Bank Holiday Packing List: Essentials for Off-Grid Travel

The long weekend is calling, and for many of us in the UK, that means packing up the van, car, or tent and heading off-grid for some much-needed fresh air and freedom. Whether you’re wild camping in the Highlands, parked up at a quiet beach in Devon, or tucked into a forest clearing in Snowdonia, going off-grid for a bank holiday is one of the best ways to recharge.

But let’s be honest. A trip like this only goes smoothly if you’re properly prepared. Forgetting just one key item, like a power bank or your cooking gear, can turn a dream trip into a bit of a scramble. So we’ve pulled together the ultimate bank holiday packing checklist, covering all the essentials for off-grid travel, so you can pack with confidence and focus on enjoying the adventure.

1. Portable Power You Can Rely On

No matter how “off-grid” you want to go, having access to reliable power is a game-changer. It keeps your phones charged, lights on, camera batteries full, and your coolbox or fridge running smoothly. A portable power station is the safest bet for dependable, rechargeable energy wherever you go.

What to look for:

A high-capacity lithium battery (500Wh+ for weekend trips)
Multiple output options (USB-A, USB-C, AC sockets, 12V car port)
Fast-charging capabilities (both wall and solar charging)
Quiet operation so you can enjoy peace and quiet

💡 Top Recommendation: The Totalpower 1500 is perfect for longer off-grid escapes. It’s quiet, reliable, and powerful enough to handle fridges, lighting, phones, laptops, and plenty of other appliances with a 1500w inverter and a capacity of 1408Wh.

2. A Portable Fridge or Coolbox

Say goodbye to soggy sandwiches and melted ice packs. A proper 12V camping fridge or compressor coolbox keeps your food and drinks chilled throughout the entire weekend, even when parked in direct sun. Plus, there’s no need to hunt down a shop for fresh milk or cold beers.

Why it’s worth it:

Consistent cooling without the mess
Ideal for BBQ ingredients, snacks, and pre-prepped meals
Can be run from your portable power station or vehicle’s 12V socket

🔧 Pro Tip: Pre-cool your fridge at home the night before you leave. Pack it already cold to maximise efficiency.

🧊 Try this: The Totalfreeze 45 is rugged, quiet, and built for UK road trips and wild camping adventures.

3. A Solid Sleep Setup

You don’t need a five-star hotel to sleep well, but you do need to be warm, comfortable, and dry. A rough night’s sleep can ruin even the most scenic getaway, so don’t skimp on your bedding setup.

Must-haves:

Sleeping bag rated for the season (check the temperature range)
Inflatable mattress or supportive camping mat
Compact pillow, or bring your favourite from home
Spare blanket or thermal liner in case temperatures drop overnight

👀 Tip: If you’re travelling by van, consider blackout blinds or window covers. They help regulate light and temperature, and give you a bit more privacy.

4. Cooking Gear & Food Prep

Eating outdoors is one of the best parts of going off-grid, but only if you’ve got the right gear. Whether you’re doing a full fry-up or heating soup, a basic cooking setup makes life much easier.

Pack:

Portable gas stove or multi-burner camping hob
Lightweight cookware (pan, pot, kettle)
Reusable plates, cups, and cutlery
Chopping board and knife
Eco-friendly washing-up liquid, sponge, and cloth
Plenty of water for drinking and washing (at least 2L per person per day)

🧄 Time-saving tip: Chop your onions, peppers, and garlic in advance and store them in sealed tubs. It makes campsite cooking a lot easier.

5. Lighting That Lasts

Once the sun dips, you’ll be glad you brought a mix of lighting options. From setting the mood to safely navigating your way to the loo in the dark, good lighting is essential for off-grid nights.

Don’t forget:

Rechargeable LED lantern or camp light
Head torch for hands-free use
Fairy lights for a bit of campsite magic
Backup power bank or solar panel to keep everything topped up

🌟 Extra tip: Our portable power stations come with built-in emergency lighting! Even if you do get caught off guard in the dark, our Totalpower range can light the way.

6. Camp Comforts & Practical Essentials

This is where a lot of people either overpack or forget something crucial. Here’s a list of vanlife and camping extras that will make your bank holiday trip far more enjoyable:

Folding table and chairs
Waterproof tarp or awning for shade or rain
First aid kit with plasters, antiseptic, and painkillers
Bin bags to leave no trace
Lighter or waterproof matches
Spare fuel for your stove
Multitool or pocket knife
Toilet essentials like a portable toilet, loo roll, or a trowel if wild camping

7. Toiletries & Hygiene Gear

Off-grid doesn’t have to mean off-hygiene. A few clever products can keep you feeling fresh, even without running water.

Biodegradable wet wipes
Dry shampoo
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Compact mirror
Quick-dry towel
Hand sanitiser
deodorant

🚿 Optional upgrade: A portable camping shower and privacy tent are especially handy if you're away for more than two nights.

8. Clothing That Works for UK Weather

Let’s face it. British weather is unpredictable. You could wake up to sunshine and go to sleep in sideways rain. Pack for flexibility and comfort.

Waterproof jacket
Thermal base layers for colder evenings
Breathable t-shirts and mid-layers
Comfy joggers or leggings
Walking boots or sturdy trainers
Flip-flops or sliders for the campsite
Hat for sun or warmth depending on the forecast

Bonus: Bringing the Dog?

More and more people are bringing their pups along for weekend escapes. Here’s what you’ll need:

Lead and harness
Collapsible water bowl
Towel for muddy paws
Plenty of dog food
Dog bed or blanket
Poo bags, always pick up

✅ Final Off-Grid Packing Checklist

Here’s a quick recap of the key categories:

✔️ Portable Power
✔️ Portable Fridge or Coolbox
✔️ Sleeping Setup
✔️ Cooking Gear
✔️ Lighting
✔️ Practical Essentials
✔️ Toiletries
✔️ Layered Clothing
✔️ Dog Supplies (optional)

Ready for the Bank Holiday?

Off-grid travel is all about freedom. But it’s so much better when you’ve got the right gear to support you. With a solid packing list and a little prep, your bank holiday can be as relaxing, adventurous, or unplugged as you want it to be.

Need reliable power or cooling for your off-grid trips?
👉 Check out our range of portable power stations and camping fridges designed for UK adventures.