Going camping? Good idea. In these current times, when we can’t go any further than the beautiful country we’re in, camping is the perfect way to explore our own backyard. Besides, New Zealand is one of the world’s best places to go camping anyway so we’d recommend this form of holiday even if all international borders were open.
Of course, we have all the camping gear you need. But we don’t expect you to buy all the camping gear we have! This is particularly true if you’re new to camping. Many novices make the mistake of spending money on camping luxuries instead of camping essentials, and they end up carrying a lot of extra weight as a result. Many of the items they carry don’t get used at all, so we thought we’d list what we consider as the essentials you really need to take:
- Shelter and warmth: tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Food and water
- Cooking stove and enough fuel to keep it running
- Plates, utensils, cups
- Lantern
- Tools: multi-purpose tool, knife, hatchet
- Safety and security items: phone, compass, first aid kit
- Backpack
These are the basics. There might be a few more things but you can contact us for the full list of essentials. But while we’re chatting, it’s highly unlikely that we’ll recommend you take things like:
- Mini speakers
- Rug for the tent floor
- Air mattress
- Laptop
- Blender
- Hanging pantry
- Portable espresso machine
- Fairy lights
The items we’ve just listed are things that people have taken with them while camping. We don’t know about you, but it seems a little over the top if you’re just beginning. While there are items that will make for a more comfortable camping trip - we sell them! - it is important to approach your outdoor adventure as one big educational experience. Start with the essentials and then work out what you will need, or like, the next time. As you long as you begin with the basics that keep you warm, sheltered and fed, then the rest can wait.
In summary, you don’t have to buy every single camping accessory we sell. But you do have to buy every single essential. By doing that, you’ll stay safe. That’s why we encourage you to get in touch with us when you’re buying your camping gear and we’ll give you a rundown on what you really need.
