A little preparation can go a long way, especially when setting out on outdoor adventures. Camping experiences are personal and different for each individual. While some have had the best time under the sky, some dread their camping experience. Well, there’s no one to be blamed for the distasteful events. However, they can indeed be avoided by packing the right camping gear in NZ and picking the right time of the year for camping.
Planning and preparing for a camping trip can be as easy or as complex as you wish it to be. To make it a breeze, all one needs to do is prepare a list of essentials that they’d need while ensuring no overloading of stuff. Listing down items assures that you just stick to the essentials.
Camping gear can mean the difference between a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable outdoor stay and a not-so-pleasant one. Camping can be tiring and taxing, both physically and mentally. However, it is the preparation and packing for the adventure that is the most challenging part. Being well-equipped with the right essentials assures comfort and safety throughout the outdoor stay.
Why have a camping checklist?
Before we discuss the essential items to be included in camping gear in NZ, it is vital to understand the importance of having a camping checklist before the trip. Planning and preparations make for a perfect camping experience while preventing any mishaps.
In most cases, people tend to go on the Internet and compile any gear list to find out the camping essentials. However, this shouldn’t be done that way. Sure, researching on the Internet is fine but the ultimate checklist should be tailored to your needs, the location you are camping at, the type of camping you’ll be doing, etc.
Taking note of these important factors helps pick items that are actually important for your camping adventure. For instance, camping items like binoculars in NZ are camping essentials but only when in the woods. Similarly, heavy leather boots are essential when camping on a hill or trail.
A checklist helps campers determine the essentials tailored for their camping adventure while assuring the utmost safety and comfort. Also, packing becomes much easier and more portable as you get the time to think and carry as few items as possible.
Camping Necessities: A general checklist
In reality, no one camping gear is perfect for all. While creating a camping checklist, there will always be some personal preferences and other situational factors that will reflect on the items added or omitted from the list.
Comfort levels differ from one person to another and it’s best to alter the camping gear based on these factors. However, there are certain very basic items that make to everyone’s camping checklists regardless of the type of camper they are or the location they are planning to camp at.
Here are some of the basic camping essentials put under 4 broad categories:
1. Shelter
A shelter is one temporary dwelling that offers safety and protection from all kinds of outdoor elements. Whether it’s for storage, cooking, or sleeping, a shelter gives a safe space for all these. Weather uncertainty being a real issue can hamper the trip experience and make the campers vulnerable. But not with a shelter.
The following are some basic items included under this category:
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pads or air mattress
- Air pump (in case of air mattress)
- Folding or portable chairs
- Tarps in case of rain predictions
- Comfortable clothing
2. Food
Needless to say, carrying the right food items is essential. Since camping sites are located on the outskirts of the urban areas, there is no packet or cooked food items available around. And not just the food items, carrying the kitchen cutlery is also important if you are planning to stay outdoors for multiple days.
Some basic food and cooking items included in camping gear are:
- Multipurpose knife
- Spoons, forks, and eating knives
- A large pot or similar cooking vessel
- Eating plates, bowls, and mugs
- Gas stove with sufficient fuel
- Garbage bags and containers
- Dishwasher, cleaning soap, rug, etc.
- Water jars as clean water might not be available
3. Safety
Safety and first aid kit is the most essential camping gear in NZ after food. Accidents, injuries, and medical issues are often unanticipated and can lead to serious medical conditions. Hence, it’s always best to be prepared beforehand.
Some of the camping essentials in the safety category are as follows:
- First aid kit
- Bug sprays
- Toilet paper in large quantities
- Flashlight or lantern
- Matches, lighter, or fire starter material
4. Comfort
Last but not least, items put under the comfort category have no essentiality for survival and security but assure comfort. While one would still do great without these camping items, having them will make the stay more comfortable.
- Bath and face towels
- Hygiene essentials like soap, toothbrush, body spray, etc.
- Kettle & coffee maker
- Folding table
- Outdoor rugs
- Reusable bottles
Also read: Car Camping or Back-packing? What’s The Best Way to Spend Your Vacation?
