When it comes to heading out into the great outdoors and getting ready for your big camping trip, how do you get organised?
Feeling the warmth of the sun on your face, the wind in your hair, sitting back and listening to the waves roll in or the birds calling in the distance, camping life in Australia is full of magic. But, when it comes to heading out into the great outdoors and getting ready for your big camping trip, how do you get organised?
“I’m a mixture of The over packer and Full glamping style – only for a comfy bed, I definitely can’t handle roughing it anymore.”
Are you the type to just throw everything in together and hit the road or do you like to be super prepared and have all your ducks in a row? Believe it or not there are so many different types of camping style, you may find yourself falling into one category or taking on a mixture of two.
Full glamping style Are you the type of camper that likes the idea of getting away but still prefer some of the comforts from home? No lying on the ground in a small tent for you. You much prefer the comfort of a glamourous tent with full set up (think four poster bed and a fridge), a camping trailer with full inner spring mattress and kitchen on the end or even better, a decked out caravan/bus with all the modern amenities including TV! Of course, you’ll also be wanting some fancy amenities including hot showers and flushing toilets. Don’t forget, you’ll want the best spot on offer too because you saw it somewhere on social media.
Roughing it A far cry from glamping, is those who throw the basic necessities in their car and ute and head in whichever direction they like the look of. You might head bush for a bit of under the stars camping or even somewhere with a bit of water, you don’t care as long as you’re as far away from civilisation as you can get. You might have a sleeping bag, old mattress or even a swag if you’re feeling a little fancy, along with a 12-volt fridge or esky with a few drinks and food bits inside. Maybe you might throw in a torch too, just so you can find the nearest tree for your night time pit stop.
Always ready for a trip There’s no better feeling than finishing work on a Friday afternoon and heading straight off on your trip because everything is already packed and ready to go. If you’re a regular camper, chances are you have everything set up and in its place, all you have to do is add the food and beverages and hit the road. You’re also the type of camper who has every aspect of your trip planned from the toilet stops along the way to all the sightseeing you’ll do every day while you’re away. Also a seasoned camper, it’s likely you’ll have everything on board to help someone not so prepared, along the way.
The not-so-sure camper Will it rain? Will you need 10 days worth of food even though you’re only going for three? What happens if you get stuck and need help? Can the car drive on sand? If camping isn’t your forte or you’re heading out on your very first trip, chances are you’re the type of person who’s madly doing Google searches in the lead up to your trip, ensuring you dot all your i’s and cross all your t’s. Find a camping buddy, they come in handy and you’ll become an expert in no time!
The over packer How much is too much to pack for camping? If you answered a boot full of food and drink for just one-weekend away, you might be overdoing it just a little. You’re also the person who packs all the wet weather gear with no sign of rain, winter clothes “just in case” in the middle of summer, a full first aid kit in case little Johnny manages to lose a finger, a tracker in case you somehow get lost in the most popular camping spot on the coast and you never know, a fire hose might come in handy, right?! Don’t forget to throw in the kitchen sink because you already have everything else on board!
She’ll be right mate Who needs clean clothes? The ground or the back of the ute will do for a bed for a few nights. I booked a site and my access permit, I’ve done my bit. All I need is a few drinks, snacks and my mates, then I have everything I need for the best camping trip.
We all know someone who fits into one of these categories or is a combination of them all. Either way, we have the best country to camp in, get out there and enjoy it!
P.S. I’m a mixture of The over packer and Full glamping style – only for a comfy bed, I definitely can’t handle roughing it anymore!