Camping is a great way to unplug from the world and reconnect with nature. However, if you plan your trip without the proper gear, it can be more stressful than relaxing. If you want to guarantee your next trip is enjoyable, make sure you have these must-have items packed in your bag:
Waterproof Your Electronics
Keeping your electronics dry when camping can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you want to incorporate water sports or swimming into your day. Investing in a waterproof phone pouch, like this one from JB Hi-Fi can keep your tech nice and dry without having to keep opening and closing your backpack – meanwhile you’ll be able to snap pictures and make memories all at the same time! Ensure you grab one with a lanyard, so you have the option to tie it to your wrist or wear it securely around your neck to avoid losing it in the water! There are also plenty of waterproof backpack options out there so you can carry larger items at the beach, while kayaking or on a boat, without fear of them getting soaked!
Selleys Storm Waterproof Tape
When you’re off-grid or have set into ‘relax mode’, the last thing on your mind should be making emergency trips back to civilisation to pick up a repair kit for the tent. Selleys Storm Waterproof Tape from Bunnings is a quick and easy way to seal and patch most objects and can be applied to wet or dry surfaces to stop leaks or provide an airtight seal in an instant – making it ideal for emergency repairs. It’s the perfect solution for sealing and patching leaks on tents, caravans, tarps, air mattresses, some rubbers, plastics and more.
Selleys Storm Waterproof Tape comes in 75mm patches or 1m long strips, slim enough to comfortably fit inside a backpack, glovebox or camping bag and is designed to work on a wide variety of materials and tear sizes, making it a must-have for all kinds of adventures.
Insect Repellent
Did you know there are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes worldwide and Australia plays home to more than 300 of these species? To give itchy bites the flick, be sure to include some bug spray in your pack.
Coffee
For the coffee lovers out there, it can be hard to imagine starting your day without the smell and taste of a delicious cup of warm brew. Yet, with no cafe in sight or access to your personal coffee machine, people often settle for instant coffee or simply go without!
Well compromise no more! Anaconda stocks a range of lightweight, portable and rechargeable espresso machines. So, no matter how off-grid you are, you’ll be able to indulge in a quality grade cup!
Related: 3 Fresh Ways to Enjoy a Weekend on a Budget
Related: You Can Book Private Camping Sites In Australia
Glow in the dark rope
There’s nothing worse than arriving at a campsite late in the evening and trying to set up a tent in the dark. Or worse, needing to take a bathroom break in the middle of the night with limited light access! So rather than scrambling around for a flashlight and risking tripping over a tent line, camp chair or nearby bush, try out Etsy’s 15m Reflective Glow in the Dark ropes. Available in an array of colours, these ropes can be charged under direct sunlight and used in the twilight hours for extra lighting. Setting you back less than $20 a pack, this is a low-cost investment that is sure to improve your after-dark camping experience.
Multi-tool Sets
There’s nothing more iconic on a camping trip than sitting round a campfire, sharing stories, eating melted marshmallows, and listening to the soft sounds of a crackling flame. Yet, the practicalities of making a safe and durable fire and firepit means a bit of time, energy and resourcing!
Ensure you never run out of firewood by investing in a camping axe or saw to allow you to collect larger-scale, dry pieces of timber. You’ll also want to ensure you have a foldable camp shovel to create a sandpit or hole to keep the fire contained. Most outdoor or camping stores have their own multitool sets, however a great place to start is BCF who sell these Axe-Saw combos.
Camp Stove
Camping is a popular pastime for many Aussies, which sometimes means having to share campground amenities, like the communal cooktops.
We all know sharing is caring, but when your tummy is grumbling, it can’t hurt to whip out a camp stove and cook whenever you like. Camp stoves are portable, lightweight and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including rocks, sand, or hard ground.
Camp Chair with a Built-in Cup Holder and Tray Table
It may be stating the obvious to some of those more experienced campers, but a quality camp chair is a MUST! Having to use an esky, log or other makeshift contraption as a seat for a weekend is not ideal! Investing in a quality chair will make the world of difference.
For the ultimate outdoor dining experience, why not try out Gecko Directors Chair with Table – the tray table will prevent messy lap spills, and give you a safe spot to park your beverage. It’s a win-win!
First-Aid Kit
A first-aid kit is an absolute must when you’re camping. It should contain the essentials, including bandages, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, tweezers, and gauze pads. You also want to include a small pair of scissors for cutting tape or fabric. Don’t forget about things like antiseptic wipes and band-aids, too.
Extra Batteries and Chargers
As a camper, you don’t want your gadgets to die while you’re out in the wilderness. Whether it’s your phone or camera, having extra batteries and chargers can help ensure that you’ll have power when needed.
The best way to ensure a stress-free camping trip is to be prepared. You never know what might happen when you’re out in the wilderness and it’s best to be prepared for anything. The items listed above will help you do just that.
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