Comprehensive camping packing list (Learn from my mistakes)

Because let’s be honest, Forgetting your pillow is a real humbling experience in more ways than one.

Tried and true, camping packing list.


Here are a few lessons I’ve learnt, beyond packing:

  • Buy good quality gear

    Its the age ole “poor man pays twice” - that $6.00 Kmart Gazebo is probably going to keep you dry, but at what cost?

  • Don’t be afraid to ‘rough it’

    It’s okay if things aren’t “perfect” - friendly reminder that this is the whole point, to get outside and enjoy nature. Embrace the simplicity. Cook over a fire, Sleep without a mattress, Sleep in your car. Sometimes the best memories come from the imperfect moments.

  • Pack light, but smart

    We’ve all heard the “they brought everything but the kitchen sink!” - Don’t be that person. Because it might be cosy but I promise not only is it not required, it SUCKS to pack up.

  • Expect the unexpected

    I don’t mean to be cryptic but you can do the same camping trip a million times over and it’ll be different every time, from the weather, to the wildlife, to the people around you. Weather can change quickly, seasons can cause allergies, etc. Prepare for everything and you can’t be disappointed.

  • Don’t be afraid to start small

    I’ll be the first to admit I’m pretty co-dependent on my partner - he owns all the camping gear & I kind of just tag along.

    My first camping trip without him, I literally had me, my car, a 10kg esky, and a small storage container from Kmart. I camped in my car and I didn’t even have a mattress. It was the definition of "starting small”. No shame in that game.

Next
Next

Hit the Road: Must-Do Road Trips in the Sunshine Coast and Surrounds