People in Australia tend to fall into one of two camps, quite literally: those who relish the idea of spending their weekends sleeping in some seemingly random campsite, and those who'd rather look for an Airbnb. Even those who fall into the latter half generally tend to get dragged away camping at some point or another, though, whether it's for a boozy winter long weekend by the fire or an overnight hiking trip. The simple fact is we all end up camping at some point.
So what can you do to make the experience all the more enjoyable, regardless of experience? You invest in the creature comforts, of course. Here's our list of outdoor essentials that go well beyond just a tent and a sleeping bag.
A cosy puffer jacket
Your early morning saviour for before the fire gets started, a puffer jacket helps smooth out the transition away from the comfort of your sleeping bag. Invest in one that's timeless and made to last and you won't regret it. The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket is always a good investment.
Slip-on sandals
Let's face it: slides are a must for hanging around the campsite and for those dreaded walks to the communal shower blocks. But that doesn't necessarily mean just opting for the cheapest pair of slides you can find. Birkenstock Boston mules styled with warm woolly socks make a great option for when you’re chilling by the fire, while Crocs and water shoes like Merrell's mystifyingly trendy Hydro Moc, are easy to travel with and can handle wet conditions.
The emotional support water bottle
A good reusable bottle is an outdoors essential, and also helps cut down on the amount of waste you'll inevitably have. Stanley cups are generously sized and have double-wall vacuum insulation to keep your beverage of choice cold for 9 hours and iced for 40 hours. Bonus GORP cred if you cover it in stickers.
Tunes aplenty
Let's face it: camping loses some of its lustre once music leaves the equation. We recommend a durable design like Diesel’s Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker or the Vonmahlen Air Beats Mini – protected against water, it's not only perfect for the beach in summer, but tough enough to cope with being left out in the rain and dew during winter.
On-the-go skincare
Whether you're camping in the summer or the winter, the extremes of nature can play havoc on your skin. Pack a decent moisturiser and sunscreen to keep your boat race protected and comfortable during those long days outdoors.
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