Essential things to take camping in Gippsland

Gippsland is a vast area, stretching from the mountains to the coast, from the forest to the open plains. Gippsland is an area of wonder waiting to be explored. This makes camping in Gippsland the ideal thing to do.

You can camp with the sound of the ocean nearby, you can camp in the old world forests, you can camp in mountain huts in front of a roaring fire.

Gippsland has plenty of paid and free campsites available for those wanting to get away from it all. In this article, we will talk about all the camping essentials for an epic camping in Gippsland trip.

Tent vs Swag for camping in Gippsland

It will depend on the amount of time, space you have and what you plan on doing when you holiday in Gippsland as to whether a tent or a swag is the best option for you. Below we have the information on both so you can make an informed decision.

Taking a swag Gippsland camping

Your Swag is guaranteed to be warmer than tents due to the heavy material and type of canvas used. This allows you to go camping even once the weather turns colder. The swag has a smaller area, which traps body heat inside making it warmer. The foam mattress included, is more effective for body warmth than an air mattress.

What are the benefits of a swag over a tent?

Swags are easier to set up and pack up, just roll out and roll up. You don’t need to bring extra bedding as it is already inside your swag. Swags are more durable and less likely to be damaged. Swags can be rolled out on the back of a ute and no pegs are ever needed.

Taking a tent camping in Gippsland

Your tent provides you with a bigger area to move around in than a swag. You can stand up to get changed, you can bring a camp chair inside to sit on. You can store all your food, eskies, clothes and gear inside the tent. If you are camping with kids you are all in the same room. You can also have a bigger, thicker mattress in a tent. Tents are very cheap especially if you just want a weekender for a getaway now and then.

Sleeping bags

Sleeping bags play an important part of any camping trip and can be top of the camping essentials list for some. Your sleeping bag is your one-stop blanket for trips away. Easily stored in the carry case and put into the cupboard or plastic container in the shed between uses. No need to carry bug bulky blankets when you can carry your sleeping bag.

What sort of sleeping bag will I need for camping?

Your sleeping bag needs will differ depending on when you plan to do most of your camping. Winter sleeping bags will have a warmth rating that goes well into the minus temperatures while lightweight designs are best for warm summer nights.

Brand	Description	Features	Read more
Coleman	For kids	* ZipPlow zipper for snag-free opening and closing * Interior tuck pocket to conveniently store small items * Designed for young campers up to 5 ft tall	Click here
Coleman	For cold nights	* Includes pillow for soft comfort * Lining material: Cotton flannel * Temperature comfort rating: -6 degrees	Click here
Mountain Warehouse	For summer nights	* 2 Season – warm nights, summer, indoor use * Insulation – Insulated with hollow fibre stuffing * Insulated with hollow fibre stuffing	Click here

For a full range of sleeping bags, we have put together links for you to browse at some of the most popular places to buy sleeping bags in Australia

• Browse sleeping bags at BCF

• Browse sleeping bags at Tent World

• Browse sleeping bags at Mountain Warehouse

Fridge, icebox or esky for Gippsland camping

When you’re in Gippsland camping do you need a fridge, icebox or just an esky? The answer is never an easy one and many factors need to be taken into considerations such as

• How long am I going camping for?

• Where am I going camping?

• Is there any shade and shops nearby my campsite?

• Do I want to take perishable food to last more than a couple of days?

• What amount of food and drinks do I want to bring?

For most campers, the icebox is the ideal piece of camping equipment for a few days away. It stores things cold and keeps things frozen for 2-3 days under the right conditions. If you are just wanting to keep beer and drinks cold the backyard esky will do the trick.

Both the icebox and the esky will need topping up with ice regularly. If you are a committed camper and regularly go camping the investment in a camping fridge will be worthwhile. Please find below a table with a comparison of a fridge, an icebox and an esky.

Brand		Description	Features	Read more
Engell Camping Fridge		Portable Fridge/Freezer mid-range for camping	* Large fridge and freezer storage space of 21 litres capacity (29 x 375ml cans) * Switches between voltage for power from car or powerboard * Rugged steel body, lid and handles for easy transport	Click here!
Icecool		Ice Box	* Keeps ice frozen for several days, depending on model usage and conditions * Drainage bung for easy cleaning * Will not rust or corrode	Click here!
Willow		Wheeled esky	* Features robust wheels and extra-long handle * Hinged lid with two cup holders. * Glove compartment in lid for keys, loose change etc	Click here!

For a full range of camping fridges, camping iceboxes and camping eskies we have put together links for you to browse at some of the most popular places to buy in Australia

• Browse Camping Fridges, Iceboxes and Eskies at BCF

• Browse Camp Fridges at Tent World

Camping chairs

The easiest thing might be to just buy a cheap chair from cheap as chips or Bunnings. Yes, they might do you for a camping trip but will they be comfortable after a few hours? Certainly not.

We strongly suggest for your Gippsland camping trip to spend a little extra and buy a good chair. One that has padding, one that reclines or even one that has a side table. The investment in top quality camping gear will be worth the reward.

Brand	Description	Features	Read more
Coleman	Flat fold 5 position chair	* Powder-coated 25mm steel frame and steel arm for extra strength *5 position reclining chair with easy to use arm mechanism *Fully padded seat and back with a padded fold back headrest	Click here
FE – Active	Compact folding chair	* It weighs approximately 1.9 pounds or 880 grams. * The load capacity is 330 pounds or 150 kilograms.	Click here
King Camp	Mid-range	* Comfortable tilted back design offers great support for the back and the legs. * Armrest cup holder to keep your drink at hand. * 136 Kg weight rating	Click here
Oz Trail	Compact stool	* Hard wearing, durable polyester * Weight Rating: 80 kg * Seat Height: 35 cm	Click here

• Browse camping chairs at Amazon.com.au

• Browse camping chairs at BCF

• Browse camping chairs at Kogan

Camping mattress

Your camping mattress is a very important part of the experience and is a camping essential. We all want to be comfortable and have a good nights sleep no matter where we are. You will find numerous models on the market from airbeds to foam mattresses to self-inflating and foldup bed frames.

What do I need to consider when buying a camping mattress?

A lot of the time your choice will come down to size and storage. Let’s be honest, this is camping and we can’t take everything! Space is the reason the airbed has been so popular over the years. These days the airbed comes in all shapes and sizes.

For those camping with kids, you can also buy camping bunk beds to save space. These stretcher type beds don’t require a mattress.

Brand	Description	Features	Read more
Wanderer	High walled airbed	* Double high sizing for added comfort and that ‘at home’ feel * 100% of all Wanderer beds are tested inflated for 24-48 hours before sale * Includes repair kit for long-lasting quality	Read more!
Oz Trail	Low profile stretcher bed	* Setup literally takes 10 seconds * Greater comfort for tall people with no head or foot crossbars * A fully flat sleeping surface	Read more!
Wanderer	Folding Foam mattress	* Folds up small for easy storage * Comfortable polyester cover * Opened size L180 x W74 x H6.5cm	Read More!
Oz Trail	Self Inflating leisure mattress	* Self-inflating: simply open the valve and the mattress does the work for you * Will remain in a lofted state even with the valve open * High-density open cell foam for maximum comfort and support	Read more!

• Browse camping beds at BCF

• Browse camping beds at Tent World

• Browse camping beds at Amazon.com.au

Camping furniture

Camping furniture has come a long way from just throwing everything in a milk crate. These days you can buy cupboards, kitchens, pantries and more. They are all lightweight and fold-able. This makes them easy to transport and an integral part of anyone’s camping kit.

The camping furniture will be most beneficial to those who are planning on camping longer than a few days. They will help to keep your clothes, foods and accessories organised while camping in Gippsland.

Brand	Description	Features	Read more
Kathmandu	Portable single cupboard shelves	* Zipped door with mesh window that can be rolled and secured to the side * Two slip pockets on each side for extra storage * Quick and easy to assemble * Flattens to fit in a carry bag	Click here
Wanderer	Folding table with storage	* Folding camping table with plenty of storage for meal prep * Includes hanging storage cupboard to keep you organised * 2 adjustable height positions for versatility	Click here
Wanderer	Dual cupboard cooking station	* Durable aluminium slat top and shelf * Rugged powder-coated steel frame and windshield * Windbreak to prevent stove flare-ups	Click here!

• Browse camp furniture at Kathmandu

• Browse camp furniture at BCF

Camp ovens and cookers

Sometimes Gippsland camp spots don’t have places for a fire to cook your camping food or campfire cooking is not allowed. It might be a total fire ban day and so on. This means you will need some sort of camping cooking stove to cook meals, boil the kettle and more.

Don’t get me wrong, a good campfire cooking arsenal will contain a cast iron camp oven and a flat plate cooker that can be put over an open fire. You can also take a bbq for camping

You can buy a number of different devices from the gas canister cooker to the LPG 2 burner cooker to an even enclosed oven that will cook you a Sunday roast to be proud of. Let’s have a look at what’s on offer

Brand	Description	Features	Read more
Gasmate	Butane stove	* High heat output * New 2 stage overpressure safety shut off device * Convenient carry case for storage	Click Here
Gasmate	Double butane stove with hotplate	* Includes hotplate and hard carry case for easy storage and transport * Includes new safety shut off the device; if over-pressure occurs cartridge will eject and gas supply will shut off * Stainless steel spill tray and top with flame protection ring	Click here!
Oz Trail	Flatplate cooker	* Flameproof painted finish * Large capacity solid plate with oil drain * Built in carry handle with folding legs for quick set up * Carry bag included for transport and storage	Click here
Pioneer	Pre-seasoned camp oven	* Heavy-duty cast iron camp oven to stand up to punishment out in the bush * Comfortable spiral steel carry handle * Pre-seasoned with a vegetable oil mix so your food doesn’t taste metallic	Click here

• Browse camp cooking at BCF

• Browse camp cooking at Kathmandu

• Browse camp cooking at Tent World

Lights and power for camping

We certainly need some form of lighting for bush camping, they are definitely camping essentials. There will be times you need to find something in the tent at night, you may have to head to the bushes to go to the toilet or you may need to make sure the steaks are not burning.

What lighting is available for camping?

There is everything from torches to re-chargeable hand-held lights and LPG lanterns to provide you with the lights you will need for your camping trip in Gippsland.

A portable power supply might be handy in the form of a battery pack or generator for some.

Brand	Description	Features	Read more
Retreat	Powerful handheld lighting	* Four lighting choices – high, medium, low and flashing * Impact resistant – up to one metre (three feet) * Utilises LED bulbs – energy efficient with a long lifespan	Click here!
Coleman	Light and sound lantern	* Provides full 360 degrees of light * Built-in Bluetooth speaker * Rechargeable via USB for versatile power * Up to 20hrs of music from a full charge	Click here!
Companion	Tent light and fan	* Rechargeable lithium-ion battery * Two-speed fan * Multi-use mounting bracket – table stand or hanging	Click here!
Engel	Smart battery box	* 300w modified sine wave inverter can power both 12v and 240v appliances * Recharge via 12/24v, 240v (cables included) and Anderson Connection * Provides portable power, a battery management system and a dual-battery management system in one	Click here

• View power and lighting at BCF

• View camp lighting at Kathmandu

• View lighting at Tent World

We hope this Gippsland Camping equipment guide has you out and about on the campgrounds of our great area as soon as possible. Gippsland is a beautiful spot to go camping and everyone should enjoy their Travels in Gippsland, so just remember to leave your campsite how you found it or in even better condition if possible.

For more amazing ideas on where to go camping in Gippsland click through to our Camping in Gippsland page for more brilliant Gippsland inspiration.

---

Some more travel inspiration for your holiday in Gippsland

---