bare essentials to take camping in Australia

see also:

• gear to take car camping
• overnight hiking camping checklist

• this is to cover off the basics of what you need for camping near your car or a very short hike where navigation and survival gear is not needed

• a shelter of some sort that will work with the expected conditions
  • this could be your vehicle (but this may be uncomfortable, cramped and awkward although it can give an extra sense of security)
  • this could be a swag, preferably protected from rain or dew by a vehicle awning or a tarp
  • this could be a tent
  • gear for your shelter as needed eg. pegs, guy lines, peg hammer (although you could get away with using your boot or a rock)
• sleeping gear such as:
  • insulated sleeping mat (eg. self-inflating foam mat +/- mini rechargeable air pump)
  • sleeping bag or quilt
  • if night temperatures fall below 10degC or so, also bring:
    • balaclava to keep your head warm
    • warm dry socks
    • dry, clean sleeping clothes such as long sleeve merino skivvy
    • +- extra blankets or hot water bottle if not adequate to keep you warm
• basic cooking and eating gear
  • hiking gas stove with piezo starter
  • gas canister
  • hiking pot to boil water or reheat foods (can also eat from this pot)
  • spoon to stir and eat with
  • mug
  • small garbage bag
  • matches or gas lighter as back up
• food
  • foods which don't need refrigeration (unless you plan to also bring a esky with ice or a fridge)
    • eg. soups, nuts, fruit, veges, cereals, long life milk, potato chips, biscuits, coffee, tea, etc.
• water and drink bottle
• rechargeable head lamp torch
• clothing including wet weather gear if rain is possible
• personal care products
  • roll of toilet paper (cannot dispense “flushable” wipes down drop toilets or septic toilets! - place these in your garbage bag)
  • toothbrush and paste
  • small towel
  • sun protection gear if needed - hat, sunscreen
  • insect protection if needed eg. repellant

• extra basic cooking, eating gear
  • knife, fork
  • if using hiking packets of dehydrated meals, then a long spoon to eat it with is very handy
  • bowl for cereals
  • cooking preparation gear such as sharp knife, peeler, chopping board
  • condiments such as sugar, salt, pepper grinder, sauce, spices
  • fry pan if taking eggs, bacon or pancake mix (plus cooking oil)
  • paper towel
  • aluminium foil (allows cooking potatoes, etc on top of coals)
  • small axe and fire starters if planning on having a wood fire
  • foldable fire pit if fire pits are not provided
• dishwashing gear
  • biodegradeable detergent (can also use to hand wash if body wash is not brought as well)
  • bucket (also can be used to do a brief body wash)
• extra comfort gear
  • pillow (can use clothing or other item instead but will be uncomfortable)
  • chair
  • tent lamp
  • camp booties to wear on feet
  • if temperatures will feel like > 30degC when you want to be in the tent, then a rechargeable water misting fan is a great option
• tent protection
  • tarp or groundsheet to go under the tent
  • tarp with poles, guy ropes and pegs to go over the tent to provide extra rain or sun protection