Camping on a Budget: How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Gear Quality
Camping is a great way to reconnect with nature, spend time with those you care about, and put the worries of the world away for a weekend. But unless you’re going out regularly or are looking to “glamp” (glamourous camping), you don’t need to spend a fortune camp shop to have a great time roughing it!
That’s why we’ve put together some recommendations for the best camping gear for your next outing that help you make the most of your camping trip without breaking the bank!
Camping Tents
Probably the first thing that springs to your mind when you think of camping is camping tents!
A great camping tent will ensure that you are comfortable and provide shelter from the elements during your time outdoors. Many of the best camping tents are constructed with high-end materials built for reliable protection against strong weather.
But the truth is that most camping is done on clear summer nights that don’t need expensive ultra durable tents. A tent built to withstand light or moderate rainfall will serve you just fine in most cases.
We stock plenty of camping tents at The Warehouse that are sure to fit into your budget!
2 Person Tent - Navigator South Explorer Tent 2 Person Recycled
A great pick up if you’re looking for a lightweight tent is the Navigator South Explorer Tent 2 Person Recycled.
Sitting at a comfortably affordable $62.00 price tag, the Navigator South Explorer Tent 2 Person Recycled offers enhance warmth, light protection, and wind resistance.
The inner tent boasts a built-in insect net to keep out the nasty mosquitos and other creepy crawlies. It takes just 3 minutes for a single person to set it up fully. If you’re looking for a tent to house you and your camping partner, or just looking for a tent with a little extra wiggle room, this one’s hard to beat.
4 Person Tent - Navigator South Takaka Tent 4 Person Recycled
If you’re looking for a great 4 person camping tent on a budget, the Navigator South Takaka Tent 4 Person Recycled is a tough choice to beat.
Sitting at a $149.00 price tag, it’s a great value addition to your outdoor arsenal. Designed with double-layers, it boasts superior warmth, light, protection, resistance to wind, and has a built in insect net to keep you safe from bugs and insects.
Fitted with a front door and rear door, this tent can comfortably accommodate 2 twin-sized airbeds or 4 single sleeping mattresses, providing a roomy refuge for you and your camping partners. Combined with a back window for scenic viewing, it’s a great tent for your next outing.
6 Person Tent - Wildtrak Tanami 6V Sleeping Dome Tent w/ Carry Bag Outdoor Camping Shelter Blue
If you’re looking to go camping with up to 6 people then the Wildtrack Tanami 6V Sleeping Dome Tent is a great choice.
Despite being able to house up to 6 people comfortably, it’s designed to easily be assembled by a single person. Sporting an ultra-fine inner mesh to help keep the insects out and a silver coated 1000mm waterproof fly, it ensures you’ll be comfortable and sheltered during your next outing.
This tent sits at a $406.87 price tag, but thanks to ZIP pay you can own it today for 4 easy separate payments of $101.72.
Sleeping Bags
When picking out a sleeping bag, like most camping gear, you might think that weight or packability is the most important thing to consider. But a camping sleeping bag is the one thing you shouldn’t skimp out on!
Comfort is the name of the game when it comes to sleeping bags. You should look for a sleeping bag that is padded, roomy, and built to last. Be sure to check out Navigator South’s sleeping bag buying guide to understand what sleeping bags you need for your camping trip.
Here are some Warehouse sleeping bags that you might want to take with you on your next camping trip!
Adult Sleeping Bag – Wildtrak Leisure Australia Gibb Portable Travel Hooded Sleeping Bag 215cm
The Wildtrak Leisure Australia Gibb Portable Travel Hooded Sleeping Bag is a great addition to your camping gear.
This sleeping bag sports breathable lining for enhanced comfort and relaxation, auto locking zippers for easy temperature regulation, and even features a sewn-in storage pocket. Sitting at a roomy 215x70cm this sleeping bag offers roomy comfort while still being able to be packed into a portable small size.
Sitting at a $43.92 price point, this is an affordable but valuable addition to your next camping adventure!
Adult Sleeping Bag – Navigator South Season 3 Adults’ Hooded Sleeping Bag Recycled XL
Another great choice for an adult sleeping bag is the Navigator South Season 3 Adults’ Hooded Sleeping Bag Recycled XL.
Designed to provide sleepers with extra space, the Navigator South 3 Season Adult Hooded sleeping bag is a comfortable and sustainably designed sleeping bag made from recycled materials.
Offering a hooded design for extra space and warmth, it’s a great sleeping bag choice for camping. With a price point at $69.00, it’s an affordable choice too.
Kids Sleeping Bag – Navigator South Kids Sleeping Bags
If you’re looking to bring the kids along for your next camping trip, then Navigator South Kids Sleeping Bags are the perfect choice for sleeping bags for kids!
Available in camo pink and camo green, these sleeping bags are easy to carry around and keep the kids snug and cozy during the night.
For just $25.00 you can grab one of these kids’ sleeping bags for your next trip or outing.
Chilly Bins & Coolers
A hallmark of a classic kiwi outing is the chilly bin! Finding a good chilly bin to keep your food and drinks cold and fresh can be challenging. Here are some of our picks for great chilly bins that won’t break your budget.
Chilly Bin - Arctic Zone 9 Can Zipperless Cooler
The Arctic Zone 9 Can Zipperless Cooler is a great choice for keeping your food and drinks secure, chilled, and fresh.
Sporting a unique “flip-open” patented Zipperless™ lid that allows quick access to food and drinks, the Arctic Zone 9 Can Zipperless Cooler is a great option for keeping your perishables fresh and secure.
A durable HardBody® liner, high density thermal insulation, and an Ultra Safe® leak proof, easy clean lining ensures that your food is protected from the elements and prevents any leaks or messes. With an adjustable shoulder strap, it’s easy to transport as well!
Sitting at a generous 29.00 price point, it’s a great pick up for your next outing.
Cooler Bag – Living & Co Cooler Bag 5 Litre
If you’re looking for a cooler bag to keep your food and drinks cold, then the Living & Co Cooler Bag may be for you!
Featuring a pink, grey, and blue design, the Living & Co Cooler Bag is large and strong enough to have an insulating layer that can store hot and cold items for a long time and keep them fresh.
It features a Deep Freeze high-performance insulation with a radiant heat barrier, and an Ultra Safe leakproof lining with Microban to protect against odours, stains, and to aid in cleaning.
Sitting at a generous $12.00 price point, it’s a great cooler bag to pick up.
Chilly Bin with Wheels - Titan 50 Can Cooler with Cart
If you’re looking for a chilly bin that’s easier to move around, then the Titan 50 can cooler with cart is what you need.
Featuring a 100% polyester inner lining, SuperFoam® insulation Ultra Safe® leak proof and easy clean lining, capacity to hold 36.3kg, a two beverage holders on the top of the cooler, and all on wheels. If you’re looking for a large portable cooler, at $59.00 it’s hard to beat.
Ice Packs – Pinnacle Ice Packs
No chilly bin is complete without ice packs to keep your food and drinks cold. Pinnacle Ice Packs are the perfect companion for any chilly bin.
Available in 330ml and 660ml capacities, these ice packs will make sure that when you’re taking a break from your camping adventures you have fresh and chilled food and drinks waiting for you!
Camping Torches & Lanterns
It’s important to carry around a camping torch or lantern when you’re outdoors. Without a proper light source when the sun goes down, you’re not going to be able to do much in the dark. Here are some torches that we feel will serve you well while not costing an arm and a leg.
Compact Torch - Energizer Compact Metal Light
If you’re looking for a compact torch that fits easily into pockets and bags while providing solid performance, then the Energizer Compact Metal Light is the choice for you!
Boasting a 10 hour runtime, a durable metal casing, and an 80m long 80 lumen beam, all at a $10.00 price tag, it’s the pocket torch that won’t let you down.
Camping Lantern – Eveready Small Dolphin 150 Lantern
If you’re looking for a lantern with a little more oomph, the Eveready Small Dolphin 150 Lantern might be what you’re looking for.
The compact version of the well-known MK7 Dolphin Lantern, this version runs on 4 AA batteries and features the same waterproof and floating capability the MK7 Dolphin Lantern is known for. At $23.00, it’s a compact powerhouse.
Camping Headlight - Doss LED Motion Activated Spotlight Head Light
Looking to keep your hands free while still being able to light up the campsite? The Doss LED Motion Activated Spotlight Head Light helps you keep your surroundings lit while also keeping your hands free.
This 3W motion activated head lamp sports a super bright LED 180 Lumen light powered by 3 AAAS batteries. Simply wave your hand in front of the headlamp and the light will turn off and on. At $25.84 this is a solid addition to your camping kit.
Camping Lantern - Sansai 19cm Portable Water Resistant Outdoors Hiking/Camping Lantern
You need a bright lantern to keep your campsite lit up during the night. The Sansai 19cm Portable Water Resistant Outdoors Hiking/Camping Lantern is what you need.
Featuring a 360 degree beam angle and long lighting time, this lantern gives out 240 lumens of light to keep your campsite or tent illuminated. Light weight and compact, it can easily be stored in your tent or backpack, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
At a $27.14 price point, it’s a great value addition to your camping kit.
Camping Accessories
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, we think some of this camping gear will elevate your camping experience to the next level.
Camping Cutlery – Navigator South Dining Set 24 Piece
If you’re looking for plates, bowls, mugs, and cutlery for dining in the outdoors, then the Navigator South Dining Set is a great choice.
A 24-piece set for a complete dining experience including spoons, forks, knives, bowls, mugs and plates to ensure that you’re equipped to handle any meal on your outdoor adventure. At a $19.00 price point, it’s great value!
Camping Water Flask – Living & Co Essentials Food Flask Stainless Steel 1L
Staying hydrated while outdoors is important, doubly so when you’re camping. Which is why we think the Living & Co Essentials Food flask Stainless Steel 1L is your perfect camping companion.
Made of stainless steel to ensure durability and freshness of your water, this 1L flask keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. At a price point of $18.00 it’s a great addition to your travel pack.
Camping Cooker – Gascraft Butane Tabletop Cooker
Looking to cook outdoors? The Gascraft Butane Tabletop Cooker might just be the next addition to your outdoor arsenal.
Don’t worry if you’ve forgotten the matches, the Gascraft Butane Tabletop Cooker sports a reliable Piezo Electric ignition which ignites with a twist of the heat control knob. Equipped for use with butane gas canisters, we recommend only using this cooker in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
You can pick up this camping cooker for $33.00 today!
Camp Chairs - Navigator South Classic Camp Chair
Looking to experience the outdoors in comfort? You might be looking for the Navigator South Classic Camp Chair.
Comfortable and durable, this grey camp chair is designed to provide you with a relaxing seating experience during camping, picnics, and outdoor activities.
For $16.00 each, you can make your camping experience a bit more relaxed.
First Aid Kit - Esko First Aid Kit 1-6 Person Fabric Case With Handle 85 Piece
It’s important to be prepared in the event of an injury while outdoors. Which is why we recommend picking up the Esko First Aid Kit.
At $29.00, this first aid kit contains everything you need to handle any injuries that happen outdoors. It’s a great pickup for your camping kit.
Each kit includes:
- 1 x stainless steel scissors
- 1 x thermal rescue blanket
- 1 x splinter probe
- 1 x CPR resuscitation mask
- 1x finger splint/tongue depressor
- 1 x first aid guide
- 4 x non-alcoholic prep pads
- 6 x antiseptic towelettes
- 1 x eyewash 15ml vial
- 1 x cotton bud pack (10)
- 3 x antibiotic ointment sachets
- 1 x sterile eye pad
- 1 x sting relief wipe
- 2 x adhesive dressing pads (10cm x 5cm)
- 30 x adhesive dressing strips (7.5cm x 2cm)
- 10 x adhesive dressing pads 2.2cm x 2.2cm
- 2 x fingertip fabric bandages
- 2 x knuckle fabric bandages
- 1 x moleskin (blister prevention)
- 2 x butterfly wound closures
- 1 x large trauma pad
- 1 x gauze roll bandage
- 1 x triangular bandage – 2 pins
- 6 x sterile gauze pads 5cm x 5cm
- 1 x adhesive tape roll
- 2 x disposable nitrile gloves (pairs)
At $29.00, this first aid kit contains everything you need to handle any injuries that happen outdoors. It’s a great pickup for your camping kit.