Camping is a very popular activity in Australia. It’s loved for so many reasons: the outdoor experience, the breath of fresh air, exploration of new territories, bonding with friends and family and much more. But to have a comfortable camping trip, you’ll need to have a few camping equipment essentials, like a tent, sleeping bag, a nice pillow and proper clothing.
Read more: Cosy and Comfortable: A List of Camping Sleeping EssentialsTent
Choosing a tent is not a simple task. There are a few things to consider before making the purchase. You should consider these things carefully because the tent should be a long-term investment. The first thing to think about is the size, or the space you need. Are you sleeping alone in the tent? Do you have a lot of equipment with you? Answering these questions will help you make a decision.
The second thing to consider is the tent’s weight. Keep in mind that you might have to carry it to a certain point in your trip if you can’t ride a car everywhere. Nowadays, tent manufacturers are making them as lightweight as possible. A 2-person tent weighs 1.8-2 kilos on average. Of course, bigger ones will be heavier and a single-person tent will be even lighter.
The third thing to consider is the weather and the season you’re going camping. Tents for spring, summer, and autumn will be lighter and cooler. Winter tents, on the other hand, are heavier and made of thicker materials. This way they can stand up to heavy rain, snow, strong winds and cold temperatures. Having durable and practical camping gear will make your camping experience much more pleasant.
In general, one person needs around 2 square meters of space inside the tent. Of course, if you want more, you can go for more. If you can, invest in double-wall tents. They have a main and a rainfly section. Single-wall tents have just the main part and can sometimes feel damp. Camping tents also have mesh panels on the windows, doors, and ceiling. As a result, you’ll get good airflow and never have to deal with condensation.
If you’re a tall person, you might benefit the most from cabin-style tents. They give you maximum usable space and a lot of height. The bigger ones even feature room dividers if you travel with your family. Tents with a dome design are more durable and windproof. All of these choices depend on your personal preference. It can help you a lot if you make a list of priorities and follow it.
Bivvy Bag
A bivvy bag is a kind of one-person shelter that will provide you with an additional level of protection as you sleep in a sleeping bag. Compared to a one-person tent, they are lightweight, more compact, and very comfortable. Even if the weather is very bad, you’ll still get warm and cosy. In the past, the main focus on manufacturers was to make them lightweight. Nowadays, you get bivvy bags that are lightweight, waterproof, breathable and durable.
Another reason to buy a bivvy bag is the simplicity of design. The way it’s made makes setting it up a one-minute task. Compared to a tent, it’s much simpler and easier. This is especially important when it’s cold outside. Bivvy bags work for every season, and there are so many designs, colours, and materials to choose from.
The simplest, most basic model allows you to just crawl inside. It usually has a zipper that closes above your head. There’s an updated model that’s called hooped bivvy. It features a pole and has extra material around the head that’s lifted by the pole. This way you get more space around your head, you won’t feel claustrophobic and you can use your phone or read a book inside that space.
There are also ultra-light bivvy bags that have metallised foil. Just like the rescue blankets, these bags can tear after only one use and are not very practical. However, they can be a good alternative as an extra bag in an emergency. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to find a reliable supplier of camping gear that has plenty of satisfied customers and works with high-quality materials.
Pillow
We all have different sleeping needs. That’s why choosing a pillow is a very subjective choice. It’s not a one-fits-all solution. The main thing you should keep in mind is that the pillow should support your neck. It should also reduce pain, strain and discomfort and give you a good night’s sleep even in the wild. The most common choice is a stiff, fleece-lined sack that you fill with clothes and you’re good to go.
The majority of camping pillows will provide you with firm support and are very adjustable. They are easy to inflate and deflate, and their design is basic yet effective. They fit easily into a backpack because they’re small and lightweight. Even though they may vary in price, you can still find affordable pillows that won’t break your budget.
Sleeping Pad
Sleeping pads are made to make you more comfortable while you sleep inside the tent. They provide a soft layer underneath. You won’t feel the hard and damp earth. It also acts as an extra layer of insulation and prevents the cold from reaching your body. Most campers prefer inflatable pads. They have good neck, back and spine support. Plus, it doesn’t take up a lot of storage space when deflated so you can carry it around easily.
Blanket
No matter the season, it’s always a good idea to carry a blanket on your camping trip. This is especially important during colder weather. You’ll need something that can trap heat, has good insulation, and staves off hypothermia. The main thing that can make a difference is the material. Wool is a very popular choice because it’s a natural fibre. Even if it gets wet, it’s still a good insulator. Plus, it’s fire-resistant and moisture-wicking.
Polyester is a synthetic, man-made material that’s also a good option because of its insulating properties. It’s waterproof and very durable. Because it’s lightweight, you can carry more than one blanket and have extras on hand. You can also go with fleece which has good insulation and dries quickly.
