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Think of tent accessories as the tiny cogs that keep your outdoor holiday running smoothly — a forgotten mallet or a ripped groundsheet can turn a calm weekend into a scramble. The right kit boosts comfort, improves safety in blustery weather, and saves time setting up and packing away. Whether you’re pitching a cosy one-person shelter for a wild coastal trip or assembling a family dome for a long weekend, smart accessories help you relax and actually enjoy the view.
If you could only add a handful of items to your rucksack, which would they be? Start with the basics: strong pegs, a footprint or groundsheet, seam sealer, and a repair kit. Each plays a role in protecting the tent and keeping you dry. Below I’ll break down the must-haves and why they’re worth the room in your kit.
Groundsheets work like the tent’s first line of defence — shielding the floor from sharp stones, damp patches, and abrasion. Match the footprint to the tent base: for a typical family tent that might be roughly 10 ft by 8 ft, pick a footprint slightly smaller than the floor so rain runs off rather than pooling underneath. A footprint that’s a few inches smaller than the tent floor is ideal;
Pegs are small but crucial. Standard pegs for general ground are often around 7–8 in long, but if you expect hard ground or winds, swap to heavier-duty 8–12 in pegs or steel variants. Carry a few extras — losing one mid-setup is surprisingly easy. Guy lines should be adjustable and reflective so you can see them at night; bring longer lengths for loose or rocky ground where you’ll need to anchor further out.
Tents get nicked, zips get sticky, and seams can leak after heavy rain. A compact repair kit with patches, spare toggles, cord, and needle and thread can stretch a tent’s life by months. Keep seam sealer on hand for seams that start to weep after a season; a little dab along the tape can keep you warm and dry on wet nights.
Good lighting is more than ambiance — it’s safety when moving around the pitch. Lightweight LED lanterns, headtorches with a red-light mode, and battery packs are invaluable. Likewise, ensure proper ventilation to cut condensation; small clip-on vents and breathable groundsheets help with airflow. If you use camping stoves, always pack a carbon-monoxide alarm and follow safe distancing rules.
Comfort isn’t a luxury on holiday — it’s what makes memories pleasant. Simple upgrades like an inflatable mat, a cockpit carpet, or a telescopic lantern hook turn a plain pitch into a cosy living room under the stars.
Sleeping on a thin foam mat can be tiring after a night or two. Inflatable mats in three-season designs usually compress down to a manageable size and provide better insulation and comfort. For a solo backcountry shelter you might choose a pad that packs to about the size of a loaf of bread; for car-camping, a thicker 3–4 in mat feels like a real bed.
A small porch mat keeps mud out of the inner tent and gives damp boots a designated zone. For family tents with a porch area that’s about 6–8 ft deep, a roll-out carpet creates a living area and helps keep kit organised. These carpets are light, dry quickly, and are great for rainy UK weekends.
The UK’s weather loves a surprise — rain, gusts, and chilly nights can arrive in the same afternoon. You can’t control the clouds, but you can fight back with smart weather-proofing accessories designed for wind and wet.
Storm cables add structure and stability to your tent in high winds. Clip them to reinforced points and anchor them low; this distributes the load and keeps the flysheet from billowing. Reinforced alloy pegs or heavy-duty steel pegs provide better purchase in soft soil and dramatically reduce the risk of pegs tearing out.
A well-placed tarp expands your living space by a patio-like margin and shields cooking and packing chores from drizzle. Use a tarp to create a sheltered entryway or communal area. Windbreaks made from polyester or canvas add shelter for chairs and stoves when the wind is whipping off the sea.
Some of the lightest items in your bag deliver the biggest returns: mallets that don’t stub toes, zip pulls that actually work, and organiser pouches that keep everything from matchboxes to repair bits in one place. Here’s what to prioritise.
A soft-faced mallet protects pegs and your foot while hammering; look for one around 12 in long with a rubber head for control. Guyline tensioners turn fiddly knots into a five-second job and keep lines taut when the wind picks up. Pack a small multi-tool and a lightweight roll of duct tape — both fix things on the spot.
Small pockets attached to tent walls, hanging organisers and lantern hooks keep valuables off the floor and easy to find. A centre-strap or pole-top lantern hook frees up hands and keeps a lantern from getting knocked over. Keep a handful of carabiners for clipped items like mugs and keys.
Choosing where to shop depends on whether you want specialist advice, the best price, or convenience. UK shoppers can pick from specialist outdoor stores, big sporting retailers and online marketplaces. Below are trusted names to check, including those mentioned in the reference data and other reputable UK sellers.
Vista Expert, known for outdoor optics and specialist equipment, also stocks a range of camping accessories geared toward serious outdoor users. If you need rugged pegs, quality repair kits, or technical tarps, specialist retailers like Vista Expert often carry reliable, tested items and can be a smart stop for long-lasting kit.
Go Outdoors is a go-to for many UK campers because it mixes competitive prices with a wide selection — think tents, pegs, mallets and affordable groundsheets. It’s a solid option for families gearing up for a first season of camping or for bargain hunters wanting decent kit without breaking the bank.
For those after premium and performance-focused accessories, Cotswold Outdoor delivers expert advice and higher-end brands. If you want specialist seam sealers, weatherproof footprints cut to exact tent models, or advanced guyline systems, their staff can help match gear to your needs.
Decathlon’s in-house brands offer impressive value. If you’re starting out and want affordable, practical kit like inexpensive pegs, footprints, and compact stoves, Decathlon is worth a look. Their Quechua and Forclaz ranges often blend sensible design with accessible pricing.
Amazon’s breadth is unmatched: you’ll find everything from tiny hook-and-loop repair kits to high-capacity lanterns. It’s great for last-minute purchases or when you need a very specific item. Be mindful of seller ratings and reviews to avoid cheap knock-offs on niche accessories.
Millets and Mountain Warehouse are reliable places for general camping accessories at modest prices. They’re particularly handy for one-off items like extra guy ropes or mallets when you’re prepping for a short holiday. Combine them with online research to compare features and prices.
Tents come in shapes and sizes from nimble solo shelters to capacious family dwellings. Your accessory list should match the tent’s purpose. Here’s how to think about accessories by tent type: lightweight choices for backpacking, durable gear for touring, and comfort upgrades for family camping.
When you’re carrying everything on your back, weight rules. Choose pegs and stakes in lightweight aluminum, a compact repair kit, and a footprint that adds minimal bulk. Aim for items measured in ounces rather than pounds; every ounce counts on multi-day treks.
Car-campers can afford to opt for comfort: thicker mats, bigger porch carpets and heavier pegs are all fine because you’re not lugging them miles. Add an awning for weatherproof social space and consider larger tarps to create kitchen shelters for wet afternoons.
Small maintenance tasks pay big dividends. Clean pegs after sandy beach trips, dry groundsheets fully before packing, and store tents loosely in a dry cupboard rather than a compressed bag. Regular care keeps your kit working for seasons, not just one.
Always dry your tent and accessories before packing them away to avoid mildew. Shake out sand and rinse off mud; a soft brush and mild soap work for stubborn grime. If the tent got wet on the trip, set it up inside or in a sheltered spot to air-dry before storage.
Inspect seams, zips and pegging points after each trip. Replace worn guylines and rubber tensioners before they snap. Small stitches and patches now save you from emergency fixes at the campsite, and seam sealers can be reapplied seasonally for extra protection.
Budget choices are a balancing act. Spend on items that directly affect safety and longevity — quality pegs, a solid groundsheet, and a good repair kit. Save on replaceables like cheap guyline reflectors or budget lanterns when you’re starting out. Over time you’ll learn which accessories are worth upgrading.
Before you drive to the site, run through a simple checklist: pegs and extras, mallet, footprint sized to the tent (for instance 8 ft by 7 ft or larger for family tents), repair kit, seam sealer, lantern and batteries, guy lines, tarp or awning, and a small multi-tool. Tuck everything into labelled sacks so you don’t empty the whole car searching for the peg bag.
Great tent accessories transform a basic shelter into a comfortable, resilient base for your adventures. Whether you shop specialist retailers like Vista Expert, high-street chains, or online marketplaces, focus on durable, practical items that suit your style of camping. With the right kit, you’ll spend less time fixing problems and more time enjoying the sunset with a warm drink in hand.
Safe pitching and happy camping — the right accessories make all the difference.
| Tent Accessories | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Ray - Ban Replacement Temples Ray | £ 32,- |
