Ever since school, the words Summer Holidays have meant something special. Most Australians are lucky enough to enjoy a 6-week break when they are at school over January and either side of it.

For those working, planning time off for school holiday fun with the kids, or just some well-deserved downtime often means pulling out the camping gear and heading to our favourite spots.

Who can blame us? We live in such an amazing country with some truly spectacular destinations!

What was once just a simple tent and the family, has grown into camper trailers, rooftop tents, 19+ foot caravans and quite amazing setups with everything including the kitchen sink.

To help you enjoy these Summer holidays, we have put together a list of accessories and items to improve your experience in the great outdoors.

---

Setting up Camp

Depending on where you are camping will determine what your accommodation will be.

For those towing a caravan, you are pretty much set up for accommodation. You just need to book your holiday park or be set up to free camp with solar panels, extra water tanks and sanitary solutions.

If it's just you and your mate, or you are running solo, a simple swag might be the best option. Easy to set up and pack away, as well as being small enough to carry on a roof rack, a ute back or even a motorbike.

We have some great swag options available from Darche and Campboss that will keep you insect free and dry when out in the wilderness.

Taking your 4x4? An awning on the side of your vehicle can provide extra protection from the elements and take away some of the harsh heat of the sun, as well as deflecting the rain and condensation.

Our awnings are available in a range of sizes and configurations depending on what you are looking to achieve. A simple 2 or 2.5-metre side awning is great for a couple of swags to camp under, or a 270-degree awning will protect more area around your car for things like food preparation and changing clothes.

If you are camping somewhere like the Northern Territory or far north Queensland and fear uninvited guests visiting throughout the night, why not opt for a rooftop tent?

Our rooftop tents provide accommodation off the ground on the roof of your 4x4 or trailer, and feature mosquito netting and window awnings to protect you from that morning sun after a big night, or rain on a hot night.

They are quite simple to set up and pack away, and conveniently hold your mattress and blankets whilst stored away.

Of course, you do not need to be limited by space when all set up. We have a range of awnings and annexes that can extend your camping rooms.

---

Making Breakfast

Just because you are away from home, does not mean you have to eat poorly. There is a range of exciting new camp ovens and kitchen accessories to satisfy even the fussiest camp chef.

Why not build up your recipe repertoire of camp oven meals with the new CampBoss Ultimate Camp cooking Bundle? Now you can roast, bake, fry or boil just like Jase and the team from All 4 Adventure. The possibilities are endless from dinner delights to desserts that will make your fellow campers drool.

Need a BBQ set up for your morning bacon, eggs, sausages and mushrooms?

The stainless steel fold up options from Darche make storage and setup easy and expand your cooking capabilities when out camping. It will come in handy when you catch that fish that always gets away from you.

---

Relax like a King

After all the hard work of setting up camp and making dinner, you will need a few essentials like a good camp chair and a hard-working fridge.

Reliable camping furniture is often overlooked. We have a range of collapsible camping chairs to keep you cozy and comfortable as you enjoy a meal, a drink, or a story or two with your mates.

Do not forget chairs for the kids or they will want to sit on your lap all day.

We even have camp chairs with side tables and drink holders. They are available online, or you can come into our store and find the best fit for your body and budget.

You will need somewhere to put all your things that are not the ground. Pick up a sturdy fold-out camp table. Easy to store away, light, and perfect as a kitchen table.

When it comes to storing your fruit and veg, meats and drinks, a reliable fridge freezer is needed.

Select from a range of sizes depending on your needs and the length of time you plan to be away.

Having a dual compartment can be handy to freeze items to last longer. Larger fridges can also fit more drinks, larger bottles, and the big fish you are going to catch.

The fridge can be mounted in your car, camper or van to avoid it moving around during your travels. We offer a range of solutions including tie-downs, fridge slides, and dropdowns.

To maximise the efficiency of your fridge, you can use a fridge cover. This is very relevant when you are mounting the fridge externally such as on a ute back or in a canopy.

To protect your cans and bottles during transit, we suggest trying out MSA 4x4’s Stubbie and Tinnie tubes. These are neoprene covers that protect both your fridge and contents.

Drop-in or jump online to check out the range of sizes for fridge freezer models.

---

Do not be afraid of the Dark

Your iPhone light is just not going to cut it out camping. Get serious with a good quality torch or lantern.

We also have work lamps and spotlights for your 4x4 or van. With a range of LED options, as well as power solutions including solar and dual battery systems, you can set up a lighting solution that works best for your camping environment.

Heading out to your favourite fishing spot after the sun has gone to bed, or before it rises? Try a head-mounted lamp to give you hands-free lighting. You will wonder how you did without it for so long.

If you are travelling at night, a good quality light bar or driving lights can make a big difference. Choose from spot and spread beams, LED, halogen, curved bars and more.

---

Getting there Safely

Most importantly, make sure you get to your Summer camping adventures safely.

If towing a caravan or camping trailer, be sure your 4WD is set up correctly including suspension and airbags, towing hitch and load levelling, electric brakes and weight calculations.

The workshop team at All Four X 4 can help with your towing setups. Get your four-wheel drive correctly set up and checked over before towing.

If you are travelling with your vehicle alone, the same applies in terms of suspension setup and weight calculations. You will also need to consider your storage options for the gear you are bringing.

Often enough, that ideal fishing spot, beach camp, or remote camping spot will require some off-road driving.

If you are travelling alone especially, be sure to have recovery gear packed in case you get stuck. Getting bogged before you get to your campsite is not a good way to start a summer holiday adventure.

Whether you are towing or not, be sure to look after your tyres by correctly adjusting pressures. Having an on-board air compressor and a good quality tyre deflator can make navigating corrugated roads and sandy tracks a lot simpler.

The team and workshop at All Four X 4 in Kotara are ready to help you make the most of your Summer adventures, as well as ensure your four-wheel drive is up to the task.

Book in today for all your pre-road trip servicing and safety checks, towing setups, and suspension upgrades.

Our online store and shop have your camping needs covered from fridges to frypans, tents to tools, and chairs to…… well almost everything to do with 4WD adventuring and camping.

How can we help you?

article by Adventure Unplanned