10 things you'll need to make your camping trip a success

Claire Keeton gives some tips and hints about what you need for successful camping

If you want to be a happy camper, make sure you take the right kit and test it before you leave home. Aim to set up camp before sunset so you can be organised before dark.

The following is a checklist for camping in the wilderness.

story_article_left1

1. TENTS

Tents need to be waterproof, the right size (three-person tents tend to fit two adults and one kid/backpacks), preferably quick to put up and lightweight if hiking.

Tents usually have a double wall - an inner tent with a sealed floor (to keep out bugs) and an outer flysheet to protect against the rain, making a vestibule at the front. Inner layers that unzip into windows are a bonus. The flysheet can be left off in clear weather for better ventilation and views.

Tents are rated for different weather, with four-season tents being tough enough for snowstorms. The high-quality brands are worth the cost if you camp frequently.

2. SLEEPING BAGS

Sleeping bags are also rated for different weather. A medium-weight (three-season) sleeping bag is usually suitable for South Africa. Sleeping bags are filled with natural down feathers or man-made fibres like hollowfibre. Synthetic insulation is cheaper and bulkier but provides heat even when wet. Down bags are compromised when soaked but are soft, can be squashed smaller and last longer if treated properly. Mummy-shaped sleeping bags are warmer than envelope shapes, and hoods are desirable. Most sleeping bags have a zip around both sides which opens fully. Proven local brands like First Ascent, Cape Storm and K-Way are popular choices.

3. SLEEPING MATS

Self-inflating sleeping pads, which can be blown up harder with lung power, are ideal for camping. The mats vary in size, weight and durability. International brands like Therm-a-Rest are good quality but more pricey. Take a repair kit for punctures.

4. HEAD TORCH/LANTERN

story_article_right2

Head torches are essential, inexpensive and lightweight. Lanterns are a bonus if you have space, particularly the latest solar or LED options, such as the Black Diamond Titan Lantern (useful for load shedding).

5. COOKING STOVE

Take a camping stove, even to sites where fires are permitted. Remember to pack matches or a lighter. Stoves which use small gas canisters are easy to get going, like the Jetboil cooker, which comes with a pot. MSR makes stoves which can burn with a variety of fuels (white gas, kerosene and unleaded auto fuel), fold up small and have been proven on mountain expeditions.

6. MUGS, CUTLERY, POTS

For outdoor cuisine, don't pack everything but the kitchen sink. If you have space, a collapsible sink is handy. Do take a pot, mugs, plates, cutlery, a washing-up sponge and eco-friendly soap. Take water purification tablets or water filters. Freeze-dried meals and instant cappuccino are welcome when it's cold. A robust flask is useful.

7. SURVIVAL TOOL

Take a compact multi-tool with features such as a knife, can opener, bottle opener, pliers, saw, scissors, tweezers and screwdriver. Available brands include Victorinox Swiss Army, Leatherman, Gerber Suspension and Cape Union Cottus multi-tools.

story_article_left3

8. FIRST-AID KIT

This should include anti-bug spray, anti-histamine tablets and ointment, antiseptic wipes and cream, plasters, cotton wool, first-aid and burn dressings (Burnshield), bandages, gauze swabs, eye drops and sterile eye pad, paracetamol tablets, tape, safety pins, a thermometer, gloves, a CPR device and any prescription medicines.

9. GROUNDSHEET/TARP

A tough waterproof tarp can work as a ground cover in wet or dusty conditions or as a shelter in the rain. Hammocks are fun.

10. SHOVEL

A shovel has multiple uses, like hammering in tent pegs, but is commonly used in the bush to dig deep toilet holes, which can be filled after use and covered with stones. Avoid digging near rivers and, ideally, pack out toilet paper or bury it deep.

STOCKISTS

• Campworld

• Cape Union Mart

• Drifters

• Outdoor Warehouse

This article was brought to you by Campworld.