Camping Stoves

Hiking/Backpacking: When making a checklist for hiking and camping equipment a stove is of course a priority. These can be as basic as a homemade alcohol stove made from a tuna tin to a jetboil stove that can rapid boil some water in 2 minutes. There is a wide choice which we cover in the camp stove articles and reviews. How it functions, the fuel used and the weight is all considerations too make.

Family/Car Camping: For family camping I would always go with a Coleman stove, although there are other brands and a wide range of colemans now available. A family camp stove can also use various fuels and have one to 3 burners dependant on a persons camp cooking needs.

Sleeping Bags

A hiking and camping equipment checklist will also include a sleeping bag. These vary in size, style, temperature ratings, materials used and weight. Again, if backpacking, weight will be a consideration to make when choosing. Our guide for camping sleeping bags will provide much more useful information about sleeping bags.

Camping Mattress Or Sleeping Pads

Family Camping/Car Camping: Many will choose an air mattress for camping that can be bought fairly cheap. When deciding to choose an air mattress its worth doing some research as many can leak within the first couple of camp outs. They are the most comfortable way to sleep but not always the most reliable. Sleeping pads are more reliable, although not as comfortable.

Backpacking/Hiking: Sleeping pads or mats are the best option when backpacking and needing to have something compact to pack. Self inflating sleeping pads are available and the highly popular therm-a-rest foam sleeping pad types. These offer perfect protection between a sleeping bag, tent floor and offer heat insulation. Some people are happy with a basic roll mat dependant on the type of trip.

Non-Essential Gear For Camping

Not all hiking and camping equipment is essential, much is out of choice and the need for comfort. The above items of course is essential backpacking camping gear, which covers shelter, sleeping and something to cook with, that is worth getting right.

Family Camping/ Car Camping

• A camping cooler to keep food and beer cool for a hot summer camp out is an item some would not leave home without.
• Folding camp table and chairs to provide comfort and a place to eat outside the tent.
• Camping Cots are an option if you don't like the idea of risking the camping air bed springing a leak. These keep a sleeping bag of the floor and look similar to a basic sun lounger, which provide room underneath for storing hiking and camping equipment.
• Camping lanterns are a great source of light even if a torch is available. A powerful lantern can light the whole area surrounding the tent, making it very safe.

Hiking/Backpacking

• A GPS for hiking to navigate the great outdoors is a great tool to use alongside a map and compass. These can be picked up at a reasonable cost for a basic model and well worth having.
• Camping towel which can weigh only a few ounces which washes easily and has many uses is an option.
• Backpacking water filter or purifier if you have a source of water that can be found to save carrying a lot of water. These are a must have if the only source of water available is natural but could contain bacteria, viruses, and protozoan cysts.
• LED Headlamp is a great device to use for anything needed to be done in the dark, especially when the hands are needed and a torch will obviously use one of those hands.

Choosing Hiking And Camping Equipment

Before choosing hiking and camping equipment it will help to check out information guides on how to choose gear for camping and to find out what's the best types.

When deciding to buy backpacking camping gear or equipment for car camping we would advise people to invest money on quality gear that will last.

We would advise people to check out unbiased reviews and opinions given by websites like this and see what other users have experienced to help make better choices.