How to go Camping in Comfort

Bush camping isn’t for everyone, but a comfortable campsite can be a true home away from home if you have the right gear.

1. Vehicle awnings

No matter how luxurious your tent or swag is, it’s no substitute for a good place to relax during a day at camp. If your tent is your bedroom, then a pulled-out awning is like the living room. Add a couple of walls for better protection from the elements and added privacy, throw in a table and some chairs and you’ve got the makings of a comfortable hub for everyone at camp to come back to and chill.

1. Plenty of light

A big difference between a house and a campsite is the sheer amount of light that’s available at night. For uncertain campers, the deep blackness of the night can be a huge deterrent to taking the campsite plunge. By putting up some camping lights, turning on some vehicle-mounted work lights and leaving a lantern in the tent, you can make long nights at camp much more tolerable for an uninitiated camper.

1. Comfortable bedding

Many camping nay-sayers will point to a poor night’s sleep as a reason to stay home but, thankfully for all involved, there are countless bedding options available to get everyone sleeping soundly. These days, a high-quality camping mattress, sheets and a pillow from home and even a camping stretcher are enough to eradicate sleepless nights and sore backs for good. Plus, for those camping in cold climates, advanced sleeping bags mean you’ll never have to shiver through long dark nights either.

1. Matting

The bush is not a good place to wander around barefoot (for most), but the act of kicking off your shoes with confidence is possible with some simple camping mats. Whether they’re interlocking foam or woven mesh, some matting in your communal area or outside your tent entrance will add a simple creature comfort to your setup that won’t go unnoticed.

1. Something to tow

Whatever extra bits of kit you add to your camp setup, nothing beats a camper trailer or caravan for sheer comfort and functionality. In fact, most would argue that in many ways those who tow a caravan aren’t technically camping anymore; if you’re talking about some of the more modern caravans, it’s closer to a home on wheels. Features like hard flooring, complete kitchens, toilets and showers, easy-access storage and better protection from the elements means that those who tow something can bring all the comforts of home with them, albeit in a more compact package.