Glamping Essentials: What to pack, What to Ditch and Why You Definitely Don't Need Heels.

You’ve booked your glamping stay – maybe it’s your first, maybe you’re already a convert. Either way, you’re now facing that age-old question: what on earth do I pack?

Perhaps you’re a last minute packer, staring into a bag five minutes before departure wondering if three jumpers and a lemon will cut it. Or maybe you’re the spreadsheet type – socks categorised by activity, snacks decanted into chic glass jars.

Whichever camp you fall into, consider this your glamping sanity check. Because here at HARTA we believe your slow-living escape should begin the moment you start preparing – not when you finally arrive. And that means removing the stress and second-guessing before you even zip up your bag.

Our tipis aren’t your average “roughing it” affair. Think: roll top baths, underfloor heating and hand-finished touches that feel more boutique hotel retreat than basic tent. It’s one of the most grounded, soul-soothing ways to spend a weekend – waking to birdsong and the gentle light of dawn, falling asleep to the distant hoot of an owl and the soft trickling of the stream. It’s glamping, yes – but tipi style. Slower, softer and more rooted.

Oh, and yes – we assume you’ll pack underwear and a toothbrush, If not you may need more help than this blog can offer.

Clothing

Layer up, chill out

In true British fashion, the weather here tends to do its own thing – especially by the coast. So no matter how sun-drenched your Pinterest inspiration board is you’ll want layers and a waterproof. Think wellies or boots for muddy tracks, a jumper or two for evenings around the fire and yes, even a hat and gloves if you’re planning a bracing dip in the sea. Cold water swimming here is very much refreshing, not Mediterranean.

Leave your finest fashion statements at home – bonfire smoke is a great leveller and part of the joy of glamping is being care free. You may well find yourself wearing the same t-shirt that little bit longer than you normally would do, and honestly? That’s kind of the point.

When it comes to tipi life, pack a pair of slippers or cosy socks for wandering to the outdoor shower or padding about inside. Our tipi has underfloor heating – not the kind that makes you peel off layers but just enough to keep the chill off. You won’t be doing a cold-floor dance at dawn, but you’ll still want something snug for your feet, especially in winter.

Some sites (like ours) offer complimentary robes and other thoughtful extras, so always check what’s included before you pack half your bathroom. Less stress, less stuff – more time to just be.

Footwear

Leave the heels at home

When its comes to glamping, your footwear needs to work with nature – not against it. Even if you’re staying in one of those glorious ensuite tipis where there’s no need to unzip a door or brace the elements, you’ll still want shoes that can handle the outside world. Wellies or walking boots are your best bet for getting out and about – whether that’s exploring the coast or just heading down to the campfire.

And for padding about your tipi or slipping out to the shower (whether you’re in an en-suite or not) a pair of sliders, sandals or trusty slip-ons does the job nicely.

Pro-tip: always pack a second pair of shoes and keep them out of the rain. Britain has a talent for weather surprises and no-one wants to squelch their way through a weekend retreat.

So heels still have their moment – elegant, empowering and undeniably beautiful. But with glamping its less about fashion, more about function – and there’s a quiet kind of freedom in leaving them behind. Your feet (and your suitcase) will thank you.

Food & Drink

Pack light, eat well

Of all the things to plan ahead, this one’s worth getting right. Food can make or break a glamping weekend – depending on what’s on offer at your chosen site, it’s easy to over-or underdo it.

Check what’s included before you pack up the cool box. Some places provide breakfast options, pre-ordered meals or honesty shops. At HARTA retreat, we’re known for our signature curries served tipi-side (we even made the papers!) – so you can enjoy dinner without a schedule or a saucepan.

Space can be limited in glamping kitchens and not every set-up comes with a full-sized fridge. So as dreamy as the idea of slow-cooked pulled pork over the fire might sound, you may want to leave the whole hog at home.

A cool bag is always a good idea – for snacks, drinks or packing a picnic to take out on your adventures along the South West Coast Path into Exmoor or down to one of North Devon’s award-winning beaches.

Bring snacks (always). Something high-energy if you’re hiking and something to nibble on while dinner’s cooking. After dinner? A good bar of chocolate, a strong nightcap or both – best enjoyed whilst stargazing. And if marshmallows make it into your bag, you’re doing it right.

Pro tip: Check what extras you can order ahead from your site – from breakfast hampers to firewood bundles and marshmallow kits. And when you arrive, shop local. Farm shops and delis are part of the fun – and it’s a great way to support the community your staying in.

Entertainment

The art of doing very little

You needn’t do much. A pack of cards, maybe a board game. A good book you’ve been meaning to read for months. A sketchbook if you like to draw or a notebook if writing helps clear your head.

Glamping invites a different pace – one where sitting by the fire, listening to birdsong or slowly sipping a morning coffee can feel like an activity in itself. There’s no rush, no schedule. Just time – the real luxury.

If you do bring a screen, make it intentional. Download a film to watch uninterrupted or a playlist that makes cooking dinner more of an experience than a task. It’s not about going completely off-grid, just choosing moments that feel more mindful than mindless.

No one ever came back from glamping raving about the WiFi.

Useful Things

The little things that make a big difference

Sometimes it’s the smallest things that turn out to be the most useful -  a pen, a pencil, a little notepad for jotting keeping card game scores. Hand sanitiser is one of those boring-but-essential items, and lip balm too, especially after a breezy coastal walk.

A few first-aid basics can be helpful – a couple of plasters, some painkillers and insect repellent (because this is glamping after all !).

A torch or headlamp comes in handy after dark, even if your tipi is glowing with fairy lights. And if you’re heading out for a picnic or a walk, a Swiss Army knife of some sort (particularly one with a corkscrew) often earns its keep.

Charger, cool bag, old towel, several plastic bags – all useful yes. They’re the kind that quietly save the day. No drama, no fuss – just one less thing to worry about.

And really that’s the point of it all.

It’s about making space – in your bag and in your mind – to take the stress out of the small stuff. The slower way doesn’t start when you arrive. It begins as you prepare. So pack light, leave the heels and ease into something unhurried.