Family tents<\/a> offer tonnes of living space and are ideal for longer stays (1 week+), but they are bulky when packed and harder to set up.<\/p>\n Make sure the tent you choose will suit you and your family’s needs.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n An air mattress<\/a> is a cost effective sleep solution. They come in a wide range of sizes and you can get electric pumps<\/a> that make inflation easy.<\/p>\n Alternatively, there are self-inflating mats that (mostly) inflate themselves. These aren’t as high as an air mattress but offer better insulation.<\/p>\n Try both before you buy, and make up your own mind. Check out Dave’s blog ‘Fantastic Sleep Options Explained for the Restless Camper’<\/a> for more info<\/p>\n You’ll also need a sleeping bag<\/a>.<\/p>\n Look for something designed for general camping, and if you’re buying for kids allow room for growth.<\/p>\n Temperature ratings can be confusing, but as a general rule, for spring\/summer camping a 5 degree plus bag will be more than adequate, whilst during winter you should consider something rated to 0 degrees and below.<\/p>\n Check out this article\u00a0<\/a>for more advice on choosing a sleeping bag.<\/p>\n You’ll need something to keep food fresh, and drinks cool.<\/p>\n Most people have an esky in the shed, and with block ice, this will probably keep your food cold for a couple of days.<\/p>\n An icebox<\/a> has better insulating properties, and with block ice, you can keep food and drinks cold for up to a week.<\/p>\n The key points here are to use block ice, keep the ice box out of the sun, and only open it when you need to.<\/p>\n Check out tips for keeping ice for longer in your icebox<\/a> for more detail on this.<\/p>\n Some say eating is the best part of the trip, especially when combined with drinking.<\/p>\n If you’re going to have an open fire where you’re camping then check out our articles on camp oven cooking<\/a>, and also our camp cooking desserts<\/a> that the kids will love.<\/p>\n Gas stoves come in a range of price and sizes.<\/p>\n They come with the hoses required, you’ll just need a compatible gas bottle and gas.<\/p>\n Don’t forget pots, pans, utensils, plates, bowls etc. Often you can take some old things from home, just make sure it is unbreakable (leave the china at home).<\/p>\n Check out Snowys range of camp kitchen equipment<\/a> if you need to stock up.<\/p>\n Planning and preparing your meals in advance will give you more time relaxing with friends and family.<\/em><\/p>\n Definitely the most important part of camping.<\/p>\n Whether you’re fishing, surfing or relaxing with a good book, you’ll probably need somewhere to sit and relax the end of the day.<\/p>\n So you’ll need a table and some chairs<\/a>. It’s all personal choice here and often comes down to budget, what will fit in your car.<\/p>\n That’s the basics, apart from personal effects. With this gear your well on your way to a fully equipped camp set-up.<\/p>\n When you’re in your camp, keep a running list of the extras you want to bring next time, there is some space on the Snowys checklist<\/a> for this.<\/p>\n It will make packing even easier next time.<\/p>\n If you’re still feeling confused, give us a call 1300 914 007 and we’d love to help you get set up.<\/b><\/p>\n This article has been updated and digitally remastered from its original form in 2012.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Narrow](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Narrow-your-choice-of-tent-by-how-many-people-features-and-budget.jpg\" "\\"Narrow")
<\/p>\n2. Sleeping gear<\/h2>\n
3. Food & Drink<\/h2>\n
4. Eating<\/h2>\n
![\"Eating](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Eating-and-drinking-with-friends-and-family-is-a-great-part-about-camping.jpg\" "\\"Eating")
<\/p>\n5. Relaxing<\/h2>\n
Now go camping!<\/h2>\n
