Summer is just around the corner... you beauty! That means camping with your mates and family; stories around the campfire, BBQ's by the beach, star gazing at night and getting back to nature. And because we know you'd rather spend your time exploring the Aussie outback than the aisles of another department store, we've made a list of cool camping gear that can be found online and delivered to your door. (You're very welcome!)
1. Portable generator: Whether you're into boating, fishing, camping, or anything else vaguely related to exploring the great outdoors, a portable generator is the gift of choice. Our fave camping gear is the Lectron EC800i Inverter Generator - a super quiet and ultra light unit that delivers 'pure sine wave' power ideal for running sensitive electronics such as laptops. Available for $329 from mygenerator.com.au
2. Ultimate Hand-Held Torch: Need a light? The COAST HP14 LED Flashlight is the perfect stocking filler. Light and easy to carry, the torch boasts incredible battery life and light output. The outdoors enthusiast will never be caught short in the dark again. This is important to include in your camping gear list. Available for only $69.99 from southernexposurecamping.com.au
3. Portable Gazebo: We have to admit, we're quite excited by this Expanda Shade Folding Gazebo. After all, what could be better than a gazebo that you can carry around easily and simply unfold whenever and wherever you want to host your barbie? Complete with a handy carry bag, the gazebo is designed with an aluminium frame and blue waterproof cover that spans 3 metres by 3 metres. Available for $97 from cheapsheds.com.au
4. Camping cookware: Okay, you may be able to survive on vacuum-packed and dehydrated foods - but that doesn't mean you have to. If you've just spent a day hiking in the bush, you want to sit down to a real feast. That's why every adventurer should have this compact and lightweight 4-piece cookware. It's heat resistant to approximately 400°C and packs away neatly with ample room for your hiking stove or gas canister inside. Available for $49.99 from southernexposurecamping.com.au
5. Camps Australia Wide Guide: Every budget conscious traveller should know where to find the best campsites around Australia. That's why Camps Australia Wide 7 - Spiral Bound is the ultimate gift. This latest edition introduces over 400 new sites to explore and includes information on rest areas, free campsites, budget friendly caravan parks, state forest campsites and more. In fact there are 3,900 listings in total! Trust us, this is one gift you'll want to borrow! Available for $59.95 from exploroz.com
6. Camping BBQ: Get yourself a tough BBQ designed for the toughest camping conditions. The Sizzler Deluxe 2 is a two-burner BBQ with a non-stick aluminum hotplate and a high lid. Perfect for roasting, barbecuing, baking or simply boiling the kettle. So wherever you travel, you won't go hungry! Available for $397 from allbbqs.com.au
DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.