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CAMPING EQUIPMENT
So, you're going camping?
Wondering what camping gear you will need?
Well, here's some ideas to get you started! You may only need a few of these items if you're planning to travel light and basic... or the whole kit and kaboodle if you want to go in style!
A bit of searching online should give you an idea of the variety of each item of camping equipment available in stores. Once you've narrowed down what you actually want, and where it is available, you can visit the store in person, or enquire as to what can be ordered online, if you prefer.
Tents
Your tent provides the basis of your camp. There is such a wide variety of tents, both in size and layout. Tents can sleep one person, right up to 10 or 12. Some tents have only one area, others are divided into 2 or more rooms, sometimes with removeable walls to open up more space when required.
You will need to consider what will suit your camping needs best. How many people need to sleep in the tent? Would you be better off with a large general use tent, plus one or more small tents for sleeping? Berths quoted often only allow for sleeping space, so consider if you might need extra room for clothes and personal items. Do you want something as small and light as possible for hiking or packing in a tiny car?
Annexe
An annexe can add a useful extra area, which can be used as an undercover kitchen or congregating area, especially in wet weather.
Screen House/ Shade Gazebo
An extra outdoor screened room or undercover area for relaxing or whatever you wish, which, as it is a totally separate unit, can be set away from the main tent or right next door.
Swag
An all-in-one tent for one or two people, with a built in light mattress.
Tarpaulin
A tarp is a very useful item for campers, as it can be tied up to provide shade or rain shelter, or secured over other equipment as protection against the elements.
Tent Pegs
Your tent will come with whatever pegs it generally needs, but in certain locations different pegs may be required eg. special sand pegs that will hold in the looser sand, or heavy duty pegs for hard, rocky ground.
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bags are available in single or double versions. There are also smaller models designed especially for children. Sleeping bags are rated for warmth, so choose what you need to suit the conditions in which you will be camping. Sleeping bag liners are also available.
Camp Beds/ Stretchers
Fold up camp beds and stretchers can be a good alternative to sleeping on an air or foam mattress. They get you up off ground level, which can be colder, and also more out of the way of visiting insects!
Air Mattresses/ Camp Mattresses
Air mattresses are blow up mattresses, using either foot or electric pumps to inflate them. Available in single or double sizes, they are certainly more comfortable than the ground. Don't forget to buy a repair kit however, or you might end up sleeping on the ground anyway!
Roll up thin dense foam mattresses are another alternative. These are especially popular with hikers.
Camping Gas Light
LPG lights which attach onto your gas bottle are a good light source if electricity isn't available. They can usually either connect direct at bottle level, or poles are available which raise them up higher and enable the light to spread further more easily.
Camping Gas Stove
Camp gas stoves are available in various designs. they may be just a single burner that attaches to your gas bottle, or more stove top type models with 2 or more gas jets. Stands are also available for these stoves, sometimes with additional shelves, preparation areas and areas for sink bowls etc.
Portable Barbecue
Portable barbecues are another great accessory for camping. Easy tasty cooking with the minimum of fuss!
Gas Bottle
You'll need one or more LPG gas bottle if you are going to use any of the above gas appliances. They come in various sizes. Service stations and some hardware stores usually have gas bottle filling services. Gas bottles are required to be tested or replaced every few years.
Gas Camping Heater
These heaters operate in a similar way to the gas lights, with large reflectors reflecting the heat produced out into the tent.
Portable Camp Toilet
Camp toilets can be a simple as a toilet seat on a stand, placed over a hole in the ground, or with a attachable bags, or flushing storage units. These sort do need emptying on a regular basis, however. Toilet privacy tents are also available. Or if you want to go really basic, just buy a folding shovel!
Camp Shower
Camp showers can be as simple as a container of cold water hung up and operated through a hose and shower head, by gravity... or a solar heated shower bag... or a special system pumped and heated by your car engine. Shower tents for privacy can also be purchased.
Camp Washup Sinks
Washup sinks can be as basic as a bowl, or special camp sinks on stands.
Camp Table
A wide variety of folding camping tables are available. Some have attached stools, and even holes for shade umbrellas.
Folding Chairs
This is one item that has absolutely exploded in a huge variety! From the basic, to the complex, with built-in overhead shade covers, foot stools, drink containers, trays, headrests, padding etc. Try them out and find what suits you best!
Esky/ Ice Box
Essential for keeping food cold and fresh, if you don't have refrigeration. Available in a wide variety of sizes.
Travel Fridge/ Freezer
Portable fridges (often also operable as a freezer) can be a wonderful addition to your camping equipment. They are available in different sizes. Power sources can be mains power, 12 volt car power, and sometimes LPG. Some also can be purchased with an optional insulated cover.
Water Container
If you aren't camping near a source of drinkable water, you will need to take your own supply. Plastic water barrels are available in various sizes, with choice of tap type.
Camp Pantry/ Food Safe
Various hanging or standing camping pantries, safes and utility shelves are available to store food and personal items. Mesh covered ones, help keep insects and other pests away.
Tent Repair Kit
It's useful to have a basic tent repair kit, for possible tears and leaks.
Portable Generator
A portable fuel powered electricity generator can be a useful item, if you are going to be away from a source of electricity. Be aware that caravan parks, and some National Parks and other areas do not allow generators to be used. Also, always be aware and considerate of other campers in the area. A rumbling generator may not be their idea of a back to nature experience!
May your journeys be filled with trails leading to relaxation...
and adventure!
Happy holiday!
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Camping Equipment Australia Page
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