The weather is right and the outdoors is calling. And one of the best ways we love to explore is by camping.
You can get off the grid, sleep under the stars, catch breathtaking sunsets (and sunrises), and yes, even reconnect with family and recharge those batteries. (Been there, done that).
Whatever your camping abilities, you’ll need gear and accessories – and after years of camping, our team has quite a few they recommend.
For first-timers, our camping expert Kirrily Schwarz says, “any gear is the best gear – hey, you’re outdoors, having an adventure, living your best life.”
But as you become more experienced, you’ll need to upgrade. “In my case, it’s either because you see your friends buying nifty new bits of gear and you get FOMO or because you have a specific problem you want to solve.”
She breaks must-have accessories into six categories: cooking, sleeping, lighting, seating, clothing, and entertainment, which is how we’ve broken up our list of best camping accessories and gadgets for you to grab this season.
Let’s start at the beginning, shall we?
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BEST COOKING ACCESSORIES AND GADGETS
Gasmate Travelmate II Single Stove, BCF, $44.99
“Realistically, I should say something sensible here,” jokes Kirrily. So in the spirit of being realistic, she recommends “picking up a compact portable camping stove such as the Gasmate Travelmate II Single Stove. (I have one, and it’s great.)”
At $50, it’s also very economical and lightweight.
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Campfire Jumbo Jaffle Iron, Anaconda, $39.99
“Truthfully, it’s almost always the silly gadgets that spark the most joy,” admits Kirrily. “Take the Campfire Jumbo Jaffle Iron for example. It’s really robust, made from cast iron with removable wooden handles, and it sparks endless amounts of joy on camping trips, most often in the form of gooey cheesy goodness. It’s also a great creative outlet, because the scope of that you can put into a toasted sandwich is unlimited. It retails for about $52 and it’s worth every cent.”
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Jetboil Zip Hiking Stove, BCF, $169.99
If you’re short on space or are hiking to camp, rather than driving to it, this mini stove can serve up hot drinks and food in a jiffy. With an 800 ml volume, it’s about the size of a flask but does a fantastic job coming to boil in under 3 minutes.
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Gasmate Portofino 12in Gas Pizza Oven, BCF, $399.99
Does homemade pizza spark joy? In the warmer months you can proof the dough to perfection and have a rustic style pizza ready in a flash. You’ll need space in your campervan for this one. While it comes with a pizza spatula, we recommend testing it out first to make sure it does a good job. Otherwise, we suggest investing in a good pizza peel to avoid losing half your pizza to the oven.
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MSR Autoflow XL 10L Gravity Water Filter, Wild Earth, $249.95
This nifty gadget caught Kirrily’s eye recently and is particularly useful if you’re camping near a natural water source, allowing you to filter large amounts of water in a short amount of time. It uses gravity to filter at a rate of 1.75 litres per minute, leaving your hands free to set up camp.
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Healthy Choice 2000W Electric Portable Induction Cooktop, Amazon, $54
Induction cooktops take bringing gas bottles on your journey, though you will need a power source to use them. You’ll also need to bring induction-friendly pots and pans. This one from Healthy Choice is our favourite. It can reach temperatures of 240 degrees Celsius and comes with six cooking presets for easy peasy meal making.
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Dometic GO 11L Water Storage Jug, BCF, $119.99
While most campsites supply drinking water, some of the more remote ones won’t have much in the way of facilities. A water storage container can ensure you’re well hydrated. This 11L jug has a built-in dispenser, two openings for quick filling and cleaning, and detachable carry handles for easy transport.
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Engel MT-V45F Fridge Freezer 40L, BCF, $1349
Hailed as “the best camping fridge” by Kirrily, Engel’s MT-V45F Fridge Freezer is “famously reliable”. It’s single-zone and can function as an all fridge or all freezer and features a Sawafuji swing motor that makes it low-maintenance with a minimal risk of failure. “Well constructed and very robust,” it’s worth every penny.
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BCF Companion Pop Up Dish Tray and Tub, BCF, $52.99
Now that you’ve dined like a prince at your picnic spot it’s time to do the washing up. Having a good sized tub can make all the difference and of the lot, Kirrily recommends this Companion Pop Up Dish Tray and Tub. It has grooves to pop your dishes into, a cutlery tray and a plug for quick drainage. Plus, it collapses down for easy storage.
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SEE ALSO: Best camping stoves
SEE ALSO: Best camping plates, bowls, mugs and cutlery
BEST SLEEPING AND SHELTER GEAR AND ACCESSORIES
Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Mat, Anaconda, from $159
“A camping trip is only as good as your sleeping set-up,” says Kirrily, which means you need to invest in a decent sleeping mat or mattress.
For hiking she recommends the Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat. “It was a game-changer for me,” she says. “It has an air-sprung cell design that makes it way more comfortable than anything I’d tried previously.”
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Clark Rubber Comfort Plus Caravan Double, Clark Rubber, $235
For when you’re driving to your campsite, Kirrily chooses the Clark Rubber Comfort Plus Caravan Double mattress because she can leave it permanently set up in my van.
“However, if you’re looking for something that packs down and fits into the car, I’d go for an air mattress from Wanderer or Spinifex – just make sure you take good care of it (and always clear the ground of sticks and rocks!) so it lasts,” she advises.
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Spinifex Dreamline Airbed White & Blue, Anaconda, $19.99
Friendly on your back pocket, and on your back, this top-selling airbed from Spinifex is simply and quick to inflate. Its MVP though is the coil beam construction which gives you that all-important support for blissful sleep after a long day out. It’s available as a single, double, queen and king sized bed.
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Wanderer Premium Double High Queen Air Bed with 240V Pump, BCF, $169.99
There will be no feeling the cold, hard ground in this wonderfully high air bed. It’s made from heavy duty PVC that won’t tear or puncture easily, and has a flocked top making it a winner when glamping.
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Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated Mattress, BCF, $349.99
The Rolls Royce of camping mats, Sea to Summit’s Comfort Plus lets you tailor your mat to your needs. Made of two independent layers of high resolution cells, you can inflate the bottom for protection against terrain and weather, and then inflate the top to your desired level of firmness. It features thermal tech to keep you warm at night, an integrated pump for quick inflation, and packs down small for easy transport. “A game-changer” says on five star review.
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Sea to Summit Camp Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat, Amazon, $116.76
When you’ve spent the whole day hiking and the last thing you want to do is pump up your bed, a self-inflating mat is a godsend. This Sea to Summit Camp Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat is James’s pick of the mix. “I like it because it’s lightweight and packs down small (so it fits inside your pack if it rains), but still quite tough,” he says.
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Quechua Camping Comfort Pillow, Decathlon, $20
Do yourself a favour and invest in a top shelf camping pillow to wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day. Super comfortable and soft to touch, Quechua’s Camping Comfort Pillow packs small and is machine washable.
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Darche Eclipse Slimline Side Awning 2.5m x 2.5m, Amazon, $499
Car campers who love to get off-the-grid but don’t want to pack a gazebo in their boot can look no further than a side awning. They offer shelter from the sun and rain and can live permanently on your car roof rack. James travels with the Darche Eclipse Slimline Awning and has “unfurled it everywhere from Jervis Bay to Crescent Head and it is yet to let me down”.
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Coleman Northstar 10 Person Darkroom tent with LED, Anaconda, $699
Extremely roomy and featuring Dark Room coating, there’s a reason why Kirrily says it’s pretty hard to beat Coleman as a brand for family tents. Bonus is that their tents are tailored for the Aussie climate with the Northstar reducing heat by up to 5 degrees to keep you cool all night long.
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Wanderer Air Pump 240V, BCF, $39.99
A pump is a must when you’ve got inflatables such as an air mattress to blow up – and choosing an electric pump means you won’t have to do any of the grunt work. The Wanderer Air Pump is an affordable and easy to operate option that comes with three connectors to suit various valves and runs off 240V so you can hook it up to a wall socket.
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ACUSHLA Merino Wool Camp Blanket, Amazon, $100
Add a touch of luxury and comfort, particularly during winter, with this gorgeous merino wool camp blanket. It’s thick, warm, washable, and comes in a variety of designs. Use it as a sleeping blanket, bundle yourself up in it around the campsite or lay it on your lap to keep your legs nice and toasty.
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Kings Grand Tourer MkIII Aluminium Rooftop Tent, 4WD Supa Centre, $1595
This hardshell rooftop tent is super simple to set up and features a tough extruded aluminium frame and four-stage water ingress to protect you from the elements. Inside it’s extremely roomy. Plus it comes with a 75mm thick high-density foam mattress and can be set up in 30 seconds.
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Kings Deluxe Escape Single Swag, 4WD Supa Centre, $138.95
While a little fiddly to set up, James says swags give you more versatility, allowing you to walk from your car with it to set it up elsewhere. For an iconic and wallet-friendly option, he recommends the Kings Deluxe Escape Single Swag. It’s free standing but can be pegged for stability, is double stitched for strength and has a comfy 50mm foam mattress.
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SEE ALSO: Best camping mats
BEST LIGHTING CAMPING GEAR
Black Diamond Cosmo 350 Lumen Headlamp, Anaconda, $59.99
“Lighting is critical to a good camping experience,” says Kirrily. Options include lanterns, fairy lights, solar lamps, and torches, but according to Kirrily, “nothing beats a head-torch”.
“I recently upgraded from a hodgepodge collection of budget ones I’ve picked up over the years to the Black Diamond Cosmo 350 Lumen Headlamp. Aside from the fact it lets you get around the campsite hands free, it’s dimmable and has a lock mode that keeps it from accidentally turning on in your bag. It runs on three AAA batteries and has a really decent run time considering how bright it is (Black Diamond says three hours on high power, six hours on medium power, and 200 hours on low power). It’s also a reasonable mid-range price point, retailing for about $75.”
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BioLite Alpenglow 500, Amazon, $106.99
This is our pick of the best camping light overall as it’s extremely versatile and compact, comes with a beautiful 500 lumens of brightness, and is friendly on the wallet. It’s USB rechargeable and can double up as a power bank. Plus, it comes with a few fun settings such as candle and fireworks.
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LuminAid PackLite Nova USB Solar Lantern, Wild Earth, $55.95
Another favourite of Kirrily’s, these lights take about 10 hours to charge in the sun. “All you have to do is fold them up and throw them on top of your dashboard between trips,” she says.
They have 75 lumens which is enough to throw some light for you and a friend after-dark. They also have a micro USB outlet for you to charge on cloudy days
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Quechua Camping Lamp 40 Lumens, Decathlon, $12
On a budget? James Booth takes this little “pocket rocket on every road trip or hiking expedition” he goes on. He loves it because it’s robust, lightweight and effective. It’s perfect for a solo hiker, has a simple on-off button, and yes, the price is pretty sweet, too.
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Luci MPowered String Light Inflatable Solar Light, Wild Earth, $75.95
When you’re after ambience, Luci’s MPowered String Lights are an obvious choice. They offer a cool, natural glow, wind up neatly ready to throw into your pack, and can be charged via USB in three hours.
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Goal Zero Crush Powered Lantern, Amazon, $95.86
As it says on the tin, this lantern is crushable making them a space-saving wonder. They can also be clipped onto everything from your backpack to charge while hiking to a string around the campsite for a magical fairy-light style glow.
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Hardkorr Ezyfit 1.3m Orange/White Strip Light, BCF, $49.99
Offering amazing light and an orange colour setting to deter mozzies, these strip lights are easy to set up on your camper awning using the included Velcro, and are so energy efficient they can run all night. You’ll notice the quality straight away, and with a waterproof rating of IP68 they’ll keep running through rain, hail or shine.
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Dorcy 1300 Lumen USB Rechargeable Spotlight, BCF, $119.99
Lightweight yet powerful, Dorcy has come up with the ultimate spotlight for your camping endeavours. You can switch between high, medium, low and flood lights in a flash, and there’s a handy fold-out stand feature for hands-free illumination.
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SEE ALSO: Best camping lights and lanterns
BEST CAMPING SEATING AND FURNITURE
Wanderer Padded Luxury Lounger, BCF, $299.99
Forget roughing it when you’re camping. Upgrade to first class with the Wanderer Padded Luxury Lounger – a chair so comfy it’ll put your indoor living room lounge chairs to shame. Boasting quilted padding from head to toe for “the nap to end all naps”, it comes with a pack-away side table, can be adjusted from upright to full recline. Ready to invest? A warning: this chair is such hot property that family members will fight over it, so best buy one for everyone.
Nemo Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair, Amazon, from $256.48
Admiring the night sky is one of the best things about camping – until you get a crick in your neck. Enter a game-changing chair that swings, hammock-style, and auto-reclines when you lean back. Rave reviews declare Nemo Stargaze chair to be the “best chair ever” and “the bee’s knees”, with fans appreciating its padded, adjustable headrest and unique reclining angles for supreme sky views. Also welcome is its strength (built with aircraft-grade aluminium), light weight (less than 4kg), and lifetime warranty.
Kampsmart Canopy Chair, Kampsmart, $174
See ya, sunburn! It’s not always possible to score a shady campsite, but a Kampsmart Canopy Chair lets you bring your own shade. The removable canopy features mesh to allow airflow, and to keep you extra cool, it’s got built-in ice cooler pockets to keep drinks chilled, as well as cup holders – ideal when you’re in for a long day fishing, at the beach, or watching sport. Weighing 6kg, the chair can withstand a weight of 136kg, and comes with a bag for ease of transport.
Oztrail Galaxy 2 Seater Sofa, Amazon, $99.99
Camping trips are made for sharing moments with family or friends – or pets – and this chair for two makes it not only possible, but properly comfortable. The Galaxy 2 Seater Sofa is strong enough to carry a combined weight of 120kg, but at just 6kg is as light to carry as a regular single chair. Both arms are equipped with a drink holder – all the better for cosying up by the campfire with a special someone and a warming cuppa.
Helinox Chair Zero, Wild Earth, $179.95
If you’re likely to be carrying your chair – or worse, chairs for the whole family – any distance, you need one that’s not going to weigh you down. Helinox promises the world’s lightest and strongest camp furniture, and Chair Zero is its most packable chair yet. Weighing just 490g, it packs into a 35cm bag, and is anything but flimsy – in fact it’s capable of holding up to 120kg weight. Even better, it’s comfortable, too, and garners rave reviews from hikers.
Homecamp Fenby Chair, Homecamp, $389
The design brief for this chair was simple: it had to be “the perfect chair that has it all”: we’re talking beauty, functionality, portability, quality. The Fenby Chair has nailed it, judging by the demand (you’ll need to pre-order) and number of five-star reviews. Inspired by classic Tripolina folding chairs, the Fenby is handmade using sustainably sourced American red oak and ultra heavy-duty cotton duck canvas. They’re available in three colours, and are as durable and comfortable as they are good looking.
Wanderer Two-in-One Convertible Rocking Camp Chair, BCF, $129.99
Live your best life at the campsite with this clever chair that converts from a rocker to a stable quad chair using detachable feet. There’s plenty of storage on the sides for essentials like torches, drinks and phones.
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Nakie hammock, Amazon, $127.93
Changing things up a little, why not trade the traditional camping chair for a hammock? Kirrily’s cousin gifted her a Nakie hammock. “It changed my camping life,” says Kirrily. “There’s so much to like about this as a camping accessory, starting with the environment – the hammocks are made from recycled material and Nakie plants four trees for every order, making them one of the most eco-friendly brands around. It’s also good quality – the polyester is durable, triple stitched, and it holds up to 225kg. It also comes with straps and carabiners and only takes a minute to set up. It’s super easy, super comfortable, and perfect for lazy afternoons with a book.”
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Kathmandu Chair, The Iconic, $48.99
Affordable, quality and versatile, Kathmandu’s portable chair packs up into a small carry bag and weighs under 3 kgs. It can be used at the campsite, beach, festival or backyard.
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Dune 4WD Deluxe Lounge Recliner, Anaconda, $129
This well-designed chair comes with a nifty slide-out table, complete with a drink holder and a magazine holder to really shoot the breeze. Be careful though, with its generous sized seat and full recline you’ll likely be catching zzzs instead in next to no time.
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Spinifex Blowmould 4ft Table Granite, Anaconda, $39.99
Escape writer James Booth alternates between a large table and a mini one, depending on his camping needs. When he’s cooking for groups though, this 4 foot table is his go-to. “I have taken this table everywhere from Crescent Head to Meroo and it’s always been worth bringing along. Lie it flat in the boot of your car and you barely notice it’s there. Great for preparing (and eating dinner), and of course campsite cocktails. A must have item when road tripping or camping,” he says.
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TREKOLOGY Small Folding Camping Table Lightweight, Amazon, $45.99
Of your smaller options, TREKOLOGY’s Camping Table is lightweight and is well loved by over 2000 customers on Amazon. It’s small but tough, made from aerospace-grade aluminium alloy and is compact enough to fit into your backpack.
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SEE ALSO: Best camping and hiking chairs
SEE ALSO: Best camping tables
BEST CAMPING ENTERTAINMENT
Kings Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board, Adventure Kings, $149
“One of the best things about camping is finding the perfect spot beside a body of water, be it a lake, river, bay, or surf beach,” says Kirrily. And then spend as much time as possible enjoying it. “One of the best ways to do that is with a Kings Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board,” she says.
“They’re 10ft (3m) in length, with a weight rating of 150kg, meaning they’re an investment your entire family or group of mates can enjoy. They retail for about $169, they come with a single-action hand pump, and they easily fold up to fit inside a backpack,” she says.
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ITIWIT Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board 11′ X100, Decathlon, $489
A fantastic all-rounder, the ITIWIT Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board comes in 10” and 11” heights and is extremely stable, making it a winner for beginners. It can take up to 320 kilograms and has received over 1100 five-star reviews on Decathlon.
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Aqua Marina Tomahawk Kayak, Amazon, from $1063.53
If kayaking is more your style, this inflatable kayak comes in a solo or tandem (2-3 person) and is wide and rigid for stability. The tracking is fantastic and the separate air chambers offer additional safety when paddling long distances.
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Into the Wild by John Krakauer, Amazon, $16.62
When the day’s activities are down, there’s nothing better than winding down with a good book. For escapism, there’s Into The Wild. For a good laugh, check out A.A. Gill is Away.
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Exploding Kittens Throw Throw Burrito-A Dodgeball Card Game, Amazon, $21.25
From the geniuses that brought us Exploding Kittens comes this comically fun (and yes, potentially a little brutal) game where you literally throw burritos at one another. It comes as a card game or as an extreme outdoor edition.
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Kings 1000A Lithium Jump Starter, Adventure Kings, $69.95
Naturally you’re going to bring your phone, gaming console, projector and Kindle camping, right? Whatever devices you need on the ground a battery pack is essential. Kirrily recommends the Kings 1000A Lithium Jump Starter. This battery pack can “do anything from charging your devices to restarting your vehicle,” she says. We’re sold.
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Projector, Native 1080P Bluetooth Projector with 100” Screen, Amazon, $127.49
Movie night under the stars? Perfection. You’ll have the ultimate outdoor entertainment experience with this outdoor project and its native 1080P full HD resolution, dual speakers and 200-inch projection size. Just be mindful that it can only play netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu through a Fire Stick, Roku, computer or laptop.
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SEE ALSO: Best inflatable stand up paddle boards
BEST CAMPING CLOTHES
Kathmandu Heli Women’s 600 Fill Lightweight Down Jacket, Kathmandu, $99
“Nothing is worse than being cold, especially when you’re outdoors without easy access to a hot shower,” says Kirrily. “I’m a bit of a reptile, which means layers are everything. One of the best layers I ever bought was the Kathmandu Heli Women’s 600 Fill Lightweight Down Jacket.” On top of being lightweight and warm, it doesn’t puff out and make you feel like the Michelin man. It also stands a lot of wear. “I’ve put mine through the wringer,” Kirrily admits. “It cleans up remarkably well. It’s also comfortable enough to wear inside your sleeping bag when it’s really cold.”
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Uniqlo is our go-to for lightweight outdoor-wear packed with tech and this jacket ticks all those boxes. Its water repellent, comes in a variety of shades and has a boxy silhouette to layer up underneath.
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RAINS Long Jacket, The Iconic, $180
RAINS is renowned for its on-trend long rain jackets and we’re absolutely crushing this jacket for its packable hood and storm vent.
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Columbia Women’s Switchback III Jacket, Amazon, from$36.51
Lightweight, waterproof, foldable and comfortable, use this as a shell to keep you dry and layer up underneath for warmth. There’s a detachable hood and drawstring hem stop any cold or wind from getting in.
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SEE ALSO: Best men’s rain jackets
OTHER CAMPING ACCESSORIES AND GADGETS
Muk Mat Green, Muk Mat, from $60
Made from high quality astro turf, these mats flick dirt, sand and grime off your feet (and your pet’s or kids’ feet) effortlessly leaving you campervan and tent free from muk. A must for anyone who loves to keep their campsite clean.
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FastAid Modular Survival Pack First Aid Kit, BCF, $179.99
An absolute must whether you’re camping in a holiday park or a secluded spot in the forest.
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Kings Camping Solar Shower, 20L, 4WD Supa Centre, $14.95
When you’re staying off-the-grid getting a nice, clean shower can sometimes be a little tricky. Enter the solar shower. This one is simple, great value, and can be strapped to the roof of the car to warm up during the day before being opened for a good rinse off.
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Autodeco Collapsible Bucket 5 Gallon Container Folder Bucket, Amazon, $41.41
So handy you’ll wonder how you lived without them, a waterproof bag, box or bucket can be used to throw everything from dripping wetsuits to soaking hiking shirts in. “If you’re really desperate, you can wash your clothes in there,” says James. This one folds tiny for easy storage and comes in a variety of colours.
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What are some popular brands for good quality camping accessories and gadgets?
“Popular brands for good quality camping accessories and gadgets depend on what you’re in the market to buy,” says Kirrily. Here’s her breakdown:
- Best for fridges: Engel
- Best for pocket knives: Leatherman
- Best for dishware: Sea to Summit
- Best for barbeques: Weber
- Best for drink bottles: Yeti
For local brands, Kirrily says that “OZtrail is a well-established Australian-owned company with a great range, Wanderer is known for its sturdy design, Dune is known for its great quality, while Zorali is an Australian up-and-comer establishing a good reputation.”
For international brands, she says it’s hard to go past Coleman and Dometic.
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