If you are new to camping or looking for the best camping gear that is easy to set up and has everything you could ever need, this guide will be perfect for you.
Having camped since I was a child, I have a great understanding of what is required for a perfect camping trip. In this guide, you will learn about the camping gear I carry, and the other essential items that are easily forgotten.
Although I would consider myself somewhat of an experienced camper, I believe in keeping it simple and travelling with a set up that is light, easy to carry and easy to set up.
That way you can spend less time setting up and packing down your campsite, and more time relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors.
So what is the perfect yet simple campsite setup that has everything you need?
Gazebo
If you have never set a gazebo up before, it might look like a challenge, but let me assure you that it is NOT. A Gazebo can be completely set up in less than 5 minutes and is great for so many reasons.
Firstly, it provides shade which you will need when spending a few days (or weeks) outdoors. There is nothing worse than wanting to relax at your campsite but not having shade to comfortably sit under.
A gazebo will also protect you and your gear if it does happen to rain on your camping trip, which we always hope won’t happen, but sometimes it does. And in those times you will be happy you are prepared.
I store all my equipment under my gazebo and use the gazebo as the heart of my campsite.
You can shop for a Gazebo here.
Tent
A tent that is easy to set up and pack away is the most essential camping item. No one wants to spend hours struggling to get a tent up.
I recently investing in a Fast Frame Cruiser tent and it has been incredibly easy to set up.
The base of the tent pops up in less that 2 minutes. The fly and awning takes another 5 – 10 minutes to assemble. Anyone could set this tent up with ease.
There is plenty of room inside for a queen mattress and your bags. The height and size make it comfortable to get dressed in and relax in.
All 4 sides have massive windows which make you feel like you are actually sleeping outside, and it provides lots of ventilation.
The large windows is
You can shop for tents here.
Air mattress, pump and bedding
You will need something to sleep on for your camping trip. I travel
You can shop for bedding here.
Camp Chairs
Having a comfy chair is important because part of camping is sitting around the campsite, relaxing by the campfire and listening to the sounds of nature. So you want to be comfy when doing so.
I travel with an OzTrail Cooler Arm chair. Not only are they super comfy, but they also have an armchair cooler, double drink storage and an attached bottle opener, another campsite essential that you won’t be able to lose.
There are endless camping chair options available, and the choice you make comes down to how much you want to spend and how much space you have in your car.
You can search for camp chairs here.
Kitchen
Having everything you need to cook healthy and delicious camp meals is very important.
In summary, I carry:
- A kitchen table
- Single gas cooker
- Esky
- 1 Pot and 1 pan
- A kettle
- Plates and bowls
- Cutlery
- Cooking utensils
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Dishwashing liquid
- Dishwashing sponge
- Rubbish bags
- Tea towels
A dust pan
Many of these items are easily forgetten but are the most essential for your camping trip. Trust me! Things like paper towel, rubbish bags and dishwashing liquid are SOOO important. Almost as important as your camp chair.
I keep all my kitchen gear in a large plastic tub so it is organised and easy to find.
When you cook, you know where to find what you need, and once you’re done, you can easily clean up and put it away, so you don’t attract any unwanted visitors – aka bugs or goannas.
The key to a successful camping trip is organisation, especially in the kitchen!
I recently invested in a camp kitchen that has storage, a double gas cooker and a sink inside. It has taken my camp kitchen organisation to the next level and I love it. It is a great investment for anyone that plans to camp often or for long periods of time.
Kettle and travel mug
Waking up to a fresh cup of coffee is the camping dream, so a kettle is essential. It makes boiling water so quick and easy. A travel mug is equally as important so you can enjoy your morning coffee in the campsite, on the road, or on your adventures. An insulated mug will keep your coffee hot for hours.
Lighting
One of my favourite ways to save space on a camping trip is by carrying a small camp light. After all, the small lights do the same job as the large lights. That is why I travel with the Halo Tent Light. This light is as bright as any other but small and easy to carry. I also carry spare batteries with me everywhere I go.
Campsite extras
Everything listed above is essential for a camping trip, but the amount of extras you can take is endless. For example, you can take a portable shower and toilet, travel fans, beach tents and more.
Today I will be sharing the campsite extras I travel with and recommend.
Hammock
Laying on a hammock in the great outdoors is one of the best ways to relax, which is why I travel with a hammock. When outside you can often find two trees to tie the hammock up between. And you can even use the hammock while at home!
Camp games
Campsite games never go unused. My
Beach Shade
The Australian sun is HOT. So I travel with a beach tent that allows me to spend all day on the beach without the sunburn.
Advice for choosing the right camping gear for you
Consider how many people you will be travelling with
Ask yourself this question honestly. If you will only be travelling with your partner for the foreseeable future, then a 2 – 4 person tent will be more than enough space for you. You don’t need to go all out and buy the biggest and best gear. In many cases, enough gear is enough, and buying a 6+ person tent will make it harder to transport and set up, especially if the extra space isn’t essential.
Consider the climate you will most often be travelling in
- Where are you based?
- What time of the year will you be camping?
- Where do you usually go?
If you are travelling to tropical climates, your decisions may be different than they would be if you were travelling to cooler climates. Take the time to consider this before making your decisions.
Thing long term and invest
Good camping gear lasts a lifetime. So when you are shopping for camping gear, aim for quality over quantity.
Good quality gear will be easier to travel with and comfier, and you will have it forever, so don’t be afraid to spend a few extra dollars.
Look at the dimensions and weight of the gear
When researching camping gear, you can view the dimensions and weight of the gear, which can be very useful when helping you make a decision. If space is a concern to you, then you would opt for the smaller and lighter
Consider ease of use
Ease of use is a major concern for me. I want a set up that is hassle-free, so when I am researching, I look at the products that are easiest to set up. You need to consider how often you will be moving, hence setting up and packing down. If you are moving a lot, an easy set up will make your trip much better.
Read reviews
The internet allows you to read customer reviews for any product you wish to purchase. This can be a great indication of the quality of the products and can help you make the right decision.
Warranty
Does the camping gear come with warranty? This may weigh in on your decision to purchase.
Camping Guides
Below are some of my recent camping guides for destinations in Western Australia.
- A guide to visiting and camping at Hamelin Bay in Western Australia
- A guide to visiting and camping at The Pinnacles Desert
- Perth to Esperance Road Trip and Camping Guide
As I continue to camp around Australia, I will add even more camping guides, which you can find here in the future.
Pin – The best camping gear for new campers!
