Camping is like building a home away from home. The tent is your roof, the sleeping bag your pillow, and the backpack your wardrobe and pantry. Sadly, the beginner’s hunt for camping gear is often misguided. With high-tech fabrics and modern features, it’s easy to get confused. At times, you aren’t sure what’s really functional. Buying the most expensive equipment isn’t the solution. Instead, the focus should be on individual needs, the weather conditions, and the type of adventure.
Leading outdoor gear brands like Dometic believe it’s all about answering the “hows” and “whys”. As a beginner, you must know what purpose camping gear serves and why you should pick one over another. This guide will help you understand the basics of choosing camping gear for your first adventure. Keep scrolling!
Choosing A Tent – It’s Always Comfort Over Features
Every camping trip starts with figuring out your shelter options. A tent is not just an enclosure. It’s your home outdoors, protecting you from the harsh elements of nature. So, before you choose a camping tent, know the weather forecast for the area. Is it going to be sunny? Or is it likely to rain? You will need to consider such factors before spending money on a tent. Typically, you should invest in a waterproof tent with good insulation and ventilation.
Pro Tips:
- Always invest in a tent that’s easy to set up. It will help you quickly get into shelter during a storm or rain.
- The tent should be spacious enough to accommodate all members of the camping group.
- You can also invest in a self-inflating mattress for extra comfort and ground protection.
Sleeping Bags – Your Outdoor Pillow
The next essential shelter gear is your sleeping bag. As a beginner, you might consider a sleeping bag a bedtime accessory. But it’s more than that. A sleeping bag helps to regulate your body temperature when you are outdoors. It also ensures you get enough sleep to restore energy levels by acting as a barrier between the ground and your body, especially when you are camping in harsh weather.
Pro Tips:
- Choose a sleeping bag rated for the lowest temperature. Mummy bags are a great choice, but rectangular ones promise more easy movement.
- Consider investing in a sleeping pod and check the R-value before buying.
Backpack – Carrying Your Little Universe Along
Backpacks are a camper’s lifeline. It is the most significant camping gear to invest in. So, how do you pick the right backpack? For starters, it should allow easy movement. Something that promises even weight distribution and is secure (check the pockets and zip linings). Also, rookie campers tend to overpack things. It’s always a bad idea. No matter how much you want to pack, you will still be underprepared for certain situations. And that’s the fun of camping!
Pro Tips:
- For weekend trips, a 50-60 litre backpack would suffice.
- Check if a backpack has a rain cover and multiple compartments
- Use pack liners and dry bags to protect electronics, food, and sleepwear
Food and Hydration – Prioritise This
Meals cooked over a campfire are one of the greatest joys of an adventure. But you will need the right tools. Portable stoves, basic utensils, and lightweight cookware are the basics. The focus should be on their size, durability, and how easily they can find a place inside your backpack. Remember, when camping, you’re cooking to satisfy hunger. It’s never a feast. So, you must cook the right food and hydrate well to stay high on energy.
Pro Tips:
- Pack a camp stove with enough fuel for the journey,
- Instead of packing a pan and pot separately, invest in a combination cook set.
- Pack more than one spoon, fork, knife, and disposable plates.
- You will run out of stock water shortly. Sure, you can always buy bottled water. But when trekking hills and forests, you must depend on natural sources like streams and fountains. Get a portable water purifier or water purification tablets to treat water before drinking.
Your First Adventure Awaits You
Camping can be a life-changing experience. Besides unlimited fun, it also prepares one to face hardships and combat unforeseen challenges. So, choose the right equipment to make the most of your first adventure. Be sure to follow us on Instagram to see where we end up next and to tag us, and you can also see our reviews of other holiday destinations and travel in Melbourne.