Camping does not mean you have to take your entire house with you when you spend a day or two outdoors. Not only is that going to be such a hassle when you pack, load the car, travel with it taking a lot of stuff with you means more time spent setting up your campsite.
And most of the time, you are not going to need all the stuff you think you will need. Not to mention bringing stuff like pillows and tables means you are going to have an overcrowded vehicle, and that is not fun. For you, OR your car.
So clearly, choosing lightweight camping gear is the way to go. It makes a lot of sense you do not have to spend a lot of time preparing stuff to bring; you do not overload your car and setting up camp and packing up to go home will be a breeze.
Next question: what are your lightweight camping gear options and how would you go about buying them? Need tips? Don't worry, we have got you covered.
First What is lightweight camping anyway?
On a very basic level, lightweight camping is pretty straightforward - just stripping out all the gear that is not essential and choosing products that are more compact and weigh less than you'd perhaps normally take with you.
We can start to get really technical looking at pack weight, and really strip everything back if we want to talk about ultra light camping or backpacking. For instance, lightweight base pack weight is often defined as less than 10kg, and ultra light as less than 5kg.
However, we're not going to go that far. For the purposes of this guide, we're going to keep it relatively simple and assume you're someone who just wants to reduce the weight of the gear you're carrying.
Our top lightweight camping gear picks
Obviously you should leave behind non-essential camping stuff, but what should you take with you? If you are going camping for the first time and are looking at some lightweight camping gear options, here are some of our top recommendations.
Swag
We are not talking about attitude here. A camping swag is your lightweight, easy to set up alternative to the usual camping tent. Not only are these lightweight, they provide shelter from outdoor elements. They are quite comfortable too and have mesh windows that you can keep open during the daytime to let the cool air in, and pesky mosquitoes out.
This works well for solo campers that do not like bringing a lot of gear with them. Or you can substitute swags for each person, over let's say a four-person tent. This gives you and your camping companions more privacy and well each person can easily carry it with them to and from the campsite.
Solar Blanket or Solar Mat
Just because you are camping does not mean you do not need backup power solutions. And solar panels are the safest, most environment friendly way to power your campsite lights and keep your mobile phones charged.
However, we know that certain solar panels can be bulky and heavy. So, if you are looking for lightweight options, we certainly recommend getting a solar blanket. The great thing about solar blankets or solar mats is it has an integrated bag design so you literally just fold it out when you are going to use it. Then you just fold it back on to itself once you are done. It easily fits under the seat of your car and does not weigh a lot.
VoltX 12V 200W Folding Solar Mat
If you are looking for something that you can use just to trickle charge your car battery or charge your mobile phones, a mini solar panel is also a good option. These types of solar panels weigh less than 2 kgs and are quite effective.
Self inflating mattress
A lightweight self-inflating mattress is another option to make sure that you stay comfortable for a night outdoors. These are made with lightweight materials, but are sturdy enough for even the most rugged of campers. Because they are self inflating, this means that you do not have to bring an air pump with you.
Other lightweight camping tips
As well as the advice above, here are some handy camping hacks that will help you cut down on how much gear you take with you.
- Cut down the length of your toothbrush.
- Use a cheap foil emergency blanket under your sleeping mat for extra insulation.
- If you're taking a map, cut out and take with you only the bit you need.
- Toilet paper - remove the cardboard centre, so it packs flat, and put it in a plastic bag.
- Cut up a straw. Fill the pieces with toothpaste for one-use packets. Seal the ends. with a lighter - be careful!
- Check the weather - by knowing what the weather's going to do, you can plan ahead and leave unnecessary gear at home.
- Use a head torch rather than carrying a bulky torch in your back. This also frees up your hands.
- Make a small first aid kit - put plasters, a few pills, antiseptic wipes, and whatever else will fit into a pill bottle.
- Dry out your gear - if it gets wet, then it's going to weigh a lot more than if it's dry.
- Use a hydration bladder rather than bottles of water. Some rucksacks come with space specifically for them.
- Use nearby rocks as tent pegs.
- Try a microfibre instead of a beach towel - lightweight, quick-drying and dirt-resilient.
- Use your pack instead of a pillow.
One last and very important tip is to never take any unnecessary risks when lightweight camping. Always make sure you have enough stuff with you to stay warm, fed and hydrated. You might want to cut down on weight, but you need to make sure you stay safe.
So, are you ready to get all geared up for your lightweight camping trip? Give us a call today and we would be happy to help you find the best lightweight camping gear for your needs and budget!
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the best lightweight camping gear?
The best lightweight camping gear includes essential items that are compact and easy to carry. Key pieces are a portable power source like a solar blanket, a swag tent for shelter, a portable camping fridge, and a compact butane stove for cooking.
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Why is packing light important for camping?
Packing light is important because it makes the entire camping experience more convenient. It reduces the strain of carrying heavy items, saves space in your vehicle, and simplifies the process of setting up and packing down your campsite.
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What are the essential categories of lightweight camping gear?
The essential categories for lightweight camping are a reliable power source, a comfortable shelter, a portable cooling solution for food, and a compact cooking appliance.
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What is a lightweight power source for camping?
A solar blanket is an excellent lightweight power source for camping. It is more compact and lighter than traditional folding solar panels, making it easy to pack and carry while still providing sufficient power for camping needs.
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What is a swag tent?
A swag tent is a type of compact, all-in-one shelter that includes a tent and mattress rolled into a single bundle. It is known for being durable, easy to set up, and providing a comfortable sleeping space.
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What are the benefits of a swag tent for lightweight camping?
The main benefits of a swag tent are its convenience and all-in-one design, which saves space. It's also durable due to its ripstop polycotton canvas construction and provides excellent ventilation, making it a comfortable and practical shelter.
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What is a good lightweight option for a camping fridge?
A portable camping fridge, specifically a compact model like a 30L one, is a great lightweight option. It allows you to bring fresh food without the hassle and mess of a traditional cooler with melting ice, and it can be efficiently powered by a solar setup.
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What is the best type of lightweight stove for camping?
A portable butane stove is the best lightweight stove for camping. These stoves are compact, easy to use, often come with their own carry case, and provide a reliable flame for cooking meals quickly.
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How can I keep food fresh while camping without a heavy cooler?
You can keep food fresh by using a portable camping fridge. It's a more efficient and convenient alternative to a traditional esky or cooler, as it eliminates the need for ice and prevents food from getting soggy.
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What should I look for in a lightweight camping shelter?
When looking for a lightweight shelter, you should consider a swag tent that offers an all-in-one solution (tent and mattress), is made from durable materials like ripstop canvas, and provides good ventilation for comfort.
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How do you power appliances when camping light?
You can power appliances by using a portable and lightweight solar setup, such as a solar blanket paired with a battery. This allows you to run devices like a portable fridge and charge electronics without needing a bulky generator.
