Camping creature comforts: How to have the best camp set-up this summer

Many West Aussies will be packing their cars, 4WDs and RVs over the Christmas and festive season to enjoy summer in our beautiful backyard. Any veteran camper knows the preparation time that goes into preparing for a trip like this, and although it’s a very subjective sport, we can all agree with the help of technology our camping lives have become a lot easier and cushier than just a few decades ago. We can take hot showers in the middle of nowhere and power our scorching sites with cool air.

With the camping realm growing so rapidly, and with the Christmas season well and truly upon us, we thought we’d take a look at some of the technologies being used today that contribute to having the best campsite ever.

Portable power source

As we start building our dream camp set-ups, it’s definitely important to think about the power source: does your current power source reflect the technologies you’re using? No one really enjoys the sound or the environmental effect of a petrol-powered generator, so it could be useful to upgrade to a battery pack that can power all your devices without hassle. Think about whether it can charge multiple devices, and whether it can harness the power of the sun by linking up to solar panels.

Car portable refrigerator

If you’re still just using an esky (a great piece of equipment) to cool your food, you’re probably going to run out of fresh food pretty quickly and your breakfast, lunch and dinner might look like baked beans for most of your trip – where’s the fun in that? A big part of camping culture is cooking, taking ourselves away from the mundane realities of life to enjoy the simple things, like, along with the humble jaffle, having the time to make your loved ones a big dinner filled with fresh food. Yum.

Bluetooth speakers

Essential in our eyes. Having Bluetooth speakers can really change the vibe at your campsite, and they don’t take up much room either. If you’re going somewhere remote, don’t forget to download your favourite playlist, songs and albums before your trip because you may drop out of reception.

LED lights

To go with your delicious dinner, it’s handy to have equipment like this to shed some light on the situation. And they add a little romance if that’s the vibe you’re after. They work well hung around the inside of a shaded area, like a gazebo, or inside your tent.

Hot water shower

Although there is beauty in travelling somewhere without a shower and then coming home and having that newfound appreciation for your bathroom, for some it is an absolute deal-breaker. And today, when you have the option of buying a simple, portable product that doesn’t take up much space, we’re thinking it could be worth a try.

Head torch

This is a no-brainer. For any experienced camper, you’ll already know the value of owning one of these bad boys. You’ll need it for most night-time activities, including when you’re cooking dinner or when nature calls. And you’ll probably find uses for it when you return home, helping you stay connected to memories of the balmy nights shared with loved ones at your dream campsite.

Portable air conditioner

It goes without saying: this is an absolute luxury item because summer in Aus, especially in parts of WA depending on where you’re going, can be scorching. There are many ways to stay cool; a shade cloth goes a long way, a trip to the beach, stashing hydrolyte ice blocks in the refrigerator, but the portable air conditioner is the ultimate product for exactly this.

Cordless leaf blower

For the elite camper. It’s certainly not necessary, but it will replace the trusty ‘Ol broom. If you’ve ever been camping on or around sand (like most West Aussies) you know how annoying it can be to constantly sweep and try to keep the grains out of your sleeping area. Using a leaf blower will be more efficient, giving you more time to surf or spend relaxing at your dream summer campsite.

If you’re currently working on your ultimate campsite, or you’re just intrigued by new camping technology, EcoFlow Australia sell a range of products, and they currently have a Christmas sale. Visit the website for more information.