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When you take your 4WD camping, you can explore breathtaking, remote areas that are otherwise inaccessible by foot or with a standard car. However, to enjoy a successful 4WD camping trip, you must plan carefully and pack all the right equipment.
Use the guide below to ensure an unforgettable and safe off-road camping experience.
Essentials
The first things you pack should be the car camping essentials. This will be the foundation of your trip. Before you add nice-to-have items, be sure the most crucial stuff gets into the car.
What should this include?
- First aid kit
- Enough water for all people for the duration of the trip
- Non-perishable food like dried meats and fruits and protein bars
- Navigational tools like a map, GPS, or compass
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Vital tools for the car if something goes wrong
- Shelter and protection from the elements
Toolkit
A toolkit might not be on your regular car camping packing list, but if you’re driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle to your destination, you don’t want to be caught without the tools you’d need if something goes awry. A well-stocked toolkit should include items like a spare tyre and jack and other maintenance tools like screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and sockets.
You can find a roundup of all the must-have gear in our complete guide to van life in Australia.
Shelter
Shelter is also a bare-bones essential. Don’t leave home without it. A great thing about 4WD camping is that it’s easy to set up a shelter in the car. Rooftop tents are a great option that keeps you off the ground and comfortable no matter your conditions.
Choose one that’s waterproof and spacious enough for one or two people. Make sure you know how to set it up beforehand.
You might also opt for a standard tent. In either case, make sure you also pack a sleeping bag or mattress, pillow, and tarp for underneath or extra shade. Bring stakes and a mallet to secure a ground tent to the ground.
Recovery
If this is your first time 4WD camping, recovery might be a new term for you. Recovery refers to correcting issues if the vehicle gets stuck while venturing off the road.
Recovery Boards
Recovery boards should always be included in the packing list when taking a 4WD camping trip. They are essential in sandy or muddy terrain and can rescue your car if stuck. These boards are usually lightweight but durable and provide traction if the wheels can’t get out of position.
Avoid getting the car bogged down in the first place, but if recovery is needed, always follow safety precautions and use your recovery boards to rectify the situation.
Winch
A winch will help if you find yourself in a bad situation while exploring in your 4WD. They allow you to connect your car to another vehicle if it needs pulling out of a mud pit, and they also give you the ability to help other 4WD vehicles in distress. But don’t just pack it and forget it. Learn how to use the winch before your camping trip so you can immediately get to work if needed.
Gear
The right gear can make your 4WD camping experience safer and more comfortable. Lighting and power can be taken for granted at home, but they’re absolute game-changers when camping off-grid.
Lighting
Lighting will ensure safety after the sun goes down. Pack battery-powered lanterns, headlamps, string lights, or flashlights – and bring extra batteries so you’ll never have to get by in the dark.
Power
If you don’t want to rely on individual batteries, you can bring a more comprehensive solution like a portable power station to keep the lights on, cook, keep your food chilled, stay connected, and camp comfortably. The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max is a great choice – compact but powerful enough for short camping trips.
Need something for a more extended adventure? Consider the EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger that can keep your power up while you drive.
If versatility is most important, the EcoFlow Smart Generator (Dual Fuel) provides extra power security because it can run on gasoline or propane.
Food
You need to eat, so you must pack items that allow you to do that. From the ingredients to the cooking tools, don’t head out on a 4WD camping trip without the sustenance your body requires.
Food and Drink
Plan your meals so you can prepare and pack accordingly. Bring pre-chopped or prepped fruits, vegetables, or items you can throw into a pan over the fire. Consider dried foods that just need rehydrating with hot water.
Bring plenty of clean drinking water, and think about bringing electrolytes to replenish your body after long days outdoors.
Cooking Essentials
Cooking essentials include a camping stove, cast-iron pan, pot, kettle for boiling water, and utensils to cook, serve, and eat your food. Also, remember that you’ll need to wash up after, so bring eco-friendly soap that’s safe for dishes.
Cooler or Portable Fridge
If you’re bringing fresh food, keeping it fresh is critical. You can pack a cooler with ice or use the high-tech EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator, which provides cooling, freezing, and ice-making capabilities.
Comfort
Who says camping can’t be comfortable? Don’t give up all the comforts of home when spending time in the great outdoors. Pack things like furniture and soft bedding to bring a bit of luxury to the experience.
Furniture
Furniture might sound excessive, but we’re not talking about couches and coffee tables. We mean camping chairs, small folding tables to assemble food, and hammocks to hang up for more seating. These additions allow you to relax at the campsite with more than just what nature offers.
Bedding
Good bedding is underrated for camping. A high-quality sleeping bag and ground mat will help you get good rest. An inflatable mattress is also a great idea if you prefer more elevation while you sleep. Don’t forget your favourite pillows and extra blankets for cold nights by the fire or snuggled up in your tent.
Heating/Cooling
Camping weather can be unpredictable. Pack the EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC for extra cooling inside your tent or vehicle if you’re heading out in the warmer months. Consider bringing a portable heater in the winter, but only use it with proper ventilation.
Final Thoughts
4WD camping expands the places you can explore and elevates your camping experience. Before starting your first 4WD camping adventure, remember the above tips to stay powered up, prepared, and comfortable.
With proper preparation and packed equipment like EcoFlow Portable Power Stations, you may decide that 4WD camping is the only way for you.