Camping Equipment – Essential Gear for Your Next Adventure

Good camping equipment doesn't have to be complicated. The basics — somewhere to sleep, something to cook with, a way to see in the dark, and clean water — cover most situations. The gear you choose determines how comfortable and safe you are when things don't go to plan, which is why it's worth buying from brands that have been tested in real conditions rather than just on a showroom shelf.

Travel Gear stocks camping equipment from Sea to Summit, Black Diamond, Tatonka, and other trusted outdoor brands, shipping from our Charlestown NSW warehouse with fast delivery across Australia.

Camping Equipment by Category

Sleeping Bags & Liners

The most important piece of camping gear after shelter. A sleeping bag rated to the right temperature for your destination keeps you warm and rested; one that's too warm or too cold makes for a miserable night. Sea to Summit's Spark and Trailhead series cover ultralight down and synthetic options across a wide temperature range. Browse our full sleeping bags range including options for kids and adults.

Camp Cooking

Lightweight camp stoves, cookware, and utensils for cooking in the field. Sea to Summit's X-Series collapsible cookware packs flat and weighs almost nothing. A good camp cooking setup includes a stove, a pot, a mug, and a set of travel cutlery — everything else is optional. See our camp cooking range for full options.

Portable Lighting

Black Diamond headtorches are the benchmark for camping and hiking lighting. The Spot 400 delivers 400 lumens, is waterproof to IPX8, and runs for up to 200 hours on a set of AAA batteries. A headtorch keeps your hands free for cooking, setting up camp, and navigating at night. Browse our portable lighting range for headtorches, lanterns, and solar lights.

Water Purification

In Australian bush camping and international travel, water sources can't always be trusted. A water purification system — filter, purifier, or chemical treatment — makes any water source safe to drink. The LifeStraw and Grayl Geopress are the most popular options for individual use; pump filters and UV purifiers suit group camping. See our water purification range for full options.

Emergency Gear

First aid kits, emergency blankets, fire starters, and signalling devices for situations where things go wrong. Non-negotiable for remote camping and multi-day hiking. See our emergency gear range for essentials.

Camping Gear Checklist

• Sleeping bag rated to your destination's overnight low temperature
• Sleeping bag liner (adds warmth and keeps the bag clean)
• Headtorch with spare batteries
• Camp stove and fuel
• Cookware and travel cutlery
• Water purification (filter, purifier, or tablets)
• First aid kit
• Emergency blanket
• Insect repellent (essential for Australian bush camping)

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping equipment do I need for a first camping trip?

The essentials are: a tent or shelter, a sleeping bag rated to the overnight temperature, a sleeping mat, a headtorch, a camp stove and cookware, water purification, and a first aid kit. Everything else is comfort rather than necessity. Start with quality basics and add specialist gear as you develop your camping style.

What sleeping bag temperature rating do I need for Australian camping?

It depends on where and when you're camping. Coastal NSW and Queensland in summer: a +10°C to +15°C bag is adequate. Alpine areas (Snowy Mountains, Victorian Alps) even in summer: temperatures can drop to -5°C or below — a bag rated to at least -5°C comfort is recommended. Always check the forecast for your specific location and altitude.

Is camping equipment allowed on planes?

Most camping equipment can be checked. Items that must be checked (not carry-on) include: camp stoves (must be empty and clean of fuel residue), fuel canisters (not permitted at all on most airlines), multitools and pocket knives, and trekking poles. Sleeping bags, cookware, and headtorches are carry-on safe. Always check your airline's specific dangerous goods policy before flying with camping gear.