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Camping and Hiking Buying Guide

There's nothing worse than going camping,  positive that you have packed everything, only to arrive at your camp site and find that you have forgotten something.  Even if it seems like something small, it can make a huge difference to your camping experience.  To make your holiday as enjoyable as possible, we have compiled some very useful camping tips, ideas, and necessary products for you to take along.

Pitching Your Tent

  • If possible, try to pitch your tent  in daylight. This will help you avoid any surprises that might be lurking on the ground.
  • Pick a spot protected from the wind. Trees, scrub, or the lee of a hill can all work as a wind-break.
  • Position your tent so that you sleep with your head higher than your feet. Many people don't think about this!
  • Never sleep under trees with strong boughs. They are the first to snap in cases of strong winds or lightning strikes. 
  • In the rain, use a tarp  as a second fly. You can also use a tarp underneath your tent as an extra moisture barrier.
  • If camping on the beach, avoid unprotected headlands or sand dunes. Find a sheltered spot out of the wind, behind shrubs and trees or in a sand dune.
  • If camping in the mountains, don't camp on ridges or saddles between peaks. Use protected sites such as rocky platforms, ledges, or river terraces.
  • If camping in the desert, the best spots are in the dunes. Don't set up camp in dry creeks or river beds; a distant storm can send a flood when you least expect it!

What to Take Along

  • Write a check-list  and efficiently check it off as you pack.
  • A first aid kit  is an absolute MUST for any camping excursion.
  • Never rely on fire wood being available. Carry a fuel stove  just in case.
  • Take a gas  or fuel lantern.  It will make dinner preparation and bed-time that much easier.
  • Take along a door mat.  It's great for removing sand and soil before entering your tent.

Around the Camp-Fire

  • Pick a spot down-wind so that the breeze will blow the smoke AWAY from your tent. 
  • Clear away any material that could catch fire and then begin to build your camp-fire on top of sand or dirt, away from any vegetation or logs.
  • Be careful what you burn. Plastics can give off fumes, and aerosols or sealed containers can explode in the fire.
  • Put out your fire each night by letting it die down completely and then dousing the spot with water.

Conquering Creepy Crawlies

  • Always check the ground for ants' nests or animal burrows before even pitching your tent in a spot.
  • Keep your tent zipped at all times to avoid letting the bugs in.
  • Do not leave shoes or clothing outside, as they could become a temporary home to spiders.
  • Wear gloves  when you are collecting firewood.
  • Pack up food and scraps at night. They can attract unwanted visitors!
  • Burn a citronella candle  to avoid mosquitoes.
  • Rub your skin in insect repellent  or tea tree oil  to deter insects and leeches.

Get Cookin'

  • The key to camp cooking is to keep it simple. Plan your meals in advance before you leave.
  • If camping in a remote area, it is always better to bring along too much food rather than too little.
  • Minimise messy washing with wrap-up meals. Using tortillas  is a great idea. 
  • Basic camping essentials can include:

Camping with Kids

  • Space and comfort are two of the most important things you can have, so it may be wise to invest in a two-room tent  for sleeping.
  • Think about setting up a small tent  to use as a play room.
  • Leave any mechanical or electric toys at home. Kids can have a lot of fun with sticks, rocks, sand, earth, leaves, and water.
  • For rainy days, have lots of paper  and art supplies  on hand, as well as board games  and books. 
  • Because kids love water, find a nice and safe spot where you can watch them swim and only have to worry about re-applying sunscreen. 
  • Remember that kids love wildlife. A bug or an animal can provide hours of entertainment. Have a flashlight  handy for night-time exploration.

Related Guides

Safety First

Getting Around

Proper Equipment

Stay Nourished

Comfy and Cosy

External Links

  • KnowledgeHound.com:  Read how-to articles for every hiking and camping need.
  • OpenRoad.com.au:  Read articles about camping in different regions of the country.
  • Wildwalks.com:  Find bushwhacks, camp-sites, and more camping and hiking resources near you.