Naturehike Africa's Camping Gear Checklist

Camping is one of the best excuses to escape the city. It forces you to be offline and present, making every moment count. With the right gear, you can set your trip up to be comfortable, safe, and, most importantly, enjoyable.

We've assembled a go-to camping gear checklist to help you prepare for your next adventure.

Camping Essentials

1. Tent

A tent becomes your home away from home.

Choose a tent that suits your needs:

• pop-up tent for easy setup,
• dome tent for stability,
• one-person or large family tent

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2. Sleeping Bag

A good sleeping bag keeps you warm and comfortable.

Choose based on the climate you'll be camping in:

• mummy bag for cold weather,
• rectangular bag for warmer nights,
• or combinable bags for couples.

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3. Sleeping Bag Liner

A sleeping bag liner adds extra warmth and keeps your sleeping bag clean.

Liners come in various materials, offering different levels of insulation and comfort:

• elastic-polyamide,
• cotton,
• or fleece

A sleeping bag liner can provide an additional 1 - 5°C of warmth to your sleeping bag.

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Camping Accessories For Comfort

4. Sleeping Pad or Mattress

A sleeping pad or mattress provides insulation and cushioning from the ground.

Understanding the terrain can help you make the decision between:

• a sponge pad,
• an inflatable pad,
• and an air bed mattress

Optionally, in addition, add a stretcher for an even more comfortable night’s rest.

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Inflatable pads and air mattresses use compacted air to insulate against ground temperatures.  

5. Camp Chairs and Tables

Comfortable seating and a sturdy table can make all the difference to your campsite.

Add convenience and comfort to your camping experience with:

• Folding chairs and tables,
• inflatable sofas,
• foam or canvas cushions

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6. Cooler Boxes

Cooler boxes are essential camping accessories to keep your food and drink fresh.

Calculate the time you will be away to assess your refrigeration needs:

• hard-shell can hold ice and dry ice,
• soft-sided works with plastic ice bricks,
• or an electric cooler/camp fridge for more extended stays

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Camping Equipment For Food Preparation

7. Portable Stove or Grill

Cooking over a campfire is fun, but having a portable stove or grill makes meal preparation easier and more efficient.

Nowadays, there are so many portable options to choose between:

• propane,
• butane,
• and charcoal

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A portable propane stove can boil water much faster than a wood campfire, making meal preparation quicker and more efficient.

8. Cooking Utensils and Equipment

A well-equipped outdoor kitchen includes all the necessary utensils you have at home, just more compact.

Look for multi-functional gear like these to save space and weight:

• cooking tripods,
• fire-friendly pots,
• camping kettles,
• storage containers,
• mess kits and tongs,

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9. Clean Water and Enough Of It

Dehydration is the silent killer, especially when you're adventuring outdoors in an area with no running or reliable water.

• water bottles for daily hydration,
• water tanks to cook and refill bottles with,
• larger tanks for make-shift showering

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Headed Out and About

9. Trekking Poles

Trekking poles provide stability when hiking over uneven and elevated terrain.

More modern trekking poles can fold up easily and made of the most durable materials:

• alluminium,
• carbon fibre,
• combination of carbon and aluminium

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Using hiking poles can reduce the impact on your knees and joints, providing stability and support on uneven or steep terrain.

10. Backpacks

When venturing beyond your campsite, you must have a bag for all the necessary bits and bobs to keep safe and sustained during the hike.

Bags come in all shapes and sizes and can be used beyond hiking, perhaps for a day swimming in the river or picnicking under the trees:

• backpacks,
• duffle bags,
• tote bags

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Get your Camping Equipment From Naturehike Africa

Ensure your escape from the city is memorable for all the right reasons.