Whether you are a back packer travelling light or a family of six looking to camp in style, there is a supplier out there for you who will deck you out with everything you need.

There are camping equipment hire companies that do long term, short term and everything in between.

Do I have to pick it up?

Each rental company will vary but most will deliver to you. In some cases there is a charge involved and most will only deliver within a certain geographical area so if you don’t have transport, check before you pay. Most companies will require you to return the gear to where it was picked-up from or delivered to. If you want to pick up in one location and drop off at another speak with the company about this requirement as it won’t be available in all cases.

Is it cheaper to just buy the stuff?

If you are an infrequent camper then you may get a better deal by hiring the equipment. Camping equipment needs to be maintained and stored and this won’t always be possible in some houses. Sometimes renting your equipment will allow you try out new things before you commit by buying one yourself. How do you really know how you feel about camping dunnies until you try one out?

The Essentials

• Tents – tents of all sizes can be rented. From a two man to a deluxe family compound they can all be hired, just make sure you know how to put them up.
• Campervans – if you aren’t quite up for tent camping, then try hiring a campervan and seeing how you like it. Most sizes are available to rent.
• Trailers – once you have stocked up on rented camping gear you may find it doesn’t fit in your car. Many hire companies also hire trailers to transport all your goodies.
• Bedding – bedding of every variety from sways to self-inflating mattresses are available. Stretcher beds are popular but many places don’t supply linen so you will probably have to provide your own.

Life’s little luxuries

• Ensuites – don’t fancy digging a hole or washing in the river, not to worry, you can rent camping toilets and camping showers. You can even rent the hot water system for the shower!
• Eskies – you have to have access to cold drinks when camping. If you don’t have an eskie of your own, just hire one.
• Generators – if you really need to keep those coldies cold, then a portable fridge with generator may be just up your alley.
• Cooking – you can hire ovens that run off the generator or ones that hook up to gas bottles. You can even hire the equipment to cook over an open fire if that is your "cup of tea".
• Lights – rechargeable lights that you recharge using either solar power or off your generator can be hired. No need to bed down when it gets dark anymore.
• Heating – yes believe it or not, you can get heaters for camping. They usually run off butane canisters and are safe to use in tents.

Most camping gear hire companies are located in major population centres or around areas that are popular with campers. Make sure you check the prices and availability well before your planned break.