Essential Outdoor Camping Equipment

A tent is one of the most important things on your list. They range from one man tents to group tents which can sleep twelve people or more. I guess that depends whether you're a loner or a social creature :)

Another thing to decide on is the size and whether a basic tent will do or if you need something to withstand bad weather conditions. Look at marquees, gazebos and awnings. You also need to make sure the tent has a good groundsheet and adequate tent pegs and poles. You'll need a mallet to knock the pegs in.

Some outdoor camping equipment stores sell tent food larders and storage pouches for clothes. The larders help to protect the food from wasps and bugs, which is especially important when you camp in the summer. While you're at it, check out some picnic hampers, cool boxes, and camp fridges as well.

Next, you'll need sleeping bags or bivy bags. The more expensive ones will be good for winter camping (read more about it below). Some people like to rig up a hammock and a windbreaker, which is a good idea. If you want a good night's sleep, there's a range of mattresses and airbeds available with built-in pillows. Don't forget an important piece of outdoor camping equipment, the pump to blow your airbed up! If you have babies, they can sleep snugly in a travel cot.

Toilet tents may not be glamorous outdoor camping equipment but they can come in handy especially in remote areas.

Cooking gear and crockery etc. are very sophisticated these days. There are various cookers and grills to buy. Apart from the usual plates, bowls and pans, you can get outdoor camping equipment like wok sets and paella sets. It's also possible to buy a campsite barbecue. What could be better than eating food cooked over charcoal when you're outdoors? You may want to bring some BBQ sauce to go along with it!

I also recommend bringing beef jerky which is a great snack for camping and backpacking. It's delicious, nutritious, and easy to carry around. In addition, it stays fresh for a long time.

To me there's nothing like eating my meal sitting cross-legged on the ground, but I know not everybody is like me :) So if you prefer tables and chairs, be sure to add them to your list.

Other outdoor camping equipment to consider is torches, lanterns, heaters, map measurers, first aid kits and midge and mosquito repellent. If hiking is on the agenda, you should bring along a jerry can and rucksacks. A pedometer is a piece of outdoor camping equipment which will tell you how far you've walked Bring a pair of binoculars if you plan on bird watching.

Kids need to be entertained and you can take some fun water toys such as inflatable dinghies, squirt guns, and sea scooters. The weather may not always be good, so some board or electronic games are a good idea for when you need to stay in your tent for a long period.

Have you ever gone winter camping? Many people enjoy camping in the summer or whenever it's warm. However, winter camping has its advantageous. First of all, you don't have to worry about the heat and humidity, especially if you sweat easily like me. Second of all, there are no bugs to... well, bug you! :) No blood thirsty mosquitoes or ticks, and no ants and flies that also crave the food you have.

The air in winter also tends to be more crisp and cleaner and hence, more refreshing. Don't worry about the cold too much. Just get the right winter camping gear and a good sleeping bag, and you will hardly notice that you're camping out in winter :)

Read more about winter camping.