Experienced campers are fully aware of the area they are visiting and always check weather forecast before they set off.

Extreme Conditions

Some regions experience extreme conditions for either part of the year or all year around. You need to educate yourself on these facts or you will end up as another news story about missing campers or campers who had to be airlifted out.

As well making sure your equipment is suitable for the weather and terrain, stop and think about whether you are as well. If your idea of roughing it is usually a two-star motel then camping near the summit of Mt Kosciusko may not be your cup of tea and no amount of great equipment is going to make the experience any better.

Camping takes a certain amount of toughness, don’t kid yourself about what you enjoy, you’ll just end up having a bad experience.

Tag It

Do you know that little tags on products that we know are there but we rarely read? Well if you want to make sure you are lugging around the right gear, read the tag! Manufacturers will tell you what the equipment should be used for and what it is capable of  – don’t forget to read them!

Conditions to be aware of

• Extreme cold – be aware of areas that get cold and particularly those that experience snow. Many locations at a high altitude have this issue, especially at night
• Extreme heat – if you are camping in summer or camping in northern Australia then you need
• Humidity – humidity can bring complications of its own such as mosquitos. If you are travelling to an area that has mosquitos then you need to ensure you have repellent and perhaps a mosquito net
• Altitude – although not common in Australia, if you are camping in a mountainous region be aware that high altitudes can cause altitude sickness.
• Wet Season – During wet seasons there will be some areas that are unsuitable, and unsafe, for camping. Most areas experience the big wet from October to April.

Hazards

• Bushfires – these can start and spread quickly and can be deadly. Keep your eye on the horizon and your ear to the radio.
• Floods – usually occur after heavy rains but can rise quickly. If you are by a waterway and there has been rain, get advice.
• Wildlife – possums and wallabies may look cute from a distance, but they can do serious damage to your campsite if they go foraging for food. Keep food under lock and key and tent flaps closed.
• Slippery Suckers – Australia has snakes and crocodiles. We may not like it but that is the way it is. Make sure your tent flaps are in good working order and keep them locked at all times.

All the research in the world isn’t going to beat a conversation with the experienced camper turned sales assistant at the local camping equipment store.

The main advantage of using a speciality store is capturing the knowledge of the staff. They will have used much of the equipment on sale and may have personal experience with the area you are visiting. Don’t be too proud to ask questions, it may save your life!