A beginner's guide to must-have camping gear (and where to buy it)

This is probably the biggest ticket item on your shopping list, and it pays to do your research. There are so many different brands and styles on the market these days, so it’s important to find what’s right for you. If you want a tent that you can also take on hiking trips, then you’ll want to make weight a priority. Alternatively, size may matter more if you want the whole family to fit in.

Whichever style you choose though, take the time to practice setting it up before your first trip. Head to a nearby park, and figure out how all the poles and pegs come together. This will alleviate a LOT of stress when you get to the campsite. And speaking of the campsite: don’t just pitch your tent anywhere, all willy-nilly. Be diligent in choosing a flat piece of ground, don’t camp under any suspicious-looking branches or in areas that could likely flood in the event of rain, and clear away any sticks and stones on the ground. If that princess could feel a pea under 20 mattresses, I guarantee you’ll be able to feel a rock and knotted twig under your sleeping mat. In fact, if you’ll be in the one spot for a few nights, consider bringing along a ground sheet as well, to put under your tent to protect it from dirt and sharp debris.

As a final addendum, before you pack away your tent, ensure it’s dry. Or, if you need to pack in a hurry, unfurl it again when you get home and let it dry and air out before packing it away. A mildewy and musty tent is a surefire way to ruin your next camping trip…

To ensure a good night’s sleep, you will need the right bedding: specifically, a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat and a pillow. When it comes to a sleeping bag, it’s important to consider the overnight temperature of your campsite. For instance, if you’re heading high into the alpine region in winter, you’ll need a sleeping bag with a decent temperature rating. Be sure to check the comfort level, as this indicates at what temperature you’ll start to feel cold: the lower this number, the more versatile the bag.

A sleeping mat creates a barrier between you and the ground and is therefore as important for keeping you warm overnight as it is for comfort. With both your sleeping bag and mat, there are different sizes, so consider your height before making your choice (again, if you’re wanting to repurpose this gear for hiking, you’ll also want to consider the weight and how small they can pack up).

Finally, a pillow. Inflatable pillows are certainly an option and work fine, but if you’re going to pack one luxury into the car, I’d suggest taking your normal pillow. You’ll be guaranteed a more comfortable sleep, and if you’re in the backseat for the drive, it also makes napping easier. (It should go without saying you should not take your ordinary pillow on an overnight hiking trip...)

I highly recommend a shelter, like a gazebo, if you’re driving into a campsite. If it starts raining, you don’t want the only dry spot in which you can hang out to be your tent, and if it’s sunny, it will be much nicer sitting around in some shade. You’ll also want some camp chairs and if your campsite doesn’t have its own allocated picnic table, you’ll want your own camp table. Not only are these great for meal times, but card games and board games work a lot more smoothly with a flat surface involved. Also, be sure to chuck a lantern in the car too; you’ll need this if you want to stay up once the sun goes down.

First things first: plan your menu. If you’re looking at antipasti-style meals, then you might not need a stove. However, if you, like me, find a hot coffee on a crisp morning to be a thing of beauty, then you’ll want to invest in a stove, some fuel and waterproof matches. Once again, if you also want to use this for hiking trips, you’ll want something small (I, for instance, swear by my Pocket Rocket stove); however, there are many bigger options on the market, which will be much better if you’re planning meals that need multiple pots and pans on the go at once.

On that note: pack pots and pans. And cooking utensils. And eating utensils, including bowls and plates. Mugs, cups, a chopping board and a sharp knife are also important, as is a tub in which to do your washing up. You’ll also need a bit of detergent (biodegradable), a sponge and a tea towel. And of course, an esky or cooler bin. You’ll probably want to store this, and any other food containers, in your car overnight, as wildlife have zero respect for boundaries and how much you were looking forward to that apple for breakfast.

Below is a suggested list of those other miscellaneous items you’ll likely want to pick up before hitting the road. This list is not exhaustive, and you’ll no doubt have your own thoughts on what you want to bring along to make the trip as comfortable as possible. Just remember the cardinal rule of camping: “take only photos, leave only footprints”. Anything you pack in, you need to pack out, so be sure to bring along a garbage bag or two for the car.

• Water (many campsites have potable water available but do your research beforehand, and always bring extra just in case)
• A head torch (for those middle-of-the-night bathroom runs)
• Duct tape (the miracle cure for nearly all campsite mishaps)
• A multitool
• Hand sanitiser
• Brush and shovel (for the tent before you pack it up)
• A deck of cards 
• A book
• Wet weather gear (just in case)
• A warm jacket (again, the weather can change in an instant)
• Toilet paper
• A first-aid kit

Melbourne has a number of great bricks-and-mortar camping stores, with the two key hubs being Little Bourke Street in the CBD, and Smith Street in Fitzroy (which has a range of high-quality outlets if you’re hunting a bargain). Some key stores to check out include:

• Paddy Pallin
• Kathmandu
• Bogong
• Anaconda
• Macpac
• Backpacking Light
• One Planet Shop

One final note: many campsites allow you to have a campfire, and these are pretty special additions to any camping trip. Just be responsible and respectful of your surroundings. Check for fire bans before you go, and never leave a fire unattended.

With all that in mind - have fun! Camping is one of the best ways to explore the great outdoors, and Victoria has so many amazing campsites to enjoy. But as I said, never forget the insect repellent.