If you’re dreaming of hitting the road for a last-minute camping trip, having a well-stocked camping go box can make all the difference. With your gear ready to grab and go, you can say yes to those spontaneous adventures without the hassle of packing every time. But how do you decide what should go into your camping storage box? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to put together the ultimate camping go box, so you’re always prepared for your next outdoor escape. Whether you’re off to the beach, bush, or mountains, this checklist will ensure you’re covered for every adventure.
What is a Camping Go Box?
A camping go box is a pre-packed storage box that holds all your essential camping gear. The idea is to have everything you need in one place, so when the mood strikes, you can simply grab your box, throw it in the car, and go. Whether you’re heading to the beach, bush, or mountains, you’ll always be prepared.
The beauty of a camping go box is that it saves time, eliminates the stress of forgetting key items, and encourages more spontaneous travel. We love knowing that all the basics are covered, so we can enjoy more time outdoors and less time scrambling to pack.
1. Shelter and Sleeping Gear
Let’s start with the essentials for a comfortable night’s sleep under the stars. You’ll want your shelter and sleeping gear packed and ready to go:
Tent: A compact, easy-to-pitch tent works well for quick trips.
Sleeping Bag: A general-purpose sleeping bag is ideal for three-season use in Australia.
Sleeping Pad: An inflatable sleeping pad for insulation and comfort.
Camping Pillow: It may seem like a luxury, but trust us, a camping pillow makes a big difference.
Having these basics in your go box means you can always set up camp wherever the road takes you.
2. Cooking Essentials
You don’t need a fully equipped kitchen for spontaneous camping, but there are a few essentials we never leave behind:
Compact Stove: A small camping stove is great for boiling water and cooking up simple meals.
Fuel Canister: Don’t forget to check that you’ve got enough gas before heading out.
Lightweight Cookware: A pot, pan, and basic utensils will cover most meals.
Cutlery Set: It’s always a good idea to have a dedicated set of cutlery packed, so you’re not raiding the kitchen at the last minute.
Reusable Plate and Cup: Because a freshly cooked meal is not much good if you can’t actually eat it.
You don’t need gourmet equipment, but having the basics means you can easily whip up a meal on the go without worrying about what to pack.
3. Lighting
We’ve learned the hard way that a reliable light source is a must for camping. Here’s what we recommend:
Headlamp: Perfect for hands-free lighting around the campsite or for late-night trips to the loo.
Lantern: A small lantern creates a cosy atmosphere in camp and helps you avoid blinding everyone with your headlamp.
Make sure you have fresh batteries or a way to recharge these items. With the right lighting, you can keep the adventure going long after the sun sets.
4. First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit is one of those things that you hope you’ll never need but should always have on hand. Pack:
Bandages, Antiseptic Wipes, and Pain Relief: These cover the basics of first aid.
Snake Bite Kit: Particularly important if you’re heading into the bush or away from civilisation, a snake bite kit is essential, and usually comes included in most good first aid kits.
Insect Repellent: Make sure you pack a repellent to keep those mozzies at bay.
Keep the first aid kit in an easy-to-reach spot in your go box so it’s always ready in case of an emergency.
5. Fire-Making Tools
Whether it’s for warmth or cooking, fire is a key part of any camping trip. In your go box, be sure to include:
Lighter or Matches: Pack waterproof matches or a reliable lighter.
Fire Starters: Great for getting a campfire going quickly, especially in wet conditions.
Campfire Safety: Don’t forget to check local fire restrictions before lighting up.
Being able to quickly and safely build a fire makes camping more comfortable and enjoyable, whether you’re roasting marshmallows or keeping warm on cool nights.
6. Water and Hydration
We all know how important hydration is, especially in Australia’s often hot and dry conditions. Your go box should include:
Water Bottles or a Water Carrier: Bring enough water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
Water Purifier or Tablets: If you plan on sourcing water from natural sources, pack a portable water filter or purification tablets.
Packing water essentials ensures that you’ll always have clean, safe drinking water, no matter where you end up.
7. Tools and Repair Gear
You don’t need a full toolbox, but a few key items can be lifesavers when you’re camping:
Multi-Tool: A good multi-tool covers everything from cutting rope to opening a can of beans.
Duct Tape: No toolbox is complete without a roll, which can fix just about anything in a pinch.
Paracord: Handy for everything from rigging up tarps to securing gear.
A well-packed go box ensures that you’re prepared for minor repairs and unexpected challenges.
8. Personal Care Items
It’s easy to overlook personal care when packing for a spontaneous adventure, but having a few essentials packed in advance can make your trip more comfortable:
Biodegradable Soap: Useful for washing dishes, hands, and even yourself while keeping in line with Leave No Trace principles.
Toilet Paper: Trust us, you don’t want to forget this one.
Quick-Dry Towel: A small, lightweight towel comes in handy for drying off after a swim or washing up.
9. Snacks and Non-Perishable Food
For those last-minute camping trips, having a few non-perishable food items ready to go can save you from a rushed grocery run. Pack:
Instant Meals: Quick and easy meals like noodles or freeze-dried options are perfect for spontaneous trips.
Snacks: Keep a stash of trail mix, energy bars, and other non-perishables in your go box for a quick bite on the go.
Coffee or Tea: Whether you’re a coffee drinker or a tea lover, having your favourite brew ready to go makes mornings at camp that much better.
10. Expedition 134 Storage Box
Now that you’ve got all your camping essentials ready, you need the perfect camping storage box to store them. An Expedition 134 storage box is ideal for keeping everything organised, secure, and protected from the elements. These waterproof and dustproof storage boxes are tough enough to handle Australia’s harsh conditions, and they’ll keep your gear dry and ready for your next adventure. Learn more about Expedition 134 storage boxes here.
Get Ready to Go!
Creating a camping go box is one of the easiest ways to make spontaneous adventures a reality. By keeping your essentials packed and ready to go, you’ll save time, avoid the hassle of packing, and always be prepared for that last-minute camping trip. From shelter to cooking gear, safety items, and storage, having everything in one place means you can simply grab your box and hit the road—no excuses!
With your go box stocked and ready, all that’s left to do is get out there and enjoy the great outdoors.