15 Aug Top 5 Things to Take Camping

Camping is a lot like most things in life: it gets easier with practice.

Every camping enthusiast has had a classic Aussie camping weekend go slightly – or majorly – awry after discovering they are missing (at least) one key component to their successful camping trip, whether your buddy Sam left his tent sitting in his garage and now has to squish himself into the corner of yours, or you lent your rain tarp to your cousin and forgot all about it until you saw that storm approaching in the distance.

This week, we are here to offer some helpful packing advice for your next camping trip, whether it be your first with the kids or your 50th with your long-time fishing buddy.

Camping Packing List: Top 5 Most Useful Items

#1 Proper Shelter

Is there anything worse than falling asleep to clear skies, only to wake up an hour later to a rain-soaked tent dripping on your face, knowing you have 6 more hours until daylight? We think not.

Perhaps the most important camping items you can remember to pack include the following shelter musts:

• Weatherproof Tent: Find a tent that is not only easy to set up and take down, but also one that is well-ventilated, includes a rain fly or cover, and comes with extra stakes or poles for when you inevitably lose one while packing up the next morning.
• Sleeping Bag or Mat: There’s nothing wrong with sleeping on the ground, but for those of us with a spine, it’s best to bring along a waterproof sleeping bag or basic roll-up mat just in case. Find one that’s lightweight, easy to clean and durable for the best results.
• Tarp: You never know just how useful a tarp is until you don’t have one. Considering they’re cheap as chips, pick up two just to be safe.

#2 Appropriate Clothing

Similar to weatherproof shelter, weather-ready clothing items – or a lack thereof – can make or break your camping trip. Besides taking a quick scan of the weather forecast to know what to expect for your trip, we recommend bringing the following basic clothing items:

• Boardies & Cozzies: A camping trip without ‘em is just plain un-Australian. Unless, of course, you’re camping in the bush.
• Hiking Boots & Thongs: You’re probably going to want both, as no one likes to throw on socks and lace up their boots just to visit the toilet or deal with a spider bite because they only brought thongs.
• Sun-proof Clothing: Pack up your favourite rashies, hats and sunnies, ‘cause the sun in Australia – and subsequent sunburn – is no joke.
• Rain Gear: From gumboots to waterproof jackets, it never hurts to be ready for a spontaneous downpour.
• Layers: From dry fit t-shirts to plenty of light layers that will keep you warm in case of a sudden change in temperature, be sure to pack plenty of light layers for all kinds of weather and further protection from mozzies.

#3 Cooking Gear & Snacks

We’re firm believers that a hangry camper is an unprepared camper, so take plenty of snacks and the proper cooking supplies to make sure you stay happy and full. The following cooking items will go a long way on your next camping outing:

• Supplies: Tongs, spatula, matches/lighter, fire starters, plates & bowls, utensils, pot & pan, foil, trash bags, paper towels, can opener, bottle opener, antibacterial wipes, esky, ice, condiments, a cutting board and a cooking stove are a great place to start.
• Snacks: You know what you like, so all you have to do is remember to bring it!

#4 Chairs & Extracurricular Equipment

While we love an opportunity to increase our leg strength, squatting our way through a weekend camping trip is not exactly how we want to do it. These basics and other fun equipment are sure to keep you and your travel buddies entertained:

• Camping Chairs: Bring along some lightweight, foldable camping chairs for the best results.
• Recreational Equipment: Boogie boards, surfboards, skateboards, tennis rackets, volleyballs, fishing poles, etc.
• Entertainment: Board games, cards, etc.
• Lighting: Solar lanterns (and solar chargers) are an excellent way to keep your torch and headlamps in full working order.

#5 Gear Organisation 

The key to remembering all of your essentials is to keep it clean and organised in the first place! After returning from a weekend camping trip, the last thing you want to do is spend hours reorganising and cleaning all of your gear.

Keep your belongings free of mud, dirt and sand by storing them securely off the ground in one of our handy, lightweight Omnimate’s. With towel racks and hooks to hang your lantern, headlamps, hats and more, along with a secure zipper pouch for storing all your cooking and camping gear in an easily accessible place, you’ll rest easy knowing you weren’t the one who forgot to pack any essential camping items.

Happy camping!