Essential Camping Gear

We all know that the best way to relax for a day or two (or more) is getting away from it all to a place to set up camp for a couple of days.

We’ve all had the times that we’ve pulled up at our amazing camp site, pulled everything out and started to set up, only to realise that we’ve forgotten something important. We all know that feeling, and it’s not fun. To help with this, we’ve worked out this list of the important essential camping gear that should be added add to your camping checklist before leaving home.

Tent (or other shelter): You’ll need a this to protect you from the elements. Of course, you can have anything from a tent, to a swag, to a camper trailer, to a caravan, to a motorhome. It all depends on where you’re camping and how much luxury you want to have while you’re there. Also remember to bring guy ropes and tent pegs so your tent stays where it’s supposed to.

Tools: Axe, hammer, tent poles and ropes, shovels, etc. Not only do you need these for setting up but they can also be used as protective gear when needed.

Bedding: A camp bed, mattress or a swap. You’ll also need a good sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket or doona for when it gets cold. And of course, don’t forget your pillow!

Camping Chairs: What you bring here is your own choice, but we like to have something that can be adjusted to suit the time of day. Sitting around talking with friends can be different to relaxing under the stars, so it’s that extra touch of luxury to have chairs that can handle all of this.

Kitchen Equipment: Depending on where you camp, you will need to bring your stove to cook with. Make sure you also pack your lighter and fuel (wood, gas, etc). For drinks, a good thermal flask or thermos is essential for keeping drinks warm or cold. Also, remember the basics like plates, cups, cutlery, pots, pans, kettles and tea towels for washing up.

A torch/ a lamp: You need something bright to set outside your camp as night sets in. LED lights provide good lighting with minimal power draw. You can get personal lights, LED strips to light up around your camp. And always remember to pack spare batteries!

Cloths: Always take the weather and where you’re camping into consideration when you decide what to pack. Remember that even when it’s hot during the day, night time temperatures can end up very low, so check the temperature range of where you’re going to.

Toiletries: Toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, cup, towels, bath soap and sponge, nail clippers, razor, scissors, shower shoes and cap, shampoo, and pest repellants and all needed. Women’s sanitary products are also something that you’ll need to think about.

Shoes: Most times you’ll need more than one pair. Get some good sturdy hiking shoes or boots for general walking around, and something more comfortable for nights. You also might need thongs for showers, or boating shoes for slippery rocks at swimming waterholes.

First Aid Kit: Always carry a good, and fully stocked, first aid kit. The Australian landscape is beautiful, but things can go wrong very quickly, so it’s essential that you can take care of problems straight away.

Fire Extinguisher/ Fire Blanket: Often overlooked. But you’ll be in trouble if you ever do need it and you don’t have it.

Miscellaneous: Compass, whistle, camera, sunglasses, pocket knife, backpack, fishing line, grocery bags, sewing kits, hand sanitizers, hand wipes, phone chargers. These might not be needed, but they can sure come in handy!