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
if going on a day hike where there is a chance you may get lost or injured without others around and without mobile phone reception, you MUST be prepared to spend a cold night
adequate water
thin rain jacket, lightweight jumper, trousers, basic first aid, basic navigation gear, any time critical medications
phone, torch, pocket knife, whistle and mirror to signal with
a method to start a camp fire eg. fire rod, butane cig. lighter, etc
ultralight shelter such as a survival bivy or similar
powerbank and charging cable if you are relying on your iPhone to help you navigate or do a satellite message
consider a radio beacon
The basics
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 and it will cope with almost any weather conditions except large hail / cyclonic winds / tree falls / etc
this could be a swag
preferably protected from rain or dew by a vehicle awning or a tarp
preferably protected from ground water and the cold ground by placing on a stretcher
but they lack amenity (can't sit, stand or cook), are big, bulky and heavy and can take a while to dry out, and your bedding can get compromised if it leaks water
this could be a tent
good ones will cope with most weather conditions although winds over 60-80kph may compromise it
a simple hiking tent is great for hiking or a one nighter as it is fast to set up and fast to dry out
a larger tent will provide much more amenity and many will allow the use of a small hiking tent inside as an option and even a wood stove, but this will take much longer to set up
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 preferably one which is fairly wind resistant and comes with a piezo starter (eg. Soto WindMaster)
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, biltong meat, 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
all conditions:
thin rain jacket, small umbrella, lightweight jumper, trousers (not only for warmth but also mosquito protection)
sun protection
adequate shoes or boots
in cold weather such as Winter in Victoria:
thermal leggings and long sleeve top (or skivvy)
trousers (preferably a pair that will not get wet and stay wet for a long time)
layers of warm tops eg. jumper and Polartec type jacket with warm collar or hood
wet weather gear: lightweight waterproof jacket and trousers
warm socks and light weight gloves
thin balaclava or beanie to sleep in, warmer beanie for outdoors
waterproof boots - especially if walking through wet grass or frosts
snow gear if snow is on your list
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. repellent
Additional basic gear to be considered as required
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