| All stores promote a camping tent or other | | | | campsite that seems more suitable or if our |
| camping gear as the best we must have, only to | | | | budget allows we decide to buy new suitable gear. |
| find out a week later we should have bought | | | | When you find your camping check list matches |
| another tent recommended that would have met | | | | the type of camping trip planned you will be |
| our needs much better. It is all about preparation | | | | meeting your camping needs and half the battle |
| and research. | | | | of preparation and choosing gear is done. The |
| Let us use a family camping and a couple hiking | | | | outcome will be a happy memorable trip that you |
| as examples. A family camp trip will generally | | | | look forward to repeating again. |
| require gear that provides comfort, a good camp | | | | Brilliant, you now know where you are going and |
| set up and sometimes everything but the kitchen | | | | what camping gear you need. Sometimes we |
| sink (nothing wrong with home comforts). | | | | have to compromise with what we want to take |
| The couple hiking will be looking for quality gear | | | | camping because it may just not be practical or |
| that meets there basic needs, but must be lighter, | | | | affordable. If you have prepared well and all |
| quick and easy to set up, fitting well in the | | | | parties know the budget for what is practical to |
| backpacks to make life easier on the move. | | | | take, everyone should be happy. |
| While a family will be happy to take a camp | | | | Then, the next step is buying the best camping |
| cooler, camping furniture and a good stock of | | | | gear. This is the second half of preparation and |
| food because comfort takes priority over weight | | | | takes a little research or knowledge. These are |
| when you are car camping. The hiking couple will | | | | some of our common questions we ask when |
| be looking for ways to reduce the amount of | | | | deciding to spend the money we have saved for |
| gear to take or at least buy lightweight, compact | | | | a trip. |
| and practical essentials. | | | | What is the best camp stove for hiking? |
| I would not advise deciding where you plan to go | | | | Do I need a 3 season or 4 season tent? |
| then just go out spending your money on | | | | What is lightweight camping equipment? |
| camping gear. Try a little more preparation first! | | | | Would this be a better sleeping bag for my kids? |
| A great way to prepare for a camping trip is to | | | | How long will my new camping gear last? |
| start by knowing your campground, hiking trails | | | | How Much should i spend? |
| and weather conditions for the time of year and | | | | Where to buy from? |
| area for your planned adventures. Use a camping | | | | After asking some of these type of questions |
| list of camping supplies that will be needed, and | | | | you decide you will not have the right gear, and |
| decide if your equipment needed is essential. | | | | do not want to spend this much money. Time to |
| Remember essentials mean what your needs are, | | | | go back to choosing a different trip. |
| we all have different needs. Some campers may | | | | The internet offers a wealth of information for |
| want to camp lightweight and minimalistic, whilst | | | | the gear needed by others that have camped the |
| others may take everything needed for comfort. | | | | path before us. Reviews and opinions will differ |
| After researching your campsite or trails that you | | | | about the gear that worked for them. However, |
| would like to go. Review your checklist of | | | | the camp community offer some great tips and |
| essentials needed. The wife may decide she | | | | advice that helps deciding the best gear to take |
| would like more creature comforts. Or you realise | | | | for your type of trip. Independent from the |
| that your current camping equipment will not be | | | | stores selling camping equipment. |
| suitable. We just go back to planning the trail or | | | | |