Choosing Equipment For Camping
It goes without saying that you have to have a tent for camping, but once you have one, what other kit are you going to need? Fortunately you really do not have to buy expensive equipment and inexpensive items of kit can last ages, especially if you don't get out camping very often. Here are some useful items of equipment to have for your camping trips:
Sleeping Bag - A sleeping bag isn't essential if you are using your car to transport your gear, in which case you can use your bedding from home to get a good night's sleep. If you are travelling light, you will need a sleeping bag and the best ones are filled with down. They are usually expensive but are warm and light. Sleeping bags filled with hollow synthetic fibre can be nearly as warm and light, and are normally cheaper than down-filled bags. Cheap sleeping bags are often only warm enough in Summer, so if you are planning to camp in any other season, you will probably need to spend a little more to get a thicker, warmer sleeping bag.
Insulating sleeping mats are very light and don't take up much space. Place a mat under your sleeping bag to insulate it from the cold ground. They are also useful if you use an inflatable mattress, just lay the mat on the mattress before putting the sleeping bag on top.
A self-inflating mat or inflatable mattress can greatly increase your comfort. The inflatable mattress will need a pump to inflate, and foot-operated or electrically-operated pumps are available (with their own batteries or powered by car battery).
You may decide not to have hot food while camping, but if you do choose to have it you need a stove. They come in several sizes and designs, from ones you can carry in your backpack to ones you need a vehicle to transport. They also operate on different fuels, though most use gas. If buying a small stove, take care when using it as the weight of a pan can make them unstable and likely to tip over.
Equipment for eating and cooking may be as simple as a mess tin and spoon or as fancy as matching plates, cups and cutlery. Don't buy more of this equipment than you need to, and it's a good idea to take food which cooks quickly or which can be eaten cold.
A torch (flashlight) is an essential item for night-time calls of nature and for putting your tent up in the dark when arriving late at the camp site.
Sleeping Bag - A sleeping bag isn't essential if you are using your car to transport your gear, in which case you can use your bedding from home to get a good night's sleep. If you are travelling light, you will need a sleeping bag and the best ones are filled with down. They are usually expensive but are warm and light. Sleeping bags filled with hollow synthetic fibre can be nearly as warm and light, and are normally cheaper than down-filled bags. Cheap sleeping bags are often only warm enough in Summer, so if you are planning to camp in any other season, you will probably need to spend a little more to get a thicker, warmer sleeping bag.
Insulating sleeping mats are very light and don't take up much space. Place a mat under your sleeping bag to insulate it from the cold ground. They are also useful if you use an inflatable mattress, just lay the mat on the mattress before putting the sleeping bag on top.
A self-inflating mat or inflatable mattress can greatly increase your comfort. The inflatable mattress will need a pump to inflate, and foot-operated or electrically-operated pumps are available (with their own batteries or powered by car battery).
You may decide not to have hot food while camping, but if you do choose to have it you need a stove. They come in several sizes and designs, from ones you can carry in your backpack to ones you need a vehicle to transport. They also operate on different fuels, though most use gas. If buying a small stove, take care when using it as the weight of a pan can make them unstable and likely to tip over.
Equipment for eating and cooking may be as simple as a mess tin and spoon or as fancy as matching plates, cups and cutlery. Don't buy more of this equipment than you need to, and it's a good idea to take food which cooks quickly or which can be eaten cold.
A torch (flashlight) is an essential item for night-time calls of nature and for putting your tent up in the dark when arriving late at the camp site.
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