If there is a bucket list and camping is one among the list, there are a few things that can be done for an awesome start.
We often think we must be comfortable when we camp and there is what goes wrong. Comfort is our home and we are camping for fun and to get out of the comfort zone. It is about being uncomfortable but safe.
While camping, key is travelling light. Let me give a step by step of what to splurge and what to save on.
1. Buy a good, sturdy tent that can withstand wind, keep you safe from wild weather, specious and has strong support. Choose a tent which is lighter to carry, easy to pack and is easy to store.
2.Buy additional tarps, pegs, guy ropes and supports. Depending on the place you tent, sometime double pegs act stronger.
3. Buy guy ropes from Bunnings. They are stronger, often fluorescent in color ( You will not trip on them when you come out in the dark).
4. Have additional Tarpoline and ropes. Tarps can be used as floor mats or shades if it gets too sunny or windy. If there is a provision to save the car from the Sun, tarps are great. In that case, you can use the car AC if the temp reaches scortching high and the car is under a shade.
5. Buy a good Esky that will remain cool for long, has a water drainage and can be used as a table/seat/glass holder.
6. Sleeping bags are good for tents with thicker underlay. If the tent is for summer camping, a tent bed or a mat with a PVC base and soft flocked top. Self inflating sleeping mats save you from carrying a pump to inflate and deflate.
7. Tent Fan - must if you are summer camping. Do take precautions to keep yourselves hydrated and cool during the summer camping. Buy an tent fan, tent lights, mosquito and fly repelent.
8. Cooking - If camping location is offgrid, carry cooking stuffs. If you are booking in a Big4/NRMA/ParkVic or anywhere with facilities, essentials will do. A kettle is a must.
9. Buy very good quality chairs, possibly one that extends like a deck chair. I got mine from Kings Outdoors.
10. Decor - If you are a long time camper, buy some fairy lights, tealight candles, keep some cushions and mossi repellant lights. It feels good.
