The outdoor industry will tell you that you need thousands of dollars before your first camping trip. Here is the honest minimum.
The Honest Minimum
People have slept outdoors for the entire history of humanity without waterproof membranes or titanium cookware. For a car-camping weekend in a campground, the gear bar is low.
You Must Have
Shelter: A tent rated to the conditions. For a first summer trip in a campground, a basic dome tent is sufficient. For rain, wind, or cold — invest more here first, a failed shelter ruins a trip completely.
Sleep system: A sleeping bag rated 5°C below the expected overnight low. A sleeping mat — uninsulated on cold ground is inadequate regardless of bag rating.
Food and water: Whatever you plan to eat plus a litre per person per hour of activity. A basic camp stove and pot.
Clothing: Layers appropriate to conditions. Waterproof outer if rain is possible.
Nice to Have But Not Essential
Headlamps (torches work), camp chairs (sitting on a log is fine), camp lantern.
What to Leave for Later
Almost everything else. Buy gear after you have camped a few times and know what you actually want. The gear you buy after three trips will be far better chosen than gear bought before one.
The One Exception
Footwear. Cheap shoes produce blisters, slipping, and wet feet. Spend appropriately here — it pays off immediately. See our footwear range.
