The Essential Outdoor Gear Guide for 2025
, by Laurence, 12 min reading time
Discover essential outdoor gear for 2025 with Wood To Water's comprehensive guide. Stay equipped for every adventure with the latest kit!
A new year is upon us, and that means it's time to plan your adventures for the next 12 months. We've made things easier for you with our guide to the essential outdoor gear you need for a fun 2025!
We've covered the basics of camping, plus the little extras that we know people tend to forget.
So, whether you're new to camping and committing to your New Year's resolution, or you're a seasoned pro looking to update your camping supplies for a big camping trip, we've got you covered!
But before we get into the full list, here are a few of our highlights and must-have pieces of outdoor gear (which you can buy with free UK delivery*!).
Now, let’s take a look at the rest of our Outdoor Gear Guide for 2025, including everything from tents and sleeping bags to cooking gear and hiking essentials.
In This Guide:
The Best Multi-Season Tents
Investing in a quality tent suitable for multiple seasons can vastly improve the comfort and convenience of your camping adventures in 2025.
A multi-season tent is designed to withstand varying weather conditions, ensuring protection against rain, wind, and even light snowfall. This versatility means you can enjoy camping trips throughout the year without the need for several different tents.
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Our 2025 Picks The Highlander Birch 3 tent is an ideal all-rounder that's comfortable for all seasons. If you're not brave enough for winter adventures, the 3F UL Gear Floating Cloud is an ideal option for 3-season protection. |
Our Top Sleeping Pads & Pillows
As we dive into a new year full of adventures, let's face it: we're not getting any younger! Comfort during our outdoor escapades can make all the difference.
For 2025, investing in quality sleeping pads and pillows is a must to guarantee a good night's sleep after a day of excitement.
A comfy sleeping pad gives you the support and insulation you need from the ground, helping to avoid those annoying aches and pains.
Pair it with a supportive pillow, and you've got the neck and head cushioning you need for proper rest, making your camping trips more fun and refreshing.
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Our 2025 Picks The DD Inflatable Mat is a reliable option and works well with the Exped REM pillow. If you want to keep your pack to a minimum, the DD Superlight Inflatable Mat comes with an in-built pillow for convenience and comfort. |
Our Favourite Stove & Cookware Kit
Cooking while camping can be a real treat, especially if you've got a trusty stove and some sturdy cookware.
In 2025, having quality cooking gear will make your outdoor cooking a breeze, helping you whip up hot meals easily.
A good stove means quick and easy heating, perfect for those chilly mornings and cool evenings. Pair it with reliable cookware, and you'll cut down on any hassle, allowing more time to enjoy the great outdoors.
Whether you're heating expedition meals or cooking lunches from scratch, the right tools turn cooking into a fun part of your camping trip, not just a chore.
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Our 2025 Picks We love the Fire Maple Petrel G3 for an ultralight, quick cooking system that's ideal for solo trips, wild camping, and day hikes.For something a little more hardcore, we recommend the MSR WindBurner® Group Stove, perfect for small group trips or scout adventures. |
Top-Rated Multi-Functional Sleeping Bag
When considering essential outdoor gear for 2025, multi-functional sleeping bags stand out as a smart investment. These innovative sleeping solutions offer versatility and convenience that cater to a variety of needs and conditions.
Multi-functional sleeping bags are designed to adapt effortlessly to different situations, allowing you to get more use from a single piece of equipment.
For example, sleeping bags that double as ponchos provide warmth and protection both during rest and as outerwear, making them perfect for unpredictable weather or multi-functional needs during your adventures.
These designs enhance your camping experience, ensuring comfort and agility without the bulk.
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Our 2025 Picks Check out the Selk'bag Original Sleeping Bag Suit for a comfortable onesie option and the Onewind Hammock Top Quilt Poncho for a sleeping bag that transitions seamlessly into a poncho, providing the versatility needed for year-round adventures. |
The Most Comfortable Hiking Boots
Investing in comfortable hiking boots is essential for any planned adventures in 2025, as they are the foundation of a successful trek.
Quality hiking boots are your best friend when it comes to support and stability, keeping those pesky sprains or blisters at bay that can totally ruin a fun outing.
Plus, comfy boots cut down on fatigue by offering cushioning and shock absorption, letting you go the extra mile with less stress on your feet and joints.
Picking the right hiking boots can really boost your adventure, giving you the confidence to explore the great outdoors without any hassle.
Versatile Lighting Solutions
Lighting options like torches and head torches are a must-have for any camping trip, giving you the light you need for all sorts of situations.
They keep things safe and convenient out there, whether you're finding your way along a trail, setting up a tent after dark, or just looking for something in your bag.
Head torches, in particular, are super handy since they let you move around or work in the dark while keeping your hands free.
Plus, modern torches come with cool features like adjustable brightness, strobe settings, and long battery life, making them great for everything from emergencies to the usual campsite activities.
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Our 2025 Picks Our favourites include the Feuerhand Baby Hurricane Lantern for lighting your camp area and the Kombat UK Predator Headlamp for more intricate work in the dark. |
The Smaller Essentials to Remember
Of course, it's not just about the main bits of your kit. There are smaller essentials that can make or break your trip if they're forgotten or, worse, broken!
Here are some of our top recommendations for rounding out your camping kit for 2025 and into the future!
A Full First Aid Kit
A full first aid kit is a crucial component of any camping or outdoor adventure, as it equips you to handle minor injuries and emergencies efficiently.
Whether you're dealing with cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or even more serious issues like sprains or burns, having the right supplies on hand can prevent complications and keep a situation from escalating.
A well-stocked kit not only provides immediate relief but also gives you the confidence and peace of mind to tackle unexpected challenges.
You can always build your own first aid kit with stuff you have at home, but we prefer a pre-stocked one with everything we might need.
For larger trips, we love the comprehensive Elite Explorer's Kit from BCB. If you're just going for a hike, the Kombat UK Small First Aid Kit should be fine.
Weatherproof Clothing
Weatherproof clothing is a must-have for a comfy and fun trip, keeping you dry and warm no matter the weather. Nature can be unpredictable, switching from sunny to rainy or windy in minutes.
Good weatherproof gear protects you from rain and wind, saving you from discomfort and any health risks from being wet or chilled too long.
Plus, it often comes with breathable materials to keep your body temperature just right so you don’t overheat or get sweaty.
We stock a few of our favourite pieces of weatherproof clothing, including the Kerrera Jacket and Stow and Go Trousers from Highlander, to keep you feeling warm and dry throughout the year.
Sun Protection (Yes, Even in the UK!)
Sun protection is paramount all year round, even in the UK, where the weather is often gloomy yet surprisingly deceptive when it comes to UV exposure.
While it may seem that the sun's rays are less potent during the colder months or on overcast days, harmful UV rays can still penetrate clouds and reach your skin.
Items like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, UV-protective clothing and camping tarps are essential parts of your outdoor gear, ensuring your skin is safeguarded no matter the season or weather conditions.
A Comfortable Backpack for Your Equipment
Having a comfy, roomy backpack or rucksack is key for hikes and camping trips. It makes sure you can carry all your gear without sacrificing comfort or risking health issues.
The right backpack spreads the weight evenly across your back and shoulders, cutting down on strain and helping you avoid injuries on long treks.
With a spacious, organised design, you can pack efficiently and have your essential gear within easy reach.
Plus, features like padded straps, breathable back panels, and adjustable hip and chest straps boost comfort so you can focus on the trail and enjoy your adventure.
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Our 2025 Picks We stock a wide range of carrying options, but our favourites for 2025 include the Exped Radical Lite rucksack for solo adventures or the Harrier 35L Pack from Highlander for longer trips. |
Final Thoughts: Prepare for 2025 Adventures With Wood To Water
Ready to gear up for your 2025 outings? Check out Wood To Water for all the essentials.
We've got everything from all-season tents and versatile lighting to weatherproof clothing and sturdy backpacks. We’ll help you stay protected from the elements.
Trust us to level up your outdoor adventures!
Shop our 2025 camping essentials online today and get free delivery *over £60!
