Camping Equipment

© Carlosh / pixelio.de

So you booked your flight and you checked all your gear and it hits you: Mould has crawled into your tent and ruined it. Your sleeping bag is broken and cannot be used anymore. Your backpack has a broken shoulder strap? That Gore Tex sweater you just bought last year kind of disappeared. You get frustrated because you are already think about all your saved money going down the gutter and into some pricey gear? Well, don’t despair, there’s help with some clever moves.

First of all, you don’t always need the pricey big brand names for your gear. I know that the big names promise ultimate quality and long durability and that is definitely the case. However, for those who cannot afford to buy a whole outfit for thousands of pounds there are plenty of options as well. Often, it pays to actually have a look around for some bargains on used high quality gear on flea markets as well as going for cheaper

Must have items for any trip involving a night in a tent are:

Backpack

A fine backpack is of course the number one item on your list to have before settling on your big trip. Whereas travelling with a suitcase might look fashionable, it is definitely more comfortable to opt for a backpack. It allows you a lot more mobility. You never know how long you will need to walk around before finding a hostel or if there are even concrete streets where you can roll your suitcase on. Its configuration with a padded hip belt and shoulder straps will also keep your back reasonably safe and stabilize the load. Finally, carrying your gear on your back will leave your hands free to navigate and use them for other things.

Sleeping bag

It provides warmth during cold nights and comes with a thermal insulation. Keep in mind that even in warm countries the temperature can drop to minus degrees and in many hostels the air condition is put on a such freezing level that you feel more like being back home on a cold winter night rather than sleeping in the Tropics. Also, you will be more than happy to slip into your warm sleeping bag when you have a look at those dodgy sheets in your low budget hostel or when you sleep at the airport to safe some bucks. Go for a waterproof bivvy to protect your sleeping bag against water since you never know what will happen next. Also keep in mind the different temperature ratings so you are prepared. If you go travel in the Tropics you might just need an upper limit lightweight bag to keep your luggage small. For cold weathers it is wise to go to the extreme ratings or at least to the lower limits so you will be warm during your sleep.

Sleeping mat

This one is essential to provide some cushioning and padding. If you ever have spend a night on the floor without a pad, you know what I mean. In addition, it also will give you some thermal insulation and keep you from getting cold. Inflating mattresses are my favourites since they let me sleep like a baby and make me feel like home.

Tent

Sleeping under the stars is hugely romantic and my favourite thing to do on a warm summer night. However, in colder and more humid climates you will be thankful to have packed a tent with you. Not only does it provide shelter against prying glances but they also protect you against many weather conditions and keep you warm and safe. You can buy them in many formats but as a backpacker you might want to opt for the smallest and lightest version since you carry it around with you every day. If you head into mosquito-infested areas you can get a tent with covers all over the openings of the tent. Also try to opt for a waterproof version to be prepared for all events.

Torch

While camping in the great outdoors you don’t want to run around in the dark and blindly err through the brush to the next toilet. A torch is an easy to carry around tool and a must have to take with you. They can either be carried around held in your hand or head-mounted leaving your hands free to do other stuff.