Camping is a great way to take a break from city life's daily hustle and bustle. Restorative, peaceful, and adventure-filled, a camping trip allows you to breathe fresh air and get a well-deserved rest. All you need is a solid camping checklist to ensure you have the best experience and avoid hassle.
Whether planning a solo or family camping trip around Australia, being prepared to spend several days outdoors is essential to your safety and comfort. Since we want to ensure you enjoy your time off, we have created an ultimate camping list with all your camping essentials listed to avoid forgotten must-haves.
So, here's your handy guide to answer every camper's first question: What are the things I need for camping?
Camping Equipment
- Shelter
- Tent
- Tarp, Rope and Pole (for shade/rain protection)
- Extra tent pegs
- Hammer or mallet
- Bedding
- Air mattress (with air pump)
- Air mattress repair kit
- Sleeping bag
- Blankets
- Sleeping pad or sleeping bag liners
- Power Source and Lighting
- Camping solar panel
- LED lights
- Fire starters
- Extra batteries
- Inverter generator
- Communication and Navigation
- Compass
- GPS devices
- Two-way radios
- Mobile phones
- Camp Kitchen
- Water jugs / Containers (large ones)
- Portable water filter
- Camp Stove or camp oven
- Cooking utensils
- Cutting board
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- Food storage containers
- Cooking oil
- Fishing gear
- Folding table
- Folding camp chairs
- Trash bags
- Tea towels
- Mugs
- Kettle
- Paper towels
- Plates, bowls, eating utensils and glasses
- Dishwashing products (soap and scouring sponge)
- Clothing and Personal Items
- Basic first aid kit
- Laundry bags
- Plastic bags
- Insect repellent
- Socks
- Underwear
- T-shirts
- Jeans
The Ultimate Camping Checklist Guide: Top Items to Consider
While camping lists are usually long, there are still options for light packers. This is especially true if you will be out for a short time. You can pack fewer clothes and kitchen items, narrowing your camping essentials to the most important ones.
Here are some of the top things that should never be missing from your camping checklist, regardless of how many days you'll be at your campsite:
Shelter
First on your camping checklist should be a durable shelter to shield you from the elements. Regardless of the time of year you want to go camping; a quality tent is always a must-have for safety and comfort.
As a general rule of thumb, a four-person tent sleeps two, and a six-man tent sleeps four. As a general rule of thumb, a four-man tent sleeps two, and a six-man tent sleeps four. This gives everyone ample space to move around comfortably while having enough room for their other camping essentials inside the tent. Your tent should also be easy to pitch, saving you from spending hours just assembling your shelter.
Lastly, it's also wise to bring tools you might need to set up your tent, such as hammers, ropes, poles, and pegs.
Power Source
The ultimate camping list should include a solid power source. This can come from batteries, generators, solar panels, and power stations. Let's look at them individually to help you determine which one suits your needs best.
Batteries: Batteries are usually integrated into RVs. These can be lead-acid batteries, but the ideal choice would be lithium batteries, particularly LiFePO4 batteries. These power packs are equipped with a built-in battery management system (BMS), which allows for a more stable output and increased battery protection.
Packing a LiFePO4 battery allows you to power all your electronic camping essentials effectively without checking your power pack occasionally. This maintenance-free operation will enable you to enjoy your camping more without worrying about your power source's performance.
Generators: Ah, the original favourite of Aussies when it comes to camping power sources. Portable generators have been a staple in the camping checklist of many adventurers, and packing these units has never been easier with the emergence of inverter generators.
The great things about inverter generators are their improved fuel efficiency, pure sine wave output, and portability. They're significantly lighter than traditional units and produce safe power for sensitive devices like gadgets. Inverter generators also run more quietly, making them perfect as a home backup or camping generator.
Solar Panels: Solar panels are usually paired with batteries, mainly when used in RVs. Due to its sustainability and cost-saving benefits, more campers have been utilising solar power for their adventures, resulting in solar panels gaining popularity in recent years.
There are different solar panels, including fixed solar panels, flexible solar panels, and solar mats. If you're getting one for your home or outing, choose monocrystalline solar panels for maximum efficiency and durability. Monocrystalline solar cells allow better sunlight absorption, even in low-light settings.
Power Stations: Here's one of the handiest ways to power your electric camping essentials: Invest in a portable power station. These units are similar to generators but bring more convenience with a plug-and-play mechanism. Perfect for road trips and weekend campouts, power stations require almost no assembly and can power multiple electronics simultaneously.
When choosing a power station, go for a unit backed by a LiFePO4 battery for superior performance. You also want to ensure you get a size suited to your power requirements to avoid a power shortage in the middle of your outing.
Communication And Navigation Tools
When camping in remote areas, having the right gear is essential. Don't overlook communication and navigation tools—they're crucial to any camping checklist. Imagine getting lost on a hike and struggling to return to camp! To avoid this, bring along:
- A reliable compass for traditional navigation. Look for a lightweight one with a neck strap and a sighting mirror for signalling.
- A sturdy GPS device for pinpointing your location on a digital map. Make sure it's waterproof.
- Your mobile phone—it's not just for calls. With its built-in compass and GPS, it's a valuable backup. Keep it protected in a case and pack spare batteries.
Keeping these camping essentials handy ensures a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience.
Basic Kitchen Items
Food and food prep items will always be present in camping lists. After all, nothing elevates a camping experience more than your favourite munchies. There's no need to go overboard, though. Just pack the items you need the most to create decent, satisfying meals.
The list we provided above pretty much covers everything you will need, such as water jugs, cooking utensils, and food containers to keep your meals fresh.
Personal Items
Basic personal items should bring both comfort and convenience. You probably won't need a hair dryer as part of your camping essentials, but having a decent portable shower would do wonders for your entire experience.
Your camping checklist should also include a first aid kit. Scratches, scraped knees, and splinters are sometimes a part of outdoor activities, especially if you are camping with your kids. Your medicines, wound cleaners, and antibacterial wipes will help avoid unpleasant scenarios where you rummage around for first aid essentials when needed.
Last but not least, bring your hygiene essentials. Camping isn't glamorous, but you're not supposed to skip the basic self-cleanup routine. Have your bath must-haves and fresh, comfortable, and weather-appropriate clothes with you.
Ready to pack? Keep our list as your guide and prioritise these basic camping essentials as soon as you feel the need to Google search "things I need for camping" again and prep for your adventure like a pro.
Camping Checklist: The Master Organiser's Edition
So you have all your camping essentials ready and packed for the big day. However, you should know that camping lists are not just about the items. A seasoned outdoor adventurer would know that you also need a camping checklist for safety reminders. You don't want to end your trip feeling more stressed than when you started, so remember crucial safety tips before heading out to your campsite.
Vehicle Check
In the weeks leading up to your camping trip, we highly recommend that you inspect your vehicle to ensure it is roadworthy. For your convenience, we have listed the top things you need to check before you go:
- Tyre checks: Make sure you have the right tyre pressure for the terrain you will be driving on. Would you drive mostly on highways or rough roads? Check your tyre manufacturer's website or ask a mechanic for the correct pressure levels and adjust as necessary.
- Tread Condition: Besides pressure, tread condition must also be checked before leaving. You should not see sidewalls, cracks or cuts on any of your tyres. And also perform the same check on your vehicle's spare tyre.
- Water and engine oil levels: Check water and engine oil levels when you fuel up before your trip. Have a mechanic check if you need to replace your oil filter and do so if he/she recommends it.
- Windshield wipers: Ensure your wipers and screen-wash system work before leaving. If you are going to camp off-road, you need these to be able to see where you are going.
- Lights:We are not just talking about headlights, here. Your headlights, brake, indicator, and fog lights must all work perfectly.
- Brakes: If the brake pedal is not firm when applied, have a mechanic check your brake pads, as a replacement may be necessary. If your brake pads are worn, change them before you leave.
Let Someone Else Know That You Are Going Away Camping
In case of emergencies, it's always a good idea to let someone know when and where you're going camping. It could be a neighbour, relative, or close friend to whom you can leave your mobile number and campsite map. This is just an added safety measure so someone knows your whereabouts and notices if you are not back at your expected date.
Know Your Campsite Well
The ultimate camping list should have an attached map of the campsite, while the ultimate adventurer should be well informed of all the areas their campsite covers.
If you're a first-time camper, you should know that Australia has a wide range of campgrounds: national park camping sites, holiday parks or commercial campgrounds, walk-in campsites, and free camping sites. To avoid unforeseen circumstances, familiarise yourself with the site and the rules that apply to it, including available times and rate changes.
Besides knowing where to go and for how much, there are other questions you might want to ask yourself: Is the campsite safe for kids? What activities are available for your group or your family? Do they have showers and toilets? Do they allow campfires? What season do you prefer to go camping? Is it crowded? Also, while camping should keep you away from the Internet, you might want to know if the site has mobile reception.
Safety First, Always
Any camping checklist should prioritise safety. It is easy to forget to observe safety measures when you're having a good time. This is why, apart from camping essentials, you must also include a list of things to be careful of while enjoying the outdoors, such as toxic plants and wild animals in the area.
Plan a Reasonable Budget
What is a camping checklist without a budget plan? Organising your finances before a campout can relieve a huge chunk of stress. After all, who wants to be short on cash right in the middle of their trip?
When building your budget plan, consider campsite fees, vehicle rental fees, fuel costs if you're taking an RV, and pocket allowance for the duration of your stay if you need to buy something.
Research on the Updated Legislation Concerning Caravan Camping and Caravan Ownership
Remember: different states have different legal requirements, registration costs and requirements, and road and traffic rules for owning a campervan. The fines imposed also vary.
Here are some important points to take note of when purchasing campervans and caravans: an international driving license may be beneficial to you; the rego of the vehicle must be ensured and renewed; the required duration of transfer of ownership depends on the state; and the requirement of Certificate of Roadworthiness likewise depends on the state.
Build The Ultimate Camping List With Outbax
Experiencing the beauty of nature firsthand is exhilarating. Deep down, we all crave the serenity of the outdoors and wish for the opportunity to escape the demands of modern-day living. Understandably, it can get confusing to prepare everything you need to make your camping trip memorable. Hopefully, this camping checklist can get you started in the right direction and provide you with a concise guide every time you need to revisit your "Things I Need For Camping" list.
Interested in taking your camping checklist to the next level? Get your camping essentials at Outbax! We specialise in premium camping power equipment including LiFePO4 batteries, generators, solar panels, and power stations. Whether you need a high-quality 100Ah lithium battery for camping or want an award-winning 3.5kW inverter generator for your next road trip, we have you covered.
Visit our website today for the best deals and shopping perks. We also have leisure items for those who prefer to chill at home, catch up on their workout routines, hit the beach, or spend the day dipping in a spacious swimming pool or inflatable spa. At Outbax, we're all about safe, memorable, and budget-friendly adventures, so don't miss out—shop now!
Last Updated on May 2, 2024
