Beginner’s Guide for your Must-have Camping Gear
New at camping? Don’t worry! we have summed up a list of essentials you will need to let the adventure begin!
For many, camping is the epitome of adventure and means escaping from your familiar surroundings to experience
nature up close. To succeed at making this step out of the comfort zone and turning it into an unforgettable
camping trip, we have put together a list of the essential camping gear for you…
1. The tent: your home on the road
Clearly the most important item in your equipment list! Your tent is your home when camping and protects you from the sun, rain, mosquitoes and,
if necessary, from the looks of your tent neighbours. The selection of tents is large and to find the right fit for you, you should ask yourself the following questions:
What kind of holiday will I be using the tent for? If you are planning a hiking, cycling or kayaking tour, for example, then the pack size and weight are a decisive factor!
Where are you going and what is the weather like there? Depending on
whether you pitch your tent in the Scottish Highlands or on the Portuguese
Atlantic coast, it will have to withstand different weather conditions.
How many people should the tent accommodate? Especially if you are traveling without a car, you should always consider the size of the tent for additional storage space.
2. Sleeping bag and mattress: It’s the comfort temperature that counts.
The way you decide to arrange your sleeping situation is an important factor when camping. Hence why you should pay particular attention to the right choice of sleeping bag and camping mat. When choosing a sleeping bag, this choice depends on when you plan to go camping. Die-hard- or Fair-Weather-Camper?
When buying a sleeping bag, you should always pay attention to size, quality, material and above all comfort temperature. This indicates the outside temperature range at which the sleeping bag is advised to be used.
In order to improve the thermal performance of your sleeping bag, you can use an insulating mat. This not only makes sleeping on the floor a little more comfortable, but also keeps you warm by blocking the cold from below.
3. Camping chair: Small and light or rather more comfortable?
With a camping chair you can make yourself comfortable not only inside but also outside of your tent.
The comfort level may vary depending on how much luggage you want to take
with you on your camping trip. So if you are only travelling with your backpack
and therefore have to pay attention to size and weight, you will probably choose
the light three-leg foldable stool model. However, If neither size nor weight are an issue when it comes to packing, e.g. if you’re travelling by car, then comfortable chairs with backrests, armrests and drink holders are also available.
4. Cooking utensils: To the table, please!
Whether the classic fried egg for breakfast or Pasta al Pesto for dinner. With the right gear, you can whip up delicious delicacies while camping even without a kitchen. A gas cooker is essential. These are available in different designs and price ranges. Essentially, these cookers differ in the way the gas cartridge is attached to the cooking adapter. Screw-on cartridges are usually a little more expensive than lancet cartridges, but have the advantage that they are easy to store and reuse.
In addition to the gas cooker you will also need camping utensils. These usually consist of light aluminium and can be stacked in order to save space. A set usually contains pots, plates and cups. And you should also remember utensils for washing up, such as a dish sponge and cloth. By the way, with a small espresso pot in your luggage, even caffeine junkies don’t have to do without their morning lift-up when camping.
5. Water bottle: plastic or metal?
Staying hydrated is very important when camping, so a large water bottle is also a must in order to be fully equipped. Not only can you fill the bottle with drinking
water, but you can also use it to carry water for cooking or washing dishes. Bottles are available in different sizes and made from various materials.
Plastic bottles are particularly light and shatterproof. Nonetheless, if you want to
go plastic-free, you can use aluminium or stainless steel bottles instead.
6. Flashlight: Safe on the road even in the dark
To find your way in and around your tent at night, don’t forget a flashlight. Torches are available in a wide range of variations and designs. From the battery-operated standard lamp to the dynamo torch with capacitor, the choice range is huge. Often a headlamp can be advantageous. You wear it on your head and therefore you always have both hands free. If you happen to have forgotten your flashlight, your mobile phone will help you out. Almost every smartphone is now equipped with a flashlight app.
7. First aid kit: a definitely MUST in every camping gear
Even if you certainly hope to never need it, you should always carry a first aid kit with you when camping. Cut and abrasion injuries happen quickly and require special care, especially outdoors, to prevent inflammation. In addition to plaster strips and tape, a first aid kit should also contain wound dressings, compresses and a rescue blanket.
With this essential camping gear, nothing should stand in the way of a successful camping holiday. So get out of your comfort zone and into the camping adventure!
