Family Day Out & Adventures - 9 essentials you need to take with you

With winter long behind us, the summer holidays are finally here.

From coastal hikes, picturesque BBQ locations and even open air cinemas, there's no reason why you can't have as much fun being closer to home.

The good part is, you wont even need your passport or travel insurance, just our 9 essential items you need to take with you on a day out to make sure you enjoy your upcoming staycation adventure.

Whether you are planning to make the most of a day trip, or taking a week-long camping break, having essentials such as reusable water bottles and a day pack should be the first step of planning, you deserve to enjoy your time off.

1. A Backpack

Probably the most essential piece of kit for any adventure, a bag to carry all your items in. Day packs are large enough to fit all your belongings in, but lightweight so you still have freedom of movement.

The Gregory Nano 16 is a perfect all round backpack for any situation. It features 16 litres of capacity, easily fitting all of your belongings, whilst the adjustable and padded mesh foam shoulder straps adds all day long comfort. Designed to be a daily companion, this day pack is simple, sturdy and convenient.

Check out our range of Backpacks.

2. Water Bottle

One of the most important things to remember whilst out and about, is staying hydrated, especially during the summer. With all of us now thinking more about the environment, the reusable bottle has become an essential part of any routine. Now coming in so many various sizes, colours and designs, there's no reason for not ditching that single use plastic for a reusable alternative.

Check the range of bottles from Hydro Flask and our favourite, the 21oz water bottle with flex cap. Featuring new double wall vacuum insulation technology, designed to keep your cold drinks cold and your hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours, with an opening large enough to fit ice cubes through!

Check out our range of Reusable Water Bottles.

3. Picnic Essentials

You're keeping hydrated with your reusable water bottle, but what about food and cooking outdoors? And more importantly, what utensils do you have to eat your food?

United By Blue have developed a range of travel friendly items, ranging from travel tableware set to reusable stainless steel straw kits. In their Eco Friendly Travel Meal Kit, United By Blue are helping you get rid of the single use plastics from your routine.

This set features a set of sturdy stainless steel bowls, tumblers and a pair of sporks. But that's not all, it all packs down and fits together neatly in a carry case with a carabiner clip to attach to your day pack. Eating outside can be just as good as a hotel restaurant.

Check out our range of Camping Cutlery and Utensils.

4. A Blanket

Ok, so we know you wouldn't usually need a blanket to jet off to warmer climates, but, there's something very homely about having a cosy blanket with you.

Whether you are camping for a week, having a picnic or heading to a drive in cinema, a blanket can offer so many uses. The Kelty Bestie Blanket has insulating and thermal properties, whilst delivering a unique blend of warmth and comfort. The Cloudloft insulation locks in the heat while a polyester Taffeta shell offers next-to-skin softness, and it comes with a stuff sack with a carry handle, making this item perfect for transportation.

Check out our range of Blankets.

5. A Camp Chair

Even if you are not camping, its always nice to have something comfortable to sit on outdoors.

Camping chairs are a perfect way of relaxing, taking the load off your feet and let's face it, theyre a lot better than sitting on the hard ground. Imagine heading to an outdoor cinema and not having something comfortable to sit on? Not only are they practical, but they are lightweight, easy to carry and even easier to pack away.

The Kelty Low Loveseat is padded, comfortable and quick to assemble, meaning you'll have your feet up in no time. This camping chair has the capacity to seat 2 people, just like being on your sofa at home, you can cuddle up to your favourite person or use the extra space for your snacks. And lets not forget those insulated drink holders on each armrest, ensuring your beverage will never be out of reach.

Check out our range of Camp Chairs.

6. Pet Gear

Not going abroad has its advantages, like being able to take your dog with you. From collars and harnesses, to coats and first aid kits, we have a wide variety of items in stock so that your furry friend doesn't have to stay at home.

To make them feel a part of the family, check out our range of travel friendly, collapsible dog bowls, meaning they don't have to miss out when dinner time comes. With our range of Pet Gear, your animal can now also be adventure ready.

Check out our range of Pet Gear.

7. A Tent or Shelter

Perfect for extending those days out, whether you want a last minute weekend getaway, or something a little longer, having the perfect tent can make those camping trips something to remember. Your ideal tent should be able to handle whatever the weather throws at you, a little bit of rain does not have to mean the end of your adventure.

The Big Agnes Rabbit Ears 4 is a 4 person tent designed to offer you enough space for the whole family or friends whilst not compromising on comfort. This freestanding tent is easy to pitch, features a clip and sleeve system that attaches the tent body to pole frame and provides the perfect sleeping quarters come rain or shine.

To gain some more covered outside space, why not add a shelter? For those unpredictable down pours when you're just about to cook up some food, a shelter helps protect you from the rain, but also acts as a shaded area during the midday sun.

Check out our range of Tents.

8. A Sleeping Bag

What's a holiday without some comfort and a good night's sleep?

With the right sleeping bag, you'll sleep just as well as being in your own bed at home. And the Big Agnes Dream Island 15 has been designed to offer you just that. Gone are the days of having to try and zip 2 sleeping bags together, this large, 2 person sleeping bag means that you'll no longer be sleeping separate to your loved one.

And, it gets better. This sleeping bag features the Big Agnes sleep system, a design that holds your sleeping mat which then provides the necessary insulation to create added comfort and protects you from the ground you're sleeping on. No wonder its called Dream Island.

Check out our range of Sleeping Bags.

9. A Duffel Bag

Practicality at its best, duffel bags come in various sizes and are designed to fit most of your equipment whilst being robust and durable.

Many duffel bags now feature back carry straps as well as across the body straps, adding ultimate comfort whilst on the move. The Kelty Dodger Duffel 40 is no exception, its adjustable shoulder carry strap and 40 litre storage space, this bag will comfortably hold all the items you need whilst the structure of the bag stays rigid.

A duffel bag is a good investment, one that will get used time and time again.

Check out our range of Duffel Bags.