek.

Finally the accessories list can be very varied but important none the less. Torches, water bottles, first aid kits, whistle, survival bag, midge/bug protection, Navigation and repair kits all fall under some essential accessories.

It's important to pack according to the specific needs of the camping trip whether it’s trekking for a long period, an overnight hike or a family fun-filled camping trip - we have got you covered! 

It can be overwhelming, especially if it’s a new experience you wish to try. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us and we can advise you on all the camping essentials you need to make your adventure one to remember.

When it comes to essential emergency equipment, most people regret missing those essential items in a time of need!

Emergency preparedness is something that could save your life. No matter what your adventure, we recommend that you pack a well-stocked emergency first aid kit (there are a variety of options available here - https://camping-essentials-uk.myshopify.com/collections/first-aid).   

If you are trekking, please ensure you are carrying a shelter, which will provide vital protection against unpredictable weather conditions and unexpected overnight stays. This can be in the form of a lightweight tent, bivvy bag (Bivy Bag Page link to be added) or an emergency shelter. Worst case scenario, you should always have a survival bag (thermal bags are even better and lighter too - https://camping-essentials-uk.myshopify.com/products/lifesystems-thermal-bag).

Have a suitable water supply and enough food for your adventure! Fuel is key to survival, don’t forget to pack enough, and a good few snacks, just in case! If you are going to be in an isolated area, a water filter is also something to consider - especially if the weather is hot!

When the sun sets and you are left in the dark, a headtorch will provide you with guidance and allow you to keep on going/be found in the dark. A lot of torches nowadays have SOS embedded into their design now as well.

Point of contact - Always tell someone where you are going, especially if you run the risk of losing signal. It is best to have a full battery on your mobile device or GPS and of course, spare batteries/power bank are always welcomed! We use a buddy system if we are going out alone, telling a friend or family member where we are going, how long we expect to be and then we check in at the start and end as well to let them know we are safe. If running behind or plans change remember to let them know if you can. This could be vital if something goes wrong and you have no signal!

Be aware of your surroundings by respecting wildlife and ensuring your campsite is tidy and any fire is properly contained.

Don’t pitch in an exposed area. Avoid pitching near high rivers/too close to low beaches during bad weather as there is a risk of it being a flood point. Remember there is a tide…….

ALWAYS check the weather forecast, you never know when a storm is brewing, especially in Scotland!

Lastly, as obvious as it may be, please don’t take stoves into a tent unless it is well vented! It happens more often than you’d think.

We certainly can, we have little ones of our own so we can easily recommend the best equipment that tailors to your family needs and budget. Vango and Outwell are our recommended family camping brands which would be a great place to start. From double camping mats to junior sleeping bags, we want to help you get the family out and enjoying the countryside! 

Invest in a good sleeping mat with a high R-rating (a measurement of thermal resistance).  Generally speaking, the higher the R-value, the better it insulates you from the ground. For example, an R-value or 1-2 is a 1-2 season, Spring/Summer sleeping mat however you’d be looking for a higher rating like 4-5 for colder, winter camping. 

Ensure a warm sleeping bag. Down feathered bags are the best insulators, provided it’s kept dry. Almost all sleeping bags do suggest the seasons its recommended use is for. They will range from 1-2 seasons (Summer use), 2-3 seasons and 3-4 seasons (Winter use). 

Finally, suitable clothing is packed, i.e. clothing that are warm, comfortable and efficient against harsh temperatures. A fresh base layer top and bottoms, a hat and a dry pair of socks can also make the difference if needed!

We proudly stock Radix and Wayfayrer meals which are both fantastic for all outdoor adventures. If you are Trekking, Radix is our lightweight dehydrated meals which are under 170g. They are packed with flavour and calories, a great addition to your pack for those longer treks. Our Wayfayer ready-to-eat range has hearty meals which we love to eat when out on an adventure, hot or cold!

Our entire RADIX range is gluten-free: made with all-natural ingredients and flavoured with real herbs and spices. Ready in 5 minutes, just add hot or cold water, stir, and enjoy!

As a family-run business, we try our best to remain as competitive as we can. Our aim is  to ensure you get the best price for all of your camping essentials. 

If your order is part of a group expedition, we may be able to offer an exclusive group order discount. Please get in touch with us with a kit list by emailing grouporders@summits.co.uk

Unfortunately we do not rent any camping equipment. Our store - Summits Outdoors - hires out Ski and Snowboard hire in the winter, but nothing in the summer. We do apologise.

We do specialise in specific customer orders and thus will do our best to source those hard-to-get items. If you have seen the product online and would like a quote please get in touch with us at sales@camping-essentails.co.uk.

Only when shipping to the Channel Islands, (Jersey & Guernsey) we can offer Vat free orders. Please contact us at - sales@camping-essentails.co.uk - with your product choices and we can send you a VAT free invoice for you.

We try to remain as competitive as with all of our products. If there are any questions about a price, please get in touch as we would be more than happy to try help! Get in touch via our email - sales@camping-essentails.co.uk - or use the chat box. If you can provide the product and retailer who has an item in stock and cheaper, we will see what we can do!