Tips To Preparing For Your Outback Camping Trip

Camping in the Outback can be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Read on to know how to prepare for this fantastic trip.

The Australian Outback is one of the favorite destinations for campers around the world. The wilderness of the outback makes it to an adventure lover's bucket list. The feeling of being one with nature as the sun rises over the red earth of the Outback is truly magical. This makes the whole experience unique and creates memories to cherish for a lifetime.

We have compiled a list of practical tips to make the most of your next Outback adventure. So, read on to start planning your next Outback camping trip.

Pick The Best Spot To Pitch Your Tent

The sun can get harsh in the Outback. The red earth can get hot during the day as the sun warms the air and the land very quickly in the early morning. This can make camping in the open very difficult and extremely uncomfortable. So, you need to pitch your tent or swag in an area with a fair amount of shade for your protection and comfort. Check this camping swag guide to get the right swag that fits your needs.

Protection From The Sun

Speaking of the sun, let us reiterate the fact that the sun in the Outback is extreme. This makes it very essential that you protect yourself from it and shield yourself from the sun and stay hydrated at all times. This is important when you are hiking or just hanging out near the camp. You need to protect your skin from direct exposure to the sun, so be sure to pack shirts and trousers with long-sleeves. Sun hats with wide rims can also provide good protection, and a high SPF sunscreen is a must to protect yourself from sunburn and harmful UV rays. Camping in the Outback will make you sweat quite a bit, so you need to make up for the essential electrolytes and salts your body will be losing through sweat. So be sure to pack some rehydration salts in your toiletry bag to compensate for the loss of salts through sweating.

Pick Your Sleeping Bag Wisely

The Australian Outback is notoriously known for its scorching and hot days, but the nights can get equally cold and freezing as temperatures drop drastically after hours. That is why you must get a good quality sleeping bag so that you can cozy up to a warm night's sleep instead of freezing through the night. Your sleeping bag should be lightweight and warm, not to mention easy to pack. Also, check out if it adheres to the health regulatory requirements.

There Will Be Lots Of Flies

It's not a surprise that there will be lots of flies in the outback. They are more in number in the summer, but they can be found all year round. They will love to buzz around your face, as it is a source of moisture for them in the scorching dry heat. To keep flies at bay, you can use a fly net around your head while you are out on a hike to keep the flies away.

Be Prepared For The Wildlife Of The Outback

When you sleep on the ground inside your swag or tent, you will be coming into very close contact with the Outback's local insects. So you could see a few scorpions and spiders as you will be camping on their turf. The good news is that most of these insects are totally harmless, so please do not go about squashing the insects if you see them. They are an important part of the ecosystem that makes the Outback so beautiful. However, make sure you check your boots and shake them thoroughly before putting them on in the morning to ensure no critter has nested in them.

The Night Will Be Totally Dark

Not that this is a surprise, it will be pitch dark during the nights, so that is great news if you plan to do some stargazing. But this also makes a casual stroll around the campsite very dangerous. The light from your phone is not going to suffice, so be sure to carry a powerful but compact torch that has long-lasting batteries to show you the way at night.

Pack The Right Gear For Your Feet

You need to pack thick hiking socks, a pair for running or hiking, and a pair to wear while sleeping. Be sure to pack boots or shoes for walking and runners or cross-trainers for more vigorous expeditions. A convenient choice is to get some trail runners that you can use as both running and walking shoes. When choosing sandals, it is recommended to get adventure sandals with thicker soles and allow you to wear socks with them. The locals advise you against picking thongs or flip-flops for the outback. The red earth is filled with tough burrs that will pierce the flip-flops and damage your skin.

Other Essentials

Be sure to include headlamps if you want to read at night. It also helps for cooking in the dark. Packing a water bottle or two is a must. Another good and handy inclusion is a backpacking stove. These are lighter and easy to use and can boil water in less than 3 minutes. If you are a photography fan, you should not miss carrying SD cards and a charger to charge your camera. A spare battery and a tripod will help with extensive photography. Be sure to include your mobile phone and iPod chargers as well.

Camping in the outback can be the most fantastic excursion you have ever been on, provided you are well prepared for it. Hopefully, this article will help you cover the basics. So gear up for the adventure of your lifetime, and don't forget to take enough photographs so that you can look back on the wonderful memories forever.