Camping is an excellent way to get out of the city and back to nature. In today’s busy world, a break from the bustle can be essential for your health and wellbeing. But just because you’re roughing it in the wilderness doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go prepared. There are some camping essentials you shouldn’t leave home without like a camping generator. Here’s a quick list of some must-haves for your next camping trip.
Camping Generator
There’s a lot to be said for going off-grid but a lack of power isn’t included. Even if you want to turn your phone off for a few days and get back to nature, you still have to power your other essential camping devices. This is where a portable power generator comes in.
A portable camping generator is designed to power your electronics and small appliances safely and reliably. You want to make sure your choice of generator will cover your usage. When camping, this usually means a range of tools, appliances, and electrical devices so you want something versatile.
The MaxWatt 2000W pure sine wave digital inverter camping generator is a great choice for camping. It’s portable, lightweight, and runs at only 59dB so your campsite won’t sound like a construction site! It also features a smart engine control that reduces engine speed according to the size of the load which boosts fuel efficiency.
With a MaxWatt camping generator, you’ll be able to safely make use of your small appliances and electronics even while fully off-grid.
Solar blanket or solar panel
Solar blankets and solar panels are a must if you don’t want to fully primitive camp. They’ll ensure you’re able to charge your power banks, batteries, and devices – all with the power of the sun.
Which you choose will depend on a few factors.
Solar blankets are better for campers worried about weight and space. Because they fold up, they can be transported and set up incredibly easily. All this while being durable and well-constructed. This ease does come with a bit of a price tag, however.
Solar panels, on the other hand, are far more cost-effective. You get the same functionality for a much more reasonable price. That said, they’re obviously not as easily stored or transported. Solar panels are typically heavy and bulky, so you’ll have to think carefully about how you want to travel with them.
Portable fridge
There’s nothing like cracking a cold drink after a hard day’s drive. When setting up a campsite off-grid, this can be a bit tricky – unless you have a fridge! There are, of course, permanent installations you can go with but we recommend the portable option for the sheer convenience. No more returning to your car or camper each time you want a new beverage – you can set up your portable fridge wherever you like, keeping your cold items within arm’s reach.
When choosing a portable fridge you should look for a few things:
- Low current drain. This is a specific indication of how long your battery will last.
- Thermostat and thermometer. Portable fridges are typically exposed to a far wider range of temperatures than a kitchen appliance. An integrated thermometer is essential for monitoring the temperature of your fridge while an adjustable thermostat ensures you can adjust it to the right temperature when needed.
- A fridge with thicker walls and insulation will typically mean your portable fridge is more efficient and will use less power.
With the right portable fridge, your camping experience will be far more convenient and comfortable than forgoing cooling options altogether.
Quality tent
Unless you’re caravanning, you’ll want to invest in a great quality tent. The right tent will be easy to put up and pack down, insulated or airy enough for the intended environment, and study enough to withstand inclement weather.
If you’re camping with others (and intend to share a tent) make sure you get a tent big enough to fit you all, and your baggage. A four-person tent may technically fit four people, but it won’t leave any room for clothing or extra bedding etc. Instead, if travelling with four, you ought to opt for a six-person tent.
You should also be mindful of how many doors there are in your tent. If you’re sleeping with a family, it can be a good idea to get a tent with two entrances so you’re not all clambering over each other to enter and exit.
Finally, be sure to look for a tent with sturdy flooring. Your tent floor ought to protect you and your belongings from moisture on the ground, however, it’s still a good idea to use a ‘footprint’ as added protection. A footprint is a specially designed piece of fabric or tarping that is laid under your tent to protect it from abrasions. Most tent manufacturers will offer a footprint as standard.
Navigation
There’s nothing worse than getting lost on a camping trip. This is why you have to ensure you have a way to reliably navigate your journey as well as any adventures you might have while on your trip.
When choosing a method of navigation, ensure it can work both on and offline. Relying on Google maps in the city might be a breeze but if you’re somewhere without reception things can get dicey. Certain navigation setups are also great for plotting any points of interest including campsites, rest areas, tourist attractions, and more.
Even if you opt for an electronic navigation device, always keep a paper backup map in the event of an emergency. Electronics can lose connectivity or break down – a paper map will ensure you always have a sense of where you’re going.
Prepare well for your next camping trip
Camping is a great way to get back to nature. Whether you’re pitching your tent at a designated campsite or exploring the wilds, having the right equipment with you like a camping generator is the best way to keep your experience fun and stress-free.