Camping Crash Course: Everything You Need To Know About Camping Equipment
If you’re a beginner to camping, you may be wondering exactly what to have as part of your arsenal on your first outdoor adventure. Step into any camping store and you’re sure to be bamboozled by the array of equipment and supplies available for purchase. We know how overwhelming that can be for anyone who is new to the camping game, which is why we’re here to save the day! Today, we have a look at 10 most important pieces of camping equipment and gear that any camping newbie should have. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll down and read on to find out more!
A Trusty Waterproof Tent
A camping trip is merely a trip without a high-quality waterproof tent. Since your tent is your home away from home, ensuring that you purchase one that will keep you safe, dry and warm is essential (trust us when we say being in a wet or cramped tent is no fun at all!). In order to choose the best tent for your needs, it is important that you know how many people you want your tent to accommodate. As a rule of thumb, even if a tent accommodates four, you’re better off only fitting three people in there if you want to ensure everyone has adequate amounts of space. For spring, summer, and autumn camping, we highly recommend opting for a “three-season” shelter consisting of a body, rainfly, and mesh panels that provide sufficient ventilation and prevent the interiors of your tent from getting stuffy or wet.
A Quality Sleeping Bag
Keeping yourself comfortable at night is of utmost importance when camping in order to ensure that you get the rest that you need to conquer each day with energy and excitement. When choosing your sleeping bag, remember to check that the comfort rating will be appropriate for the weather conditions on your trip. Do keep in mind that these ratings are just an estimate, and you’ll have to factor in whether you sleep cold or hot. If you’re on a tight budget, choose a bag with synthetic insulation rather than down. Although they are slightly heavier and bulkier, you can ensure that your sleeping bag will be able to keep you warm, come rain or shine.
Light It Up
If you’re someone who is new to camping, you may actually be shocked at how dark it can get out in the wilderness. To ensure you are well prepared and not taken by surprise, we always recommend purchasing some lighting rather than relying solely on a campfire which will only be able to light up the center of your campsite. Investing in battery-operated torches or even a hands-free headlamp is a fantastic idea that will help keep you safe and greatly reduce the chances of you tripping over anything or injuring yourself.
Cooking Supplies
Cooking supplies such as a stove are must-haves for cooking warm and comforting meals outdoors. Camping stoves can also be used to purify your water or prepare hot drinks in the evenings to help you fight the cold, especially if you are camping in autumn or winter. Some other cooking supplies you will need include lightweight pots, cutlery and paper or plastic plates.
A Trusty Knife
Whether you’re looking to slice potatoes, cut a cord or simply spread some peanut butter on a slice of bread, a quality knife or multi-tool is an absolute essential when camping. If you want to ensure you’re well prepared, a good pair of multi-use scissors can also be incredibly helpful for activities such as scaling fish, opening bottles, cans and jars.
First Aid Kit
It never hurts to be prepared, which is why we always recommend that every camper, whether new or experienced, bring along a first aid kit along with you. The type of kit you choose is highly dependent on the duration of your trip, the number of people who will be camping and any special needs or allergies in your group. Most outdoor stores sell a wide variety of first aid kits that range from lightweight pouches for solo campers to beefy family kits. If there’s one thing that you absolutely should not forget on your trip, it’s definitely your first aid kit.
Portable Cooler/Esky
Always remember — if you bring perishables such as cheese, butter or meat along with you on your trip, you’re definitely going to need a cooler or an esky. When choosing an esky to purchase, select one that has excellent insulation. It is also important to note that party ice doesn’t last much longer than 24 hours, so always think ahead and freeze ice in old juice containers or milk cartons to ensure that your food and ingredients don’t end up spoiling or going off.
Large Water Bottle
Hydration is so important in daily life, and even more so on a camping trip when you’ll be spending your days engaging in physical activities and other strenuous tasks. It’s absolutely vital that you have something to hold your water in when camping, and some popular options include plastic bottles or a hydration reservoir that can hold up to 2 or 3 liters of water.
Camping Chair
If you plan on making camping a regular occurrence in your life, then we highly recommend investing in a comfortable and high quality camping chair. These chairs are perfect for meal times and many even offer storage pouches and drink holders that are sure to make your camping trip just that much more enjoyable. When shopping for a camping chair, look for one that is lightweight, portable and easy to carry around.
A Comfortable Pillow
A pillow is definitely a camping luxury, but something that we believe you should allow yourself to enjoy. A comfortable pillow has the ability to totally transform your quality of sleep, leaving you feeling well rested and ready for the day’s adventures. There are plenty of inflatable camping pillows that you can choose from, but if we’re to be honest, nothing beats your favorite pillow from home.
And there you have it — our top 10 camping essentials that every beginner should invest in. We hope that this article has given you a few ideas on exactly what you’ll need on your first camping trip. Do note that this is just a general list, so feel free to add on or take away items according to your individual needs. All the best and happy camping!