Camping trips are a great way to get close to nature. On the contrary, it can be troublesome if you’re a first-time camper. You need to bring tons of things, and you can get overwhelmed and confused.
It is best to have a guideline and list of the essential equipment you need to carry to your camping site.
Here we’ve listed the best 20 essential camping gear that will help you make your list and buy what you don’t have already in your collection.
WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?
A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Essential Camping Gear for Malaysians
1. Camping Tent
A tent is something that shelters us, so you need to choose it carefully. Try to buy a bigger tent to get the most comfort. A 3-person tent is perfect for couples camping. Likewise, if you are camping with family or friends, try to buy a 6-person tent.
Make sure you measure the floor-length and ceiling height so that you don’t have to struggle to sit up straight or stretch out completely.
A two-door tent will make your exit more effortless, and you’ll not crawl over your partner for a mid-night toilet break.
You can buy a tent from Decathlon, Lazada, or Shopee. The price depends on its size and features. A tent may cost you between RM 150.00 (U$35.45) to RM 350.00 (U$82.72).
Pro-Tip: Practice pitching the tent at home. It is really important to have a trial and ensure that everything is okay. And you can fix it if anything is wrong at home, not at campsites!
2. Sleeping Bag
To have a good sleep at camping, you need a suitable sleeping bag that will keep you warm. So, you certainly understand temperature rating is a substantial part when you’re choosing a sleeping bag. I would prefer to have a 3-season bag to adjust the temperature according to your needs.
Another important thing you need to consider when purchasing sleeping bags is rectangular vs Mummy. Rectangular bags will give you more space to roam. On the other hand, Mummy bags will make you warm, which is suitable when the weather is cold.
For the best price and service, buy your sleeping bag from Decathlon, Lazada, or Shopee. A sleeping bag may cost low as RM 20.00 to high as RM 200.00. It depends on your interest!
3. Sleeping pad/mattress
A sleeping pad or mattress will prevent your body from getting cold or hurt by the ground. It makes a layer of cushioning and insulating. So, when you buy a sleeping pad, make sure it includes enough insulation. At the same time, purchase a lightweight mattress so that you can easily carry it in your backpack.
You can go with Lazada, Shopee, or Decathlon for a sleeping pad. All of them provide good products at a reasonable price. It may cost low as RM 50.00 to high as RM 200.00.
4. Camping Pillow
It is said that “a pillow is a camping luxury”. But how could you possibly enjoy your camping if you have neck pain? Bringing a camping pillow on camping is definitely an option. But I would recommend you take one for your own good. There are many camping pillows available in the shops that are comfortable and affordable.
You might be thinking that you can bring a pillow from home. But trust me, it’s not a good option because you may carry lots of germs with it. Within just RM 29.00, you can have a comfortable pillow from Decathlon, Shopee or Lazada.
5. Camping Lantern and Headlamp
After dark, it would be hard for you to move anywhere in the camp without a flashlight or headlamp. We have mentioned headlamp because it will keep your hand free, whether you are eating, climbing over rocks, or answering nature’s call.
On the other hand, a lantern will give you light overnight. You can keep it inside your tent or the eating areas. Its light is not as bright as a headlamp but enough to eat, read or move around your tent.
You can buy a Solar Rechargeable Camping Lantern from Lazada for RM 16.99 whereas Decathlon gives the best deal for a headlamp that may cost RM 25.00 to RM 100.00 (U$23.63).
6. Camping Chair
Not every time you can enjoy sightseeing by sitting on the hard ground. You need a camping chair, whether for sightseeing on the beach or warming around the campfire. The backpackers prefer a lightweight chair or chair kit to carry it easily. Some kits allow you to transform a sleeping pad into a chair.
The camp chair is really affordable—no matter where you purchase it. But for the various options and facilities, you can check Shopee. Between RM 28.00 to RM 150.00 you can have a great camp chair.
7. Water Bottle
For any kind of journey, a water bottle is essential. You always need to hydrate yourself! Carrying a water bottle is not so tough, but it’s a vital part of your camping. So make sure you include it on your list and bring one with you to the campsite.
If you have your favourite water bottle, then take it with you to the campsite. If you don’t, then it is a chance to buy one. The water bottle is available at any nearby shop, or you can simply order online from Lazada, Shopee, or Decathlon. It may cost RM 9.00 to RM 25.00.
8. Portable Stoves
It is obvious that to prepare your meal you need a portable stove. Besides cooking your food, you can boil water to purify it and make warm drinks like tea or coffee. You can have a backpacking-style stove, or a classic one depends on your budget.
Most of the time, liquid fuel stove servers well at campsites. In that case, you can opt for Lazada or Shopee, which may cost RM 209.00
9. Pack of Matches or lighter
A pack of matches is a small thing that we often forget to bring. But it is essential to start a fire. Without a lighter, starting a fire can be troublesome and requires time. Fire is crucial for cooking or getting yourself warm, so re-check your list and include a pack of matches.
A pack of matches or lighter is really accessible at any nearby shop, and you can use it for years.
10. Cooking supplies
You surely need some cooking supplies like a pot for boiling water and a frying pan for frying your tasty meal. You will have the absolute joy of camping when you cook in the open flame with the entire group. Don’t miss the chance!
Cookeries come from RM 18.00 to RM 149.00 depending on size and weight. Check out Lazada or Shopee for more information!
11. Plates cups and spoons
Often campers feel idyllic about taking plates, cups and spoons. But to be very honest it helps you a lot at your mealtime. At the same time, those dishes reduce your waste and keep the area clean.
You may take dishes from your home or buy a set that is lighter in weight from Lazada or Shopee. Between RM 45.00 to RM 60.00 you can have a good set of plates, cups, and spoons.
Tip: Try to clean the area every night and store that garbage in a box. So, you don’t have to worry about unwanted creatures, and the property also remains clean and beautiful.
12. Coffee and dry food
Whether you have a lack of food or leisure appetite, coffee and dry food will always be helpful. Most of us need coffee for a fresh morning start. As a beginner, you may forget to include coffee and dry food. But at the camp, you certainly will miss them, so consider putting coffee and dry food on your list.
At any nearby grocery shop, you can buy coffee and dry food according to your need.
13. Cooler
To keep your food fresh, you definitely need a cooler. It is not possible to keep your groceries or any meal fresh and eatable without a cooler. Nowadays, most camping sites sell ice, so you don’t have to worry if it melts. You can always re-up your cooler.
The price of the cooler box depends on its size and features. It can be low as RM 40.00 and high as RM 229.00 It is available on Decathlon, Lazada, and Shopee.
14. Knife
A knife is an essential tool that you need for camping. Whether it is to slice your veggies or fix your tent, a knife is always necessary.
Most backpackers choose a pocket knife which is also camping essential, and it takes almost no space. Consider taking multiple blades so you can make your work effortless.
From RM 11.00 to RM 66.00 you’ll get a fine set of multiple knives at Shopee.
15. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is the most important thing for your camping. It is common to get burned, scratched, bumped, or cut on an active camping trip. You can borrow a first aid box from home or purchase one. For the entire camping group, one kit is enough!
Check out Shopee or Lazada for the best deal. It may cost you between RM 19.00 to RM 99.00
16. Towel & Soap
You can’t spend your camping days being dirty, right! To keep yourself clean and get some refreshment, you have to take a shower. So don’t forget to bring your favourite towel and soap with you from home. Or buy a new one from any nearby shop.
17. Toilet Paper
The campsite may provide you with full facilities. But it is always safe to have your own stuff. And trust me, you’ll not regret bringing toilet paper with you!
On the contrary, if you’re an adventure seeker and have gone camping where there are no amenities, toilet paper will help you a lot.
It is available at any shop, so you don’t need to hustle for toilet paper.
18. Sun & Bug Protection
Sun and bug protection is a worthwhile investment while you’re going camping. We spend most of our camping days roaming outside when the sun is in full flame. Especially our kids who never stop running in the open ground. In those cases, to protect your kiddos and yourselves, you need sunburn cream and a bug spray or cream.
There are many sun and bug lotions available at the nearby grocery stores. Choose one that suits your skin.
19. Alternate Weather Wear
For beginners, it is essential to choose your clothes wisely. You may have checked the weather before you’ve left your house. But unfortunately, the weather can change any minute, so it is better to be prepared for that.
Try not to choose cotton fabric as it doesn’t insulate much. Synthetic or wool fabric can be a good option for camping. Take a waterproof Jacket and loose-fit pants, and if you’re going hiking, don’t forget to bring your hiking boots or shoes.
You will probably not feel tired to shop for clothes for your camping. But make sure that you choose them wisely as there are many options available at Lazada, Shopee, and Decathlon.
20. Maps and Compass
You may have GPS on your phone and vehicle, but unfortunately, not every area of your campsite can cover the GPS. Especially when you go hiking or jungle tracking, you certainly need a map and compass not to lose your way.
You have to collect a map from the area where you’re camping. And for a compass, check out Lazada, where you’ll get a camping survival compass at just RM 8.20
Pro Tips: Besides all the equipment mentioned above, make sure you take some stuff of your own like toothpaste & brush, some prescription medicines that you may need, mini-size shampoo, moisturiser, lip balm, etc.
FAQs
What are the five must-bring things you need for camping?
The five must-bring things are: Lantern and Headlamp, First Aid Kit, Knife, Water Bottle, Sun & Bug Protection
Is it necessary to bring a tent?
It depends on the campsites. Some campsites rent camping gear, including tents.
Do I need to buy all the camping gear?
No. Some camping equipment is available for rent. So you can borrow those gear in exchange for little money. At the same time, you can take some from your home. The rest you can buy.
Can I sleep in a tent during bad weather?
Yes. You can. It will shelter you, but if the weather gets too lousy tent can not protect you.
Should I use a sleeping pad under a tent?
Yes. You certainly should use a sleeping pad or mattress to protect yourself from the cold and hard ground.
What kind of cloth should I bring?
Something that gives your comfort and is suitable for the weather. Moreover, keep in mind where you are camping. If it is for hiking, take your hiking boots.
