Camping is a great option to return to nature and soak up the beauty of your surroundings. It’s no wonder that Australians spent 54.5 million nights caravanning and camping in 2019. Whether you’re planning a family trip or a solo getaway, these 13 hacks, plus additional tips for different camping styles, will help you have the best camping adventure.
13 Free Camping Hacks for Your Next Adventure
1. Electrify your campsite with a portable power station
Increase the convenience and comfort of your camping adventure with a trusty portable camp power station. Portable power stations are versatile tools that can do everything from inflating air mattresses to powering speakers, laptops, and lighting setups. Even smaller models pack enough energy to keep your devices charged and your campsite well-lit.
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Types of Portable Power Stations
- Battery-powered: Built-in batteries with USB ports and AC outlets, perfect for short trips and small devices
- Solar-powered: Recharge with solar panels, a great option for extended trips due to their sustainability
If you want to get the best of both worlds, some modern power stations, like the VoltX V1200 Portable Power Station, are worth checking as they support multiple recharge options.
Choosing the Right Power Station
- Assess your needs: Determine what appliances you need to power.
- Check the capacity: Ensure the station can run your devices for the duration of your trip.
- Portability vs Power: Balance a unit’s portability and its power output; lighter units are ideal for backpacking, while caravanning allows for larger, more powerful options due to extra storage space
Maximising Your Power Station’s Efficiency and Lifespan
Don’t forget to keep your power station charged and maintain its battery health. Avoid depleting the battery before recharging. Turn off unused devices and store in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture.
2. Invest in a Power Cooler
Keep your meals fresh in your camp kitchen for days with a power cooler. Skip the hassle of refilling disposable ice boxes by opting for one that plugs into a lithium battery. Pre-prepared meals can make your camping trips even more enjoyable and free up time for exploring.
3. Bring a Fire Starter Kit
Ready for a good old-fashioned campfire? You won’t get very far without a fire starter kit! Essential items in your fire starter kit are a lighter for ignition, tinder (like dry leaves or cotton balls) to catch the initial spark, and kindling (small sticks or twigs) to build a steady flame. A fire starter, such as a fire gel or fire starter cubes, can help ignite flame even in damp conditions.
When starting a fire, clear the area of debris and keep water or sand nearby to extinguish quickly if necessary. Never leave your fire unattended and don’t forget to put it out completely before leaving. A campfire can be both beautiful and useful for keeping warm, but safety is key to enjoying its warmth responsibly.
4. Take a Water Jug
Spending time outdoors, especially on a hot Australian day, requires drinking plenty of fluids. Don't forget to bring water jugs filled with water before setting off, especially if you’re camping remotely. It’s also a great idea to bring a travel mug or water bottle to avoid spilling excess water when dispensing from your jug. It’s also more portable, so you can bring some water on your walks while your water jug stays in your camp kitchen.
5. Make Your Sleeping Setup Comfortable
A blow-up camping pillow can improve your sleep quality and posture. It’s a small luxury that adds significant posture to your camping adventure. A sleeping mat can also make your setup extra comfortable. Read this article to find out the best budget-friendly camping mattresses.
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While it’s not necessarily a camping essential, there's nothing wrong with bringing home comforts to improve your camping adventure. In fact, some people even prefer going “glamping” instead to comfortably experience nature. Read this article to know the difference between glamping and camping!
6. Prioritise Convenience with a Portable Toilet & Shower
Thanks to a portable camp toilet, relieving yourself on your next caravanning adventure can be quick and easy. Whether you’re setting up in a bustling caravan park or finding solitude in remote camping spots, portable toilets are an essential accessory as they offer convenience and privacy. They’re also hygienic, contributing to cleaner campgrounds. Speaking of cleanliness—if you want to stay clean and fresh the entire time outdoors, solar camping showers are the way to go. They’re the best portable camp solution you can set up wherever the sun shines, no electricity needed for you to enjoy a warm wash or a cold shower wherever your adventure takes you.
Solar camping showers are a portable camp solution for staying clean and fresh on your camping trip. Set them up wherever the sun shines, no electricity needed. You can enjoy the comfort of a warm wash or a cold shower, wherever your adventure takes you.
7. Bring an Electric Kettle
Instead of using fossil fuel emitting wood or gas, boil your water with an electric kettle using a portable camp power station. An electric kettle is a great option for making tea and coffee and heating water for cleaning up. Check this article out for some other essential items to add to your ultimate camping checklist!
8. Warm Your Tent with a Hot Pack
Sleeping bags are a great option for staying warm in the colder Australian months, but a hot pack can provide extra warmth and comfort on chilly nights. If you’re worried about heating water in the middle of the night, it’s quick and easy if you bring an electric kettle powered by your portable power station or lithium battery.
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9. Camping with Kids? Bring Plenty of Games32>
If you’re taking kids camping, don’t forget to plan child-oriented activities so they can also enjoy the trip. Pack games to keep your kids entertained. Active games like ball games and scavenger hunts make the experience fun and engaging for the whole family.
Image source: Gone Camping Again
Scavenger hunts are a fun and exciting way for children to explore the great outdoors. Hide clues and toys inside and outside your tent but don’t extend the hunt too far from the view.
10. Feel Energised with Coffee Bags
If you’re used to a hot cup of coffee in the morning, don’t worry—you can still enjoy them while camping with single-use, portioned, and pre-ground coffee bags. They’re quick and easy to use and perfect for camping mornings. All you need to do is fill it with water and start sipping!
11. Maximise Comfort by Packing Blankets, Socks, and Chairs
When packing for a road trip, don’t forget to pack essentials like camp chairs, sleeping mat or air mattress, socks, microfibre towels, extra blankets, and portable picnic tables. These items enhance your comfort and make your camping trip more enjoyable.
If you’re going on a long-term camping trip, here are the top 43 camping equipment you should bring.
12. Protect Yourself with a Rechargeable Mosquito Zapper
If you’re going to a secluded area and staying in a tent rather than a caravan, it’s worth bringing something to protect yourself and your family against unwanted pests. Avoid itchy bug bites that can disrupt your sleep and make you sick by bringing a rechargeable mosquito zapper. This tool can also give a little light on a dark night while keeping mosquitoes and other creepy crawlies from ruining your camping adventure.
13. Bring all-important travel resources
Even in the digital age, it’s smart to carry a physical map and compass. These tools are essential especially if you’re the type of camper who prefers venturing into the wilderness to staying at a campsite.
Image source: Mortons On The Move
Camping Hacks for Different Camping Styles
Are you a minimalist backpacker or a luxury-loving glamper? If you’re unsure, read this article to know more about the difference between glamping and camping.
With the right approach you can tailor your experience to fit any style. Here are free camping tips on how to make the most of your next camping adventure.
Backpacking Hacks
Use Lightweight Gear
Don’t forget the most important thing when backpacking—every ounce matters. Choose lightweight gear to keep your pack manageable. The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL Tent is known for its lightness and durability. You can pair it with the Sea to Summit Spark SP II Sleeping Bag, which provides excellent warmth without the bulk. For backpacks, the Osprey Exos 48 offers a great balance of comfort and lightweight design, ideal for longer treks.
Pack Smart
To go lightweight, repackage food into smaller containers. Your sleeping system should be compact with a sleeping mat and bag. Carry multi-purpose tools like the Leatherman Skeletool, which combines several tools into one compact design. This way, you can bring less items in your backpack. For easy access to clean drinking water on the go, carry a small, lightweight, and easy to use water filter like the Sawyer Squeeze.
Glamping Hacks
Create a Luxurious Campsite
If you’re all about comfort, glamping is your style. Create a luxurious campsite with some fancy decor like string lights. You can also make your campsite extra cosy with plush blankets and inflatable furniture. Coleman’s Inflatable Sofa is one of the best inflatable couches and is perfect for adding a touch of homey comfort to your camp. Bring along a portable grill or stove for your camp kitchen to make gourmet food you can enjoy. A portable espresso machine like Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker will also make your mornings at camp extra special.
Set Up a Movie Night
You can also up your glamping experience with an outdoor movie setup. A portable projector like the Anker Nebula Capsule can project your favourite films onto a sheet strung between trees for a cinematic night under the stars. Don’t forget to make some popcorn!
Essential Camping Skills
For an unforgettable camping adventure, you’ll need to master a few skills. Here are some more free camping tips for easy things like pitching a tent, building a campfire, and ensuring you have safe drinking water.
How to Pitch a Tent
A properly pitched tent will keep you dry and safe throughout your camping adventure. Start by selecting a flat, dry area with natural wind protection such as trees or a small hill. Lay a groundsheet for added protection, then assemble the tent poles and firmly secure the tent with stakes. Make sure the tent is taut, with the rainfly attached for extra weather resistance.
How to Build a Campfire
A campfire serves as a source of warmth, light, and a place to cook. Gather materials like tinder, kindling, and firewood. Make sure they’re dry. Arrange the tinder in the center, layering kindling and firewood on top to create airflow, and ignite the tinder with a match or lighter. As the fire catches, gradually add larger pieces of wood. Don’t forget to keep water or sand nearby to safely extinguish the fire when necessary. Make sure it’s completely by dousing and stirring the embers until they’re cold.
How to Get Safe Drinking Water
Safe drinking water is vital on any camping trip. Boiling water for at least one minute is the most effective way to purify water. It’s also quick and easy especially if you have an electric kettle and a power source. If you don’t want to boil water, portable filters are also excellent alternatives. These tools effectively remove harmful pathogens, ensuring your water is safe to drink.
Use these tried-and-tested tips for a better camping adventure
Camping is an exciting way to connect with nature. With these 13 camping hacks and some additional tips, you can have a more enjoyable outdoor experience—just don’t forget to bring the right tools! Shop at Outbax for quality camping gear and equipment at a great price. Whether you need a premium sleeping mat for a good night’s sleep or a 100Ah lithium battery to power your electronics, we’ve got you covered.
