Listen to the full episode here:
We’re probably all guilty of cluttering up the car with stuff that we just don’t need on our camping adventures…
If you’re curious to hear our gear gurus Ben and Lauren debate about what’s necessary for an adventure, and what can be left behind in the shed, then check out the latest episode of the Snowys Camping Show below.
Shortcuts:
00:00 – Intro
01:01 – Fairy lights
04:30 – Kitchen crockery
05:17 – Generators
06:55 – Gazebos
08:59 – Portable washing machines
10:36 – Sleeping bag in Summer
12:00 – Chainsaws
15:01 – Projector, DVD player or TV
18:37 – Power drill and tools
21:08 – Good clothes & mirrors
25:19 – Anything you’re not willing to bring home – leave no trace
Mentioned in this Episode:
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Blogs:
Do You Know the 7 Leave No Trace Principles?
Fairy Lights
This one can be surprisingly divisive, now while they may not be a necessity, fairy lights do add a pleasant ambiance and are more handy than you might think. You can wind them around a stick to stake in front of your tent so you can find it in the dark, bunch them into a glass jar for soft lighting on your camp table, or twist them around an awning for extra visibility at night. They’re also super affordable, very power efficient, lightweight and compact. What’s not to love here?
Sleeping Bags in Summer
If you’re looking to cut down on bulkiness and weight in your sleeping set up in summer, consider taking a sheet or sleeping bag liner instead of a sleeping bag.
Kitchen Crockery
Rather than attempting to transport ordinary kitchen crockery, which isn’t designed for travelling on rough roads, get some durable and lightweight camp cutlery made from silicone, plastic, or metal.
Generators
Generators are on the way out in terms of technology and popularity and for good reason too. They can make a lot of noise, which is not only disruptive for other campers, but it can also disturb native wildlife. In an age where solar power and portable batteries are more advanced and accessible than ever before, it’s a far better alternative.
Everyone will have a different opinion on what is essential for camping. Image: BioLite
DVD Player and Projector
We all love a good movie night, especially with the kids. But a DVD player and projector are probably not that important to your camp kit. In certain situations, they can be fantastic such as maybe in a caravan park to give the parents some chill time if you’re with a big group of kids. But they’re not something we would say you absolutely need when you’re surrounded by nature with the opportunity to disconnect from technology.
Chainsaw
This one might really grind people’s gears so to speak, but if you’re trying to minimise your set up, an electric chainsaw isn’t crucial. However, for station or forest camping where collecting timber is allowed or 4WD touring where you might need to clear a fallen tree across the tracks – it certainly comes in handy. It all depends on the type of camping you do but manually operated hand saws make a good passive alternative.
Portable Washing Machine
If you want to clean your clothes on the road, a drybag or Scrubba wash bag make convenient alternatives to a portable washing machine which can take up a bit of space. If you go away in a caravan or are touring permanently, or for long periods of time, a portable washing machine might be more suitable to your needs.
Gazebo
Gazebos most definitely have their place when it comes to market stalls, dog shows, outdoor events and more, but controversially, we reckon they’re sometimes a bit bulky and heavy for camping. Instead, you can just use a tarp and some poles, or make do with your awning to get shade and extra shelter.
Power Tools
Power tools are also an item on this list that might ruffle a few feathers, so we’re adding it with a bit of hesitancy. If you have more of a technical or customised set up, power tools are probably going to be essential in case adjustments need to be made on the fly. But, if you camp with a more standard setup, you can probably do without them in your kit.
Mirror and Good Clothes
Save your Sunday best for your other weekend exploits, as there’s no real need to keep up appearances at the campsite by taking a mirror or your fancy clothes with you.
There are some exceptions of course, a mirror might be handy for contact lens wearers for example, but you can always check out your reflection in your side mirrors of your car if need be. Or if you like to do sightseeing and visit towns in between your stays at the campsite, you might want to look a bit more presentable – it just depends on your camping style.
Leave No Trace!
Remember, everything you pack must be taken out with you so don’t take anything that you’re not prepared to carry home. Sometimes at the campsite you’ll come across rubbish or broken camping gear that’s been irresponsibly left behind. So just keep in mind that you should be leaving nothing but footprints on your trips away.
Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!
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Catch you out there!