Camping is a popular activity in Australia with diverse landscapes to explore—from snowy alpine regions to the red outback. With this variety of environments also comes a vast range of camping gear available. However, some of the most useful items are the less flashy products that don't get much hype. These underrated camping essentials may not be eye-catching, but they are total game-changers when you're out in the wilderness.
This article highlights 10 seriously underrated pieces of camping gear that are perfect for enhancing the Australian camping experience, whether you're a seasoned outdoors person or an occasional weekend camper. From simple yet ingenious products that make camping more comfortable to camping power stations with multiple handy uses, this gear guide shares essential equipment that deserves more appreciation.
Read on to uncover the 10 understated camping gear you need.
Why Focus on Underrated Camping Gears?
The right underrated accessories enhance the core camping experience without overcomplicating things. Who wants to fiddle with complex gadgets when enjoying a simple life when the basics work perfectly well? The gear featured in this guide focuses on the essentials, doing the job efficiently and practically rather than just looking good. Any experienced camper knows to value utilitarian, durable gear over trendy options when heading off the beaten path.
Common Gear vs Underrated Gear
| Common Camping Gear | Easily Overlooked Camping Gear |
|---|---|
| Backpack, Water Bottle, Hiking Boots, Tent, Sleeping Bag, Map and Compass, First Aid Kit, Headlamp or Flashlight, Cooking Stove, Food, Rain Jacket, Clothes (layered) | Duct Tape, Multi-tool, Emergency Whistle, Paracord, Repair Kit (for gear), Waterproof Bags, Extra Batteries or Portable Power Stations, Sun Protection, Insect Repellent, Small Trowel (for digging), Safety Pins, Hand Sanitizer |
The Practical Needs Specific to Camping Environments
When heading out on a camping adventure, it's tempting to invest in flashy, high-end equipment to heighten the experience. However, much of the fancy camping gear is unnecessary for meeting basic camping needs. The Australian terrain and climate present some very practical demands, such as intense sunlight, nuisance insects, and varied ground surfaces. Simple, affordable and underappreciated camping gear is often best suited to handle these conditions.
For example, a high-tech tent won't provide much-added value over basic models that still protect campers from the elements. And as long as a sleeping bag keeps you warm and cozy, extra insulation and features are extraneous. When it comes to camping gear, function trumps form.
Cooking gear tends to be another area where simple, portable items excel over elaborate sets with countless bells and whistles. A versatile pocket knife tackles most cooking tasks just fine.
Underrated Camping Gears Inventory: Tested
Let’s now take a quick look at some of the underrated camping gear that you should be taking along with you.
| Seriously Underrated Camping Gears Inventory |
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Groundsheet
A groundsheet is one of the most versatile and underappreciated pieces of camping gear. Placed under your tent, it protects the tent floor from getting torn by sharp rocks and sticks. It also helps keep ground moisture from seeping into your sleeping area. A groundsheet can also double as a makeshift shelter by stringing a tarp over it or be used as a waterproof picnic blanket to eat meals on.
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Handkerchief
Don't underestimate the versatility of this humble square of cloth for camping. Beyond the obvious use for wiping your nose, a handkerchief serves beautifully as emergency toilet paper, sweat rag, pot holder, dishcloth, towel, bandana, trail marker, and more. Cotton handkerchiefs are soft and absorbent, and air dries quickly. Bandana-style clothes add more colour options. Always carry one handkerchief per person, as it quickly becomes indispensable.
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Slippers
Having a dedicated pair of camp slippers is a clutch after a long day hiking the trails. Give your feet a break from confining hiking boots by slipping into something more breathable and cushier. Lightweight slippers are comfy for lounging around camp. They also provide better insulation and protection for midnight bathroom runs than trekking barefoot across the dewy, twig-strewn ground.
Look for slippers with durable uppers and rugged soles for outdoor use rather than flimsy hotel varieties. Warm slippers make fall and winter camping much cozier. Some camp slippers have removable soles, so you can dry both layers thoroughly after getting them wet rather than staying damp.
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Insect Repellent
Bug spray belongs in every backpack alongside sunscreen as an essential. Without defences against hungry mosquitos and flies, enjoying the great outdoors becomes decidedly less great. Sprays allow full coverage quickly, but choose lotions for use on the face or sunburnt skin. Long-sleeve shirts and pants also deter insects.
DEET remains the gold standard for effectively repelling insect pests, but formulations above 25% provide negligible added benefit. Botanical ingredients like lemon eucalyptus and neem oil work decently for shorter adventures. Reapply repellent every few hours to maintain protection, as it eventually wears off. Treat clothes, tents, packs, and solid camp areas in addition to skin.
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Hat & Sunscreen
Hats help block the intense Australian sun from burning exposed ears, faces, and necks. Broad-brimmed styles with UPF protective fabric provide the best coverage. Chest-flap legionnaire styles add extra protection down the back of the neck. Baseball caps shield eyes and noses well. Rollable and packable designs stash easily when not needed. Look for ventilated, quick-drying hats to stay cooler on long sunny days.
Pair your trusty camp hat with sunscreen for full protection. Look for sweat and water-resistant formulas of SPF 30 or higher specifically designed for outdoor activity and extended wear. Spritz-based chemical sunscreens require frequent reapplication, whereas rub-in lotions and sticks last longer. Cover often forgotten areas like lips, ears, and noses, too. Reapply every 2 hours minimum.
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Multi-tool, Paracord & Duct Tape
Don’t head into the bush without this holy trinity of MacGyver camping gear for handling unexpected repairs and tasks. Compact yet Mighty multi-tools contain an arsenal of implements, including pliers, scissors, knife blades, bottle openers, screwdrivers, and more, all in one palm-sized device. Paracord rope enjoys tremendous strength relative to its lightweight.
Use it for setting tarps, securing camping gear, emergency snares, and anything requiring durable cording. Meanwhile, duct tape patches rips, tears, cracks, and holes in practically anything out in the field. Every camper should keep these three versatile, problem-solving tools on hand.
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Portable Water Filter
Surface water from lakes and streams always requires treatment before drinking to protect against bacteria, parasites, and other nasties. Water filters remove harmful contaminants without leaving an unpleasant chemical taste and odours. Pump filters actively force water through their purification media, while straw or squeeze bottle systems use suction. Ultralight models filter smaller amounts for individual use, but larger capacity gravity feed and bucket systems serve group needs.
The most important factors for water filters are effectively eliminating biological hazards, keeping filtering effort reasonable, and providing enough filtered water per outing. Replace filters regularly as their treatment efficacy decreases over time. Pair your chosen filter with a durable squeeze bottle or hydration reservoir for sipping easily as you adventure.
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Portable Solar Generator
Got the camping gear but nowhere to plug it in? Lack of outlet access can be particularly limiting for aspiring glampers and those embarking on longer excursions far from fuel stops. A camping power station effectively solves the power problem. These handy units soak up abundant solar energy during the day, converting it into usable AC and DC for charging a wide range of electronics at night, including phones, laptops, cameras, headlamps, CPAP devices, and more.
Lighter off-grid solar power systems maximise portability and runtime but provide less overall power. Models with accompanying solar panels actively recharge faster and can still top up via wall plugs at home before and after the trip. With your power plant in tow, device dead zones disappear, so activating that Instagram hotspot stays guilt-free. When the lights go out at night, you’ll have the last laugh firing up the party lighting show, thanks to your solar generator saviour.
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Seasonings
Camp cooking tends toward the simple and repetitive. But carrying a small collection of salt, pepper, spices, sauces, sweeteners, and other flavour boosters prevents bland burnout even after a week of one-pot meals. Compact all-in-one grill and camp cooking spice sets provide solid flavour foundations. Individual favourites tailored to planned meals enhance the taste further. Hence, seasonings are one of the camping essentials you shouldn’t forget.
Look for seasoning blends in reusable shaker and grinder bottles for easy dispensing in small doses. Single-serving condiments and sauce packets need no measuring and help reduce leftovers. Even just a sprinkle of something makes a difference in separating ho-hum hiking food from cuisine de trail worthy of your camp kitchen cred.
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Storage Bags & Trash Bags
Mundane yet mighty essentials like zipper storage bags and trash bags may not quicken pulses like shiny new tents, but no camper should be without ample supplies of both. Resealable plastic bags keep food secured from hungry wildlife, separate dirty and clean clothes, organise gear by type, waterproof items, and much more. Trash bags haul smelly garbage out neatly and prevent messes in transit while doubling as impromptu ponchos or shelter reinforcements.
Look for storage bags designed specifically for rugged outdoor use with durable, high-denier fabrics, enhanced waterproofing and secure seals. Heavy-duty contractor trash bags withstand more abuse than standard bags before tearing. Line packs and panniers to protect contents or tie to exterior lashing points. Using distinct colour trash bags for recyclables simplifies separating materials later. No camper should be caught bagless – storage and trash bags might seem mundane, but they deliver vital utility each outing.
More Creative Gears to Enhance the Experience
Let’s now take a look at some more creative ways to enhance your overall camping experience.
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Binoculars
Don’t forget your binoculars! Beyond magnifying scenic vistas, binoculars unlock closer wildlife encounters with birds, marsupials and more that would otherwise keep their distance or remain hidden. Compact models work nicely without weighing you down. For low-light use, choose ones with 50mm or larger objective lenses and lens coatings. Grab your binoculars when nature calls for a better view.
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Hammock
String up a hammock for the ultimate lounge spot at camp. Relaxing cradled in a swaying nylon cocoon tucked into forest nooks simply feels magical. Hammocking relieves ground pressure points for increased comfort and also works in uneven terrain where standard tents struggle. Integrated bug nets on camping models allow stargazing without getting eaten alive. Combine with a rain fly and under quilt in cooler weather.
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Thermos Flask
Don’t let freshly brewed camp coffee and hot cocoa go tepid prematurely. Insulated thermos flasks keep piping hot drinks pleasant for hours and chilled beverages icy longer. This keeps everyone happy since one batch stays enjoyable for refills. Thermoses also help conserve camp stove fuel. Durable stainless steel flasks withstand the rigours of bumpy camp cooking, while collapsible silicone flasks maximise packability.
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Ambient Lighting
For a more relaxed ambience, string up glowing LED lanterns and fairy lights illuminating communal areas at your camp with a warm glow. Guzzle that campfire cocoa under a flattering firelight. Light up pathways and tent entrances helpfully but gently. Bring battery-powered pendulum lanterns to place on picnic tables during late-night card games surrounded by a twinkling ambience overhead. Your campmates will thank you for the magical atmosphere.
Recommended Outdoor Power Brand – Jackery
When selecting a portable power station for outdoor adventures, Jackery’s products stand out for their uncompromising reliability and durability. Designed specifically with explorers in mind, Jackery power stations provide dependable off-grid power year after year, even when exposed to extreme environments.
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Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station packs premium power into a compact 3.75 kg body ready for backcountry missions. This portable generator charges phones, lights, speakers and small accessories seamlessly with 300W output and 288Wh capacity.
Safety features, such as integrated ChargeShield technology, offer 52 forms of protection, while the durable exterior withstands bumps and weather encountered on the trail.
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Jackery Explorer 600 Plus Portable Power Station
For next-level charging needs at group campsites, the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus Portable Power Station bumps capacity up a notch for running mini-fridges, laptops, and CPAP machines simultaneously without tripping. Integrated handles and wheels make transportation easy peasy over varied terrain.
Rapid 1-hour recharge times( Emergency Super Charging Mode) prevent slowing your crew down. Jackery built the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus Portable Power Station, designed to perform admirably across four seasons while protecting your precious gear with advanced safety measures, including shock-proof shelving and overload prevention.
Conclusion
When prepping for your next camping adventure, make sure to show some love to the unsung heroes of the outdoors. Alongside your tents and trekking poles, squeeze in these functional underappreciated items highlighted here for enhanced comfort, convenience and camp vibes all trip long. You can follow this guide to learn what camping gear Australia you should buy. With handy helpers from versatile Jackery power stations to simple camp slippers by your side, it’s smooth sailing under the stars.