1. Cover your Tents

The weather can vary at the best of times. Even after blue skied sunny days, chilled night temperatures often come with a spot of drizzle. But with some foresight, you can remain dry in your tent. Especially since some lower end tents aren’t waterproof! Our suggestion is to prepare with a couple Polytuf Extra Heavy-Duty Tarpaulin: one as a groundsheet and one for pitching over your tent. Most people have a tarpaulin groundsheet when they pitch up, but only the real pros come prepared with a second. Especially if you’re out for a few days, you can experience a variety of weather conditions. So a second tarp to pitch over your tent is always a nice-to-have!

2. Learn to rely on yourself

You can interpret this in a few different ways, but in this instance, we’re talking 4WDing. Week in, week out, campers drain their car batteries. Whether by lighting campsites with their headlights or connecting external spotlights, it happens. So this may be an obvious one; but we’re sure that everyone has a story or two about either needing a jump start or seeing someone else who does. So our simple suggestion is to be able to rely on yourself and get a Lion 2 in 1 Rescue Pack. If you don’t need it yourself, you might help someone else who does; and that feels bloody good!

3. Lighten up

Another simple one, but it’s definitely a hack that separates the pros from the Joe’s.

Headtorches, a must-have for anyone heading outdoors. We recommend the Energizer LED Torch & Headlight Combo. Perfect whether you’re getting to camp late and setting up your tent in the dark, going on a dawn or dusk hike, or going late night fishing, a headtorch is an essential piece of gear.

If nothing else, it’s always nice to have a spare in the car. Because it seems that just when you need it most, you’ve left your headtorch at home.

4. Bring some homely comforts

Don’t get us wrong, sometimes the lighter your gear, the better. For example, if you’re hiking or cycling, a lightweight cooker is useful. But if you’re hitting the tracks in your 4WD, you better believe you’re bringing your Weber!

Our staff pick is the Weber Q2000 BBQ. The compact BBQ is the perfect addition to load into the car. Capable of cooking almost anything, from a pavlova, to pizza, to obviously your favourite steak - the Weber is a camper's best mate.

5. Let’s get ratchet up in this… campsite

Picture this: You’re going away, you’ve got everything ready and everyone raring to go. You’re heading to a picturesque crystal blue lake that you’d read about in National Geographic. So, of course, you get your kayak ready to go. But wait, where are those bloody ratchets?

Maybe they’re lost, maybe you’ve loaned them out to a mate, maybe you didn’t realise you needed any. Well, you can save the day with a Lion LoadBoss 2Pce Ratchet Tie Down Set. Strap that kayak to your car and get it to the water!

All in all, these camping tips can make a huge difference to your next bushbashing adventure. This is still only a basic introduction. For more information about how to elevate your camping experience, come in and speak to our staff.