Autumn camping asks more of a kit list: daylight is shorter, ground can stay damp, and a comfortable stop depends on what you can pitch, keep dry and eat without fuss.
For a cooler weekend, we would start with shelter suited to the group, then add protection for essentials and food that is easy to prepare outdoors. Base Camp Food sells camping meals alongside tents and equipment, so the range can cover more than one part of the plan. Browse its camping equipment and camping food to see which categories match your list.
This guide uses product details listed on the UK store. The right choice still depends on your route, forecast, group size and the weight you are happy to carry.
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What you need to know: The Vango Exedra 300 is the roomier group option, while the Wild Country Halny Elite 2 prioritises a smaller two-person shelter. Pair either with a dry bag for valuables and a simple breakfast such as LYO’s blueberry and fig porridge. Compare the listed specifications with your trip before choosing.
Start with shelter
Autumn weather makes the tent decision more than a question of sleeping capacity. Think about how many people will share it, where wet footwear and packs will go, and whether a covered entrance matters when rain arrives at camp. The UK listing describes the Vango Exedra 300 as a three-person dome with a hubbed two-pole and brow-pole design, two doors and two porches. The two doors and porches may give a small group separate access and covered places for kit, depending on how the tent is pitched.
The store lists the Exedra’s trail weight as 2.80kg and describes a Protex Eco polyester flysheet with ripstop construction and a 3,000mm hydrostatic head. Those are product-page specifications, not a guarantee for every storm or pitch. If sharing space and having two gear zones matter more than shaving every gram, this is the more spacious direction in this guide. Read the listing for pitching details and current availability through Vango Exedra 300 Tent.
For a pair walking with a tighter weight allowance, the Wild Country Halny Elite 2 is listed as a single-pole, two-person tent. Base Camp Food gives a maximum weight of 1.67kg and a minimum weight of 1.46kg, with an awning that can be set using trekking poles. Its smaller footprint may suit a backpacking or bikepacking plan where compact carrying is more important than a roomy vestibule. Check the full pack weight and setup requirements on the product page at Wild Country Halny Elite 2 Tent.
Use these questions to narrow the choice before looking at colours or extras:
- Group size: count occupants and the bags that need to stay inside.
- Carrying plan: compare the complete packed weight with your route and other shared kit.
- Wet-weather routine: decide whether a porch or awning is useful for boots and cooking separation.
- Pitch options: check whether the design suits your campsite and expected conditions.
Keep essentials dry
A damp evening can make small essentials harder to find and use. The Fidlock Dry Bag Maxi is described as a transparent pouch for maps, GPS devices, phones and valuables. Its magnetic self-sealing closure is designed to seal without clips or zips, while the touchscreen-compatible front lets a phone remain usable inside. The listing also mentions a lanyard. This is a pouch for items, not a substitute for packing your sleeping kit in a properly sized dry storage system.
For a forecast with showers, decide which items need quick access and which can be packed deeper in a rucksack. A phone used for navigation belongs somewhere reachable; spare clothing may call for a separate bag with enough capacity. The Fidlock Dry Bag Maxi can address the first job, and Base Camp Food lists it alongside broader drybag options. Check the product details for dimensions and suitability before relying on it for your devices.
Hydration also needs a plan once the temperature drops: plan regular drinking stops and keep water easy to reach, even when the air feels cool. The Fidlock Hydration Bladder listed by the retailer has a 1.5L capacity, a drinking tube and a magnetic self-sealing closure. Its wide opening is intended to make filling and cleaning easier. Check that it fits your pack and that the tube routing works with your layers before setting out. For a different approach to water on the trail, the store also lists the LifeStraw Peak Series 3-in-1 filtration kit, with personal, squeeze and gravity-fed use described on its product page.
Plan warm food
Shorter days can make a low-effort breakfast particularly welcome. The LYO Expedition Blueberry & Fig Porridge is described as gluten-free oats cooked with coconut milk, blueberries, chia seeds and agave syrup. The store lists it as vegan and says it is easy to prepare. That makes it a specific breakfast option to compare with your usual camp routine; check the preparation instructions and ingredient information, especially if food needs differ across the group.
For cold mornings, organise food so breakfast is accessible without unpacking the whole tent or rucksack. A simple routine might look like this:
- Keep breakfast and the stove plan together in an accessible food bag.
- Check the meal’s water and preparation instructions before leaving home.
- Pack a hot drink or another preferred option if a warm start matters to you.
- Store used packaging securely and follow the site’s waste guidance.
Base Camp Food carries food for different outdoor uses, from breakfasts and snacks to dehydrated meals. The store also groups equipment by use, including tents and hydration gear. The porridge’s specific ingredients and style make it a useful candidate for an easy morning, but personal taste and dietary requirements remain decisive. Review the current listing for LYO Expedition Blueberry & Fig Porridge at the product page before packing it.
Compare by trip
These options solve different problems, so the best fit depends on what your autumn trip demands most. The quick comparison below focuses on the listed use and specification rather than claiming one item is right for every campsite.
| Product | Listed details | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Vango Exedra 300 Tent | Three-person dome; two doors and two porches | Group space and covered kit storage |
| Wild Country Halny Elite 2 Tent | Two-person single-pole design; max weight 1.67kg | Compact backpacking or bikepacking |
| Fidlock Dry Bag Maxi | Magnetic seal; touchscreen-compatible front | Accessible phone and small valuables |
| LYO Expedition Blueberry & Fig Porridge | Gluten-free oats; vegan; coconut milk | Easy camp breakfast |
Gear care is another useful part of the seasonal checklist, particularly if the tent has been stored after a wet trip. The Terra Nova Tent Wash & Proof Care Kit is powered by Storm; its listing says the wash and proofer are PFC, PFAS and PFOA free and made in Derbyshire. It also notes a repair patch in the kit. Follow the product instructions for fabric compatibility and care, and do not assume a treatment replaces inspection or proper drying. Details are on the tent care kit page.
Before deciding what to add to your basket, use this short packing check:
- Choose the shelter around occupants, carrying capacity and covered storage needs.
- Keep navigation essentials protected and reachable, then check the bag’s dimensions.
- Match meals to preparation access, dietary needs and your group’s appetite.
- Dry and inspect shelter after a trip; use care products only as their instructions allow.
Questions before packing
Is a three-person tent suitable for two people?
It can offer extra room for bags, but it may add weight and bulk. Compare the Vango Exedra 300’s listed capacity and trail weight with your route and how much space you want inside.
Does the Fidlock Dry Bag Maxi replace a rucksack liner?
The product page describes a pouch for smaller valuables and devices. It does not establish that it replaces a liner or larger dry bag for clothing and sleep equipment, so plan storage by item and capacity.
What should I check before choosing camp food?
Read the ingredients, dietary information and preparation instructions on the current product listing. Consider water access, cooking equipment and whether everyone in the group will eat that meal.
Where this leaves you
For a group prioritising interior space and covered storage, the Vango Exedra 300 has the clearest fit in this selection; for a pair keeping pack weight down, compare the Wild Country Halny Elite 2. Add a small dry pouch and easy breakfast only where they solve a real need in your own kit system.
The limitation is that product specifications cannot tell you how a tent will feel on your route or in a particular forecast. Check the store’s current availability, full details and care guidance, then match the choice to your conditions and carrying plan.
