Bringing the Indoor Comfort Outside: Underrated Pieces of Camping Gear You Need to Bring with You

Good company, safety, location, and amenities are the four elements that make any camp trip an enjoyable experience. There’s an endless pool of advice online to help you prepare for your next outdoor adventure. From tips on how to pick the right camping equipment to survival instructions by those in the know. Important reads, no doubt about it, but what about those unjustly underrated pieces of gear that rarely make the cut?

Talking about all those creature comforts that make your life indoors easier and more convenient, like the well-appointed bathroom or kitchen. Sure, you can get by without them, but is the fuss worth it? If you’re already planning an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle, why not make it a great one?

When You Got to Go, You Got to Go

It doesn’t matter if it’s a camping or a road trip, when nature calls, you have to answer. That’s why having one of those modern and functional caravan toilets on board is a smart move. Mandatory or not, it’s a practical amenity that’ll save you from unpleasant situations like looking for public facilities and using said facilities. Sometimes they’re plain disguising, and other times you can’t even get in because of the long line outside.

And that doesn’t even begin to cover all the situations when the seemingly mundane portable toilet can save the day. For instance, you may be travelling with a fussy camper who receives your answer to their “Is there a bathroom?” with the “You expect me to go where?” With a porta potti, you have a hygienic, private, and readily accessible solution available at all times.

Everyone’s fine using the public toilet or latrine. So, is a portable RV toilet still worth it? Yes—even when you don’t mind waiting in line or bandaging the toilet seat with a whole roll of TP, having your own toilet close by is absolutely worth it. Leaving your warm bed to go the bathroom is a bummer at home, now imagine how roaming the campgrounds in the middle of the night might feel.

Whether the campground facility is too far, or the weather turns, caravan toilets allow you to be self-contained thus eliminating all of these troubles. So, what should you look for in a portable toilet? Well, for starters it should be space-efficient and travel-friendly. Look for lightweight and compact units that won’t be a hassle to pack or store. You should also choose a model that’s easy to use, clean and maintain like a ceramic inlay cassette toilet with a caddy tank on wheels.

If you don’t have the space or option to accommodate a foot flush or cassette unit in your vehicle or tent, consider buying a folding toilet. A simple and affordable contraption that typically includes a folding steel frame and toilet seat—a great solution, especially when travelling with little children.

Life’s Too Short to Hand Wash Clothes

If you’re planning a longer trip, having a portable washing machine on the road is a great solution to keep your clothes fresh and clean. Of course, you can soak and rinse garments in a sink, or a bucket even, but it’s not quite an easy task, especially if you have to tend to the whole family.

It doesn’t matter if you choose an electric or hand-powered washing machine, it’ll still save you effort and time. While going fully automatic is certainly the most efficient way to do your laundry, a hand-powered unit is also a good choice, allowing you to easily wash your clothes even when off the grid.

Can you get by without a camping washing machine? Sure, but having one on deck will certainly add that familiar indoor functionality you might miss outdoors. Plus, being able to do your laundry outside means you can pack light, bringing fewer garments on the road.

Nothing Beats a Refreshing Shower After a Long Day of Hiking

Having a shower in your camping setup will allow you to maintain good hygiene. They don’t say that hygiene is two-thirds of health for nothing. The combination of sweat, dirt and dust after a long day of exploring can wreak havoc on your skin. With a portable shower, you can easily cleanse yourself at any time of the day—just like you’d normally do in the comfort of your own home.

When shopping for camping showers, you’ll come across a variety of options, including electricity, battery, and solar-powered models. There are also specially designed shower tents for adding privacy and convenience to your setup.

But a Hot Cuppa Comes Pretty Close

…So don’t forget to bring an in-car kettle as a fast and efficient way to your favourite cup of coffee or tea. Starting a campfire just to boil some water is simply too much of a bother. And a portable kettle will meet all your hot water needs on the go. Not just for coffee and tea, but also soups, noodles, or baby bottles.

A Moment Worth Snapping If Only Your Phone Battery Wasn’t Dead

Enjoying amazing views with a hot cup of Joe in your hand, it’s the perfect moment for a family snapshot or an aesthetic Insta story. Too bad your phone decided to die.

Here comes the sun, it’s alright—with a solar charger, you can generate your own power to keep your phone, battery bank or other small electronics up and running even when there’s no electricity available. So, pop one of these bad boys in your RV or caravan just in case you run out of juice when wall chargers and outlets are hard to come by.

Hey, Who Turned Out the Lights?

To put it in professor Albus Dumbledore’s words “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” Unfortunately, you can’t buy a deluminator, but what you can buy is a bright and efficient LED light. From strip lighting and lanterns to hand-held and hands-free devices—you can find a vast range of convenient camping lights on the market.

When exploring the great outdoors, it’s wise to have at least one backup source of illumination. Whether a tactical torch or a headlamp, these portable lights can come in handy in various situations like emergencies, rescue missions, or during power outages.

And that concludes it—include this stuff in your camping checklist for added comfort and convenience on your next outdoor adventure.