If you plan to spend a lot of time sat around the campfire, it is a great idea to bring along some foldable chairs. They travel light, and mean you can enjoy the campsite in comfort. Instead of perching, squatting, getting stung and bitten by insects, you can recline in front of the fire. Most of these foldable chairs even have a coaster, meaning you can rest your warm drink on your chair while you lean forward to toast a marshmallow.

Foldable tables are also a great idea, allowing you a little bit of luxury out in the wilderness; the chance to eat a meal at a table. It's also a great way to keep your food away from the creepy crawlies.

Shower shoes

It can be a good idea to take an old pair of sandals, flip flops or slippers to wear which you don't mind getting wet and/or muddy. These are perfect shoes to wear in the shower, as they are for slipping on when one needs to use the toilet late at night.

Tent

Pretty obviously you're going to need something to sleep in, and a tent is usually the lightest, most convenient solution. There's a million tents available, in all shapes and sizes, but the important thing is to remember to bring one!

Sleeping bag

Unless you plan on turning camping into a regular activity, don't bother investing in the high-end sleeping bags you will see advertised. If you are camping in the Antarctic or joining the army, then maybe these are appropriate. However, for an authentic camping experience, it is important to use that smelly sleeping bag you have had for years. As long as it's long enough to cover your body and you have a hat to warm up should the temperature drop, any old sleeping bag will do.