The 3 basic items Brits often forget on camping holidays that campsite expert says can cause a major headache
A CAMPING expert has revealed the three bits of essential kit UK holidaymakers have been known to forget when camping.
Simon McGrath is the author of Camping with Kids - a book filled with activities and ideas to keep young children entertained in the great outdoors.
He's also penned his passion for camping in Camping & Caravanning Magazine, which he was the editor of for nearly 10 years.
Now, Simon works for The Camping and Caravanning Club, so it's safe to say Simon knows how to make a camping trip run smoothly.
Over the years, Simon has worked out which crucial bits of equipment Brit holidaymakers are most likely to leave behind at home - and they're likely to cause a major headache.
Simon told Sun Online Travel: "I think people always remember the things that don't go to plan - like with anything.
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"But I think the things that people particularly forget might be a torch."
While most Brits are likely to have a torch built into their phone, it's always important to have spares - especially if your phone starts running out of juice.
For the best torch, Simon recommends packing a head torch because it keeps hands-free while rummaging around a tent in the dark.
Simon added: "They might forget their pillows - I've done that. I've forgotten a mallet before, and you try getting your tent up on the hard ground when you've forgotten your mallet.
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"But that's the great thing about camping, you always get really friendly people going, and people will always offer to help out and lend you something."
When Simon forgot his mallet, he asked another group of campers if he could borrow their mallet to put his tent up.
While holidaymakers may be able to loan certain bits of kit from other campers or purchase them at an on-site shop, some items, like pillows, can't be borrowed.
To remember these bits of equipment, Simon recommends writing an extensive list of what to pack before going on a trip.
Earlier this month, Simon revealed the simple pitching trick that'll stop you from ruining your holiday - and all you'll need is an app on your smartphone.
You can find out more about The Camping and Caravanning Club by visiting .
These aren't the only mistakes Brit tourists are likely to make on a camping holiday.
Last year, David Scotland who is the owner of camping equipment retailer shared massive mistakes people make when pitching a tent.
Before heading on any trip, David recommends putting your tent up a couple of weeks before you're due to travel to give you enough time to repair or replace any damaged parts.
He told Sun Online Travel: “You’d be surprised how many people turn up with broken tents.
“Outdoor World Direct used to have a stand at Leeds Festival and we’d have people on the first day buying a new tent or spare parts because they realised theirs was broken.
"Pitch it a couple of weeks before and check for any signs of damage and get it repaired, or if needed, then get a new tent.
"There’s nothing worse than carrying it all the way there only to find the groundsheet is ripped. It’s no good doing it the day before either, because you won’t have time to repair it/get a new one delivered.”
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Meanwhile, these camping etiquette mistakes will make other campers hate you.
And these are the best campsites to visit in the UK.
