Regular readers of this site will know that I am a huge fan of camping. Camping is one of the best ways to both disconnect from the “real” world and reconnect with nature. We are also blessed in Australia to have some fantastic spots for setting up camp. Just a short drive and you can be somewhere totally different than the last spot!
If there’s one thing I’ve come to learn after many camping experiences, it’s that camping works best when you are prepared. Sure, it can be great to simply pitch up a tent and spend the night where you please, but any longer than one night and you’ll be craving your comforts.
So what are the absolutely necessary things that you need? It can be overwhelming considering what to bring on a camping trip especially when you have limited space. Fear not! I have listed my top 5 camping essentials below. This is a great list to get you started if you’re new to camping and totally unsure of what you need.
Let’s get into it!
Top 5 Camping Gear Must Haves
1. A tent or swag
Obviously the most essential item on my list is a place to sleep. If you’re not blessed to have an awesome campervan, this means either a tent or swag.
I’m a fan of both tents and swags, as both are suitable for different purposes/seasons, and the choice really depends on your personal preference, as well as the conditions of the place you’re touring.
If you’re unfamiliar with the difference between them, a swag is basically like a sleeping bag in a small cave. It’s usually waterproof, insulated and protective, with enough space for sleeping alone. This means that it’s not an ideal option for sitting up, cooking, playing games inside it etc. They are basically for sleeping and that’s it. Swags come in a variety of sizes, including both single and double versions.
I prefer to use a swag when the weather is warm and I’ll be spending plenty of time outside. There are a variety of swags to choose from.
The other option is a tent. Most of us are familiar with the conventional dome tent – they come in a range of sizes and are built to different standards, and are suitable for different seasons. You can find tents that are super lightweight and suitable for hiking, or heavy and super stable and spacious. Some take a bit of skill to set up, whilst others can instantly pop into shape.
The beauty of a tent is that you can pretty much make it into your home away from home. They are great spots not only for sleeping but for hanging out, playing games, and keeping away from rough weather (with the right material). There are a variety of tents to choose from.
2. A camping mattress
It’s not enough to have a place to sleep – it also needs to be comfortable. This is where a camping mattress comes in.
There are a variety of camping mattresses for sale on the market. Some of the camping mattresses available are self-inflating, meaning you simply unfold it and open a valve to let it inflate by itself. Others are made of foam and don’t require inflation at all. There are also options that can be inflated further to add additional support. And of course, there are air mattresses.
There are a lot of options out there, and as a mattress is such a personal thing, it’s hard to say which one is best. However, in my experience, any mattress is better than none. Don’t underestimate those extra few inches of cushioning. A camping mattress can do wonders for your sleep even in swags which may already contain a mattress.
Again, as with tents and swags, mattresses come in a variety of sizes (single and double, for example) and weights. You can also find more portable ones for hiking, although these are a bit trickier to find.
3. Camping chairs
For me, camping chairs are essential. One of the best parts of camping is being outside, and this means I need a place to sit and relax. A good camping chair is invaluable for this and makes a wonderful throne from which I can watch the day go by.
Camping chairs differ greatly. You can find super lightweight and portable chairs weighing just 1kg each, or heavy and cumbersome chairs weighing upwards of 7kg. Clearly, these chairs offer different levels of comfort and stability, and have different features to suit different needs.
Most of the time we drive to our camping spots and so have no problem bringing heavier, more comfortable chairs. If you’re hiking you may not have this luxury, which means you’ll want to lightest weight chair which you can throw over your shoulder.
For me, a good camping chair is one that is supportive, well cushioned, includes at least one cup holder, and ideally a tray that can be detached. I also like side pockets for a bit of storage. If you’re interested, I’ve written an article on finding a good camping chair.
4. A camping stove
Camping is all about returning to nature. However, this doesn’t mean you need to cook your food on a campfire. Some people use a camping BBQ which have their own benefits. I use a camping stove!
A camping stove is a wonderfully convenient unit that usually includes either one or two burners and runs off gas, fuel or a canister. They are great because they are so easy to use, usually igniting with just the flick of a switch. You can use them to cook food, heat up water, tea and coffee, and anything else you may need it for.
There are a variety of camping stoves out there, and you’ll want to look for ones that include a carrying case and a BTU (burner performance output) upwards of 5000. I would also recommend looking for models that include a shade for wind protection. You’ll quickly find that wind is your biggest enemy when cooking outside.
5. A car fridge
A car fridge was one of my most recent investments. Now, I could not go camping with it.
A car fridge is exactly what it sounds like – a small fridge that sits in your car and operates through your car battery. They are a great alternative to an esky due to their ability to keep things cold for days at a time (even when not connected to a power source for an extended period of time).
Car fridges come in a variety of sizes and you can find them with a capacity anywhere from 10 to 80 litres. Their price will differ mostly based on the size and features. You can find a variety of types including ones that offer refrigeration, freezing, or a combination of both. Car fridges can usually be run off a generator too if you want to move it away from your car and closer to your camping site.
Look for models which include digital displays, baskets to separate items, internal lighting and good insulation. There are more advanced models too that include WiFi and Bluetooth capability.
Other essentials…
Whilst these five camping items are an excellent way to get started, they aren’t everything you need. It’s simply not possible to list everything as everyone will have different requirements.
Other things you will likely need include cups, plates, cutlery and cooking gear like pots and pans. I find it easiest to keep these items in a box that I can bring with me whenever I go on a trip. These are basic items that don’t take up a lot of space, and sometimes you don’t know what you’ll need until you arrive. It’s good to have a variety of items in this case.
The other essential items are food and water. This may seem obvious, but I think it’s worth noting even from a budgeting standpoint. Hopefully, bringing your car fridge and camping stove with you will remind you to bring food!
Conclusion
A good camping trip requires preparation and the right gear, and I think the above items are an excellent way to start. Of course, the list above isn’t exhaustive, and there are still many things you can add like cups, plates, cutlery, food… the list goes on! However, most of those things (minus food), you can simply keep in a box and bring with you when you go camping.
Hopefully the above list has offered you inspiration for what you need to be better planned and prepared for your next camping trip!
I hope you found this guide to my essential camping items helpful. If you’re interested in other camping essentials, you can find all our camping guides here.
