Be prepared to enjoy
everything the great
outdoors has to offer
PLANNING A HOLIDAY UNDER CANVAS THIS
SUMMER? HERE’S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
TO BECOME A HAPPY CAMPER
Words KYLIE JACKES
C
amping can be the
best of times – but it
takes a bit of planning.
While there’s plenty
you can’t control (hello,
weather!), with the right prep and
gear you can make a big difference
to the enjoyment factor. Arm yourself
with our checklist and get packing
for a fun getaway.
Equipment checks
It’s always a good idea to check your
gear before you go: no-one wants to
wake up on a deflated air mattress,
so inflate them to test for leaks. Also
worthwhile? Setting up your tent
as a ‘how to’ refresher. Plus, check the
poles still clip together, there are no
tears and you’ve got all the pegs and
ropes. Other jobs might include rinsing
and airing out water carriers, replacing
torch and headlamp batteries, filling
up an LPG gas cylinder if you’re
taking a barbecue, or ensuring
you’re stocked up with butane gas
cartridges to use with a camp cooker.
58 bunnings.com.au |
bunnings |
What to pack
The keys to a successful camping trip
are research and preparation, says
Jason Collis of Coleman. “Some sites
are powered and even provide camp
kitchen facilities, while others are off
grid, so it’s important to know what
you will and won’t have access to
on site, and pack accordingly,” he
explains. Michael Powell of OZtrail also
recommends checking site-specific
rules and amenities. “Not all sites
provide water or allow open fires,
so find out before you go.” If fires are
allowed, bring your own wood, and
if the showers are coin operated,
you’ll need a stash of $1 or $2 coins.
A tent is your home away from
home, so make sure it’s big enough
for your family. “You want a tent that’s
roomy enough for your bedding, with
space to store bags and essentials,”
says Jason. “Generally, for a family of
four, we recommend an eight-person
tent.” You’ll also need bedding to suit
the season, so check the temperature
rating on sleeping bags.
bunnings
Preparing for the worst
“The weather can be the most
unpredictable part of camping, so be
prepared for what it might throw at
you,” says Jason. Pack wet-weather
gear, sun-protective clothing and
a gazebo for shelter. Use protection
from insects – mesh gazebo walls will
keep them out – and pack a first-aid
kit, insect repellent and outdoor
mozzie coils for further peace of mind.
Planning for the best
With a few extras, camping can be
super comfortable. Michael suggests
enhancing your trip with stretcher beds
or self-inflating mattresses, and your
“ Try slow-cooked
fireside or one-pot
pasta meals that
require minimal
cooking equipment”
Jason Collis, Coleman
Photography Belinda Merrie, styling Sam van Kan, styling assistant Sophie Heyworth. If taking
firewood, do not use chemically treated wood (painted, stained or treated with preservative).
PITCH PERFECT
For cooking and dining, the set-up
can be as simple as a small two-burner
stove, a fold-up table and some chairs.
To keep food and drinks chilled, you’ll
need a decent-sized esky. “A great
option is the Esky Arctic Pro range,
which boasts up to seven days’ ice
retention and comes in three sizes
(50L, 70L and 120L),” says Jason.
