Camping Gear

A good rule of thumb is to go one person size up from your actual group. A "4-person" tent is comfortable for 2–3 adults with gear. For a family of four, look at a 6-person tent so everyone has room to move. Consider your typical trip too — weekend car camping allows for larger cabin-style tents, while hiking requires a lighter, compact shelter. Key things to check are peak height (can you stand up?), floor dimensions, and the number of separate rooms or dividers if privacy matters.

A swag is an all-in-one canvas sleeping solution — mattress, sleeping bag, and weatherproof cover in a single roll. They're extremely popular in Australia for their durability and no-fuss setup (literally unroll and sleep). They tend to be heavier and bulkier than tents, making them better suited to car camping or 4WD trips. A tent offers more living space, better ventilation options, and is lighter — ideal for families or hikers. If you're a solo camper who sleeps under the stars and values toughness, a swag is hard to beat.

Sleeping bag ratings are given as a comfort temperature (what most sleepers will be comfortable at) and a lower limit. For Australian conditions: summer coastal camping, a bag rated to +10°C is usually enough. For alpine areas (Snowy Mountains, Victorian high country), aim for -5°C to -10°C comfort rating. In the outback, nights can drop sharply even in summer, so a 0°C bag is a safe all-rounder. Remember that a quality sleeping mat is just as important — without insulation beneath you, even the warmest bag won't keep you comfortable.

Foam mats (closed-cell) are lightweight, cheap, virtually indestructible, and provide reliable insulation even when wet. The downside is they're bulky to pack. Self-inflating mats use open-cell foam inside an airtight shell — they're much more comfortable, pack smaller, and offer better insulation (measured in R-value). Air mats are the most compact and comfortable option but require a pump and are vulnerable to punctures. For car camping, a self-inflating mat is the best all-round choice. For hiking, weigh up comfort vs pack weight carefully.

Condensation forms when warm moist air from breathing hits the cool tent fabric — it's normal and not a sign of a leaky tent. To reduce it: always pitch your inner tent with the flysheet (outer) allowing airflow between the two layers; open vents and doors slightly even in cool weather; avoid cooking inside the tent; choose a campsite with good airflow rather than a low-lying hollow; and wipe down the inner walls in the morning before packing. Double-wall tents handle condensation far better than single-wall designs.

Start with the basics: a folding camp chair and a compact camp table cover 90% of your needs. Look for chairs with a weight rating suitable for you, a carry bag, and a cup holder — you'll use it constantly. For tables, aluminium roll-top or folding slatted tables are lightweight and pack flat. Beyond chairs and tables, a camp kitchen stand (if you're cooking with a stove) makes a massive difference to comfort. Leave cots, hammocks, and accessories for later trips once you know your style.

The main types are canister gas stoves (screw onto a gas canister — fast, clean, easy to use), liquid fuel stoves (run on white gas or unleaded — better in cold temps, more complex), and wood-burning stoves. For most Australian campers, a canister gas stove is the practical choice — they light instantly, simmer well, and canisters are available at camping stores nationwide. For a family, a two-burner stove lets you cook a full meal simultaneously. Solo campers or hikers should look at ultralight single-burner options. Always check gas compatibility before buying.

Camp cooking gear spans a wide range: portable gas stoves and two-burner camp cookers are the everyday workhorse. Camp ovens (cast iron Dutch ovens) are beloved in Australia for slow cooking over coals. Portable BBQ grills and griddle plates expand your menu. Lightweight cooksets — interlocking pots, pans, and cups in a single stack — are ideal for hiking. A good camp kettle, cutting board, camp utensil set, and washing-up tub round out a solid kit. Start with a stove, a pot, and a pan — then add from there based on how you like to eat outdoors.

A quality hard-sided cooler packed correctly will keep food cold for 3–5 days. The key is pre-chilling the cooler before your trip, using block ice rather than loose ice (it lasts far longer), and keeping the cooler in the shade. Pack raw meat at the bottom in sealed bags, and don't open the cooler more than needed. For longer trips or those with a 12V power source, a portable camping fridge (compressor-style) keeps food at fridge temperature indefinitely and is a game changer for extended travel.

Australia's camping conditions vary enormously — from tropical humidity in Queensland to freezing alpine nights and scorching outback heat. Look for a tent with a high hydrostatic head rating (HH) of at least 2,000mm for rain resistance, sealed seams, and a full-coverage rainfly that extends to the ground. Good ventilation (mesh inner panels and vents in the fly) is essential to manage heat and condensation. In exposed, windy sites, a geodesic or semi-geodesic dome handles strong winds better than a straight-pole cabin tent. Brands like Vango, Nortent, and Ferrino are built for demanding conditions.

Never pack a tent away wet — mould and mildew will destroy the fabric and coating. If you can't dry it in the field, hang it at home as soon as you return. Clean mud and debris from the tent body and poles with a soft cloth and mild soap — never use detergent or machine wash. Check poles for cracks and repair kinks before storage. Re-seam-seal the floor and fly annually if you camp regularly. Store the tent loosely rather than tightly stuffed in the stuff sack — repeated compression damages the waterproof coating over time. A mesh laundry bag works well for long-term storage.

A 3-season tent is designed for spring, summer, and autumn — it prioritises ventilation, light weight, and rain resistance. Most Australian campers will never need anything more. A 4-season (or mountaineering) tent is built to handle snow loads, sustained high winds, and sub-zero temperatures — the poles are stronger, the fabric heavier, and ventilation is reduced to retain warmth. They're significantly heavier and more expensive. Unless you're camping in the Snowy Mountains in winter or doing alpine expeditions, a quality 3-season tent is the right choice for Australian conditions.

Look at three things: temperature rating, fill type, and shape. For temperature rating, choose based on the coldest conditions you'll camp in — and remember that ratings can be optimistic, so add a 3–5°C buffer. Fill type: down sleeping bags are warmer, lighter, and more compressible, but lose insulation when wet and cost more. Synthetic fill is cheaper, performs when damp, and dries faster — a great all-rounder for Australian conditions where unexpected rain is common. Shape: mummy bags are warmer and lighter; rectangular bags are more comfortable for those who move in their sleep.

For most Australian campers, a solar panel paired with a portable power station or a 12V battery system is more practical than a generator. Solar is silent, free to run, and welcome at all campsites — generators are noisy, require fuel, and are banned at many national parks and campgrounds. A 100–200W folding solar panel and a portable power station will comfortably run lighting, charge phones and cameras, power a CPAP machine, and run a 12V fridge. Generators make sense only for powering high-draw appliances like air conditioners or power tools on work trips.

Layering is key. Wear thermal base layers to bed rather than bulky clothing — they trap warmth without restricting movement. Use a sleeping mat with a high R-value (at least R3 for cold conditions) — most body heat is lost downward into the ground, not upward. A sleeping bag liner adds 5–10°C of warmth and is cheap insurance. Put tomorrow's clothes inside your sleeping bag to pre-warm them. Eat a warm meal before bed — your body generates heat digesting food. In truly cold conditions, a tent hot water bottle (filled and sealed before bed) placed at your feet makes a dramatic difference.

Weight capacity is the first thing to check — always buy a chair rated higher than your body weight for safety and durability. Next, look at pack size and weight if you need to carry it any distance. Frame material: steel is heavier but more affordable, aluminium is lighter and rust-resistant — worth the extra cost for regular use. Seat fabric should be breathable for warm Australian conditions. Features worth having: armrests, a cup holder, a carry bag with a shoulder strap, and a recline function for lounging. Low-slung festival chairs are comfortable but hard to get out of; higher director-style chairs are easier on the knees.

The bush kitchen method: use three containers — one for hot soapy wash water, one for a hot rinse, and one for a cold sanitising rinse (a small amount of bleach works). Scrape plates thoroughly before washing to keep the water clean longer. Biodegradable camp soap is kinder to the environment and required in many national parks. Dispose of grey water at least 50 metres from any water source and never directly into streams or rivers. A collapsible washing-up tub, a small scrubbing brush, and a microfibre cloth pack flat and make a big difference to camp kitchen hygiene.

If you're camping at a powered site with amenities, no. But for bush camping, national parks without facilities, or remote 4WD trips, a portable toilet is highly recommended. The main types are: bucket-style toilets (simple and cheap — use with biodegradable bags and waste treatment powder), fold-flat portable toilets (easy to store), and self-contained cassette toilets (hold more waste, easy to empty at dump points). Many national parks and remote campsites are implementing leave-no-trace policies that make portable toilets not just courteous but mandatory. A toilet tent for privacy is a worthwhile companion purchase.

A layered lighting approach works best. A good headlamp is non-negotiable — it keeps your hands free for cooking, setting up camp, and navigating at night. Look for at least 200 lumens with a red-light mode (preserves night vision and doesn't disturb wildlife or neighbours). For ambient camp lighting, a rechargeable LED lantern hung in the tent porch or from a camp table creates a comfortable atmosphere. String lights powered by a USB power bank are popular for a relaxed vibe. Avoid candles near tents — fire risk is high, especially in Australian dry conditions.

Always do a practice run in the backyard before your first trip — discovering a missing pole or broken clip at the campsite in the dark is a common and avoidable problem. General process: lay out the footprint or groundsheet, assemble and thread poles through the tent body sleeves or clips, raise the tent, attach the rainfly, and stake out guy lines. Peg corners out at 45° angles for maximum stability and tension fly guylines away from the tent so there's an airspace between the fly and inner. Pitch with the door facing away from prevailing wind where possible. Read the instructions first — every tent is different.

Hammocks are a fantastic option in the right conditions — they're comfortable, pack tiny, set up fast, and keep you off the ground away from insects and moisture. The key requirement is two suitable trees roughly 4–5 metres apart — something that rules them out at many Australian campsites, beach camps, and open grassland areas. They also require more insulation underneath you in cold weather (an underquilt or sleeping pad is essential). For bush camping in wooded areas, a hammock system like the Haven Spectre can genuinely be more comfortable than sleeping on the ground. For versatility across all camping types, a tent remains the more practical choice.

For car camping, a solid camp kitchen kit includes: a two-burner gas stove, a medium saucepan, a frying pan, a camp kettle, a cutting board, a sharp camp knife, a can opener, a cooking utensil set (spatula, tongs, ladle), a set of plates and bowls (enamel or melamine hold up well), mugs, reusable cutlery, a washing-up tub, biodegradable soap, and a microfibre cloth. A camp oven unlocks a whole world of slow cooking and baking. A spice kit in a small sealed container makes a surprising difference to camp meals. Pack only what you'll genuinely use — a lighter kit means less to clean.

Solo and duo campers: a compact single-burner stove, a 1.5L pot, and a small frying pan covers virtually everything. For groups of 3–5, step up to a two-burner stove and a larger cookset (2L pot minimum). For larger groups or families, a two-burner camp cooker with a solid windshield, a large billy, and a camp oven for bread and stews works well. Think about how you like to eat — if you're happy with simple one-pot meals, you need less. If camp cooking is part of the experience, invest in a decent kitchen setup with a camp table at a comfortable working height to save your back.

Hard-sided coolers (rotomoulded or injection-moulded) offer superior ice retention — quality units keep ice for 3–7 days — and are far more durable and bear-resistant. They're heavy and take up space, but are the clear choice for extended trips. Soft coolers are lightweight, packable, and often cheaper. They're great for day trips, picnics, or as a secondary cooler for drinks. For serious camping, a hard-sided cooler is a worthwhile long-term investment. When choosing, check the ice retention rating, whether the lid seal is tight, and how easy the drain plug is to use. A good cooler used correctly will outperform a cheap one every time.

Look for at least 200–300 lumens for general camp use — more if you're trail running or navigating technical terrain at night. A red-light mode is essential: it preserves your natural night vision so you can stargaze or move around camp without blinding yourself or others. Battery type matters: rechargeable USB headlamps are convenient and better for the environment, while AAA-battery models are easier to swap in the field. Check the beam distance and whether it has a flood (wide area) vs spot (long distance) mode — ideally both. Water resistance rating of at least IPX4 (splash-proof) is important for Australian conditions.