Here are a few reasons why camping is good for your health and why camping etiquette is important:

• Camping can help with problem solving

Camping and its associated activities can present you with challenges, which are regularly encountered. How to pitch a tent, for example, or how to cope with situations when there’s no access to modern conveniences or are unfamiliar with your surroundings. Whatever the situation, there’s growing evidence that facing new difficulties and experiences helps us maintain our mental health by requiring us to learn and use our initiative.

• Camping is beneficial for a kid’s education

Camping with children can have a direct positive impact on their development. This is especially true in the age of technology. Many youngsters spend too much time looking at screens, so an outdoor activity can be beneficial for their mental health. Camping with your family opens a whole new world for your children, encountering new difficulties and obstacles, and how to overcome them. Exposure to a variety of challenges benefits the growth of a child’s brain and strengthens the bond between family members.

• Camping can help you get a more restful night’s sleep

Camping, according to research, can help us reset our biological clocks and help those who have difficulty sleeping or rising in the morning. In summary, it’s a result of our growing use of artificial light in our daily lives, and camping can help us adjust to the natural light-dark cycle. The importance of getting enough sleep for our general health and well-being has long been emphasized.

• Vitamin D levels increase when you go camping

There’s no doubt that by camping, you’ll be spending more time in the sun. This ensures further exposure to the benefits of vitamin D, which improves bone health. When you’re outside, remember to use sunscreen for protection.

• Camping encourages you to get more exercise

   A camping trip increases your exercise options. You’ll see new places and can experience new activities like mountain biking, kayaking, hiking trails, fly fishing, and long walks. Camping guarantees that you will engage and promote physical fitness.

• Camping makes you feel better

 Camping can literally help you to feel better as it increases our serotonin, a chemical produced by our bodies that creates our happiness. More exposure to sunlight and oxygen, and promoting physical fitness, are all elements which help create serotonin in our body, and release endorphines in our brains in the same way we would receive after a gym session or sauna, so you’ll feel refreshed and recharged. 

 

 

A CAMPER’S CHECKLIST: YOUR GUIDE FOR A FUN CAMPING EXPERIENCE!

Fresh air is a pleasant way to relieve the stress of a hectic day. An optimal way for a breath of fresh air is to immerse yourself in an environment without buildings, cars, or any distractions but rather a place filled with trees, rivers, and land.

Camping provides many advantages, as it can be beneficial for your body, mind, and soul. It replenishes your whole body with fresh air; inhaling the surrounding nature, and easing your soul into a healthy mindset. While it can also be an advantage by building a relationship with your camping companion, developing skills and creating opportunities for learning, disconnecting yourself from the social media realm and technology, and improving your physical fitness. It’s an ideal way to relax and relieve stress from the urban non-stop working cities.

According to research, outdoor physical activity and a sense of connection to the environment can improve psychological health and wellbeing. It has been demonstrated that activities like going for walks in the woods and engaging in outdoor activities improve mood and concentration while boosting attention and mental ability.

Our general health and well-being are benefited by the physical challenges of backpacking, arranging tents, hiking, fishing, and environmental exploration. Sleeping under the stars helps support our natural body clock, which is a basis for good sleep and wellness, whilst outdoor exercise has been associated with a decrease in depressive thoughts.

If you’re a beginner, intimidated, or don’t yet have the skills to set up a camping adventure, you can start by trying to camp in your backyard while you develop the skillset.

Another suggestion is to organise a local backpacking trip. These are excellent for overnight trips when you can travel lightly and carry everything you need. Local camping trips require less preparation and provide you more freedom with your schedule. You can find a location which results in being your favourite camping site and search for hiking routes nearby. As you gain experience camping, you can venture out and explore the beauties of state and national parks or one of the many campgrounds throughout the nation.

 

 

WHY CAMPING ETIQUETTE IS IMPORTANT 

It’s useful to remember to be a respectful camper whether you’re going on your first or 100th camping trip. Following proper camping etiquette allows you to be someone who people enjoy having as a neighbour while on holiday. The following camping checklist is a helpful guide:

• Maintain a safe distance

Personal space is important not only in normal interactions with people, but also when camping. When another camper sets up too close to the surrounding campers, no one appreciates it. Keep near the centre of your campgrounds and allow others to move around you. One of the best reasons to go camping is to escape from the crowds and enjoy the great outdoors.

• Noise

Not everyone sleeps late or wakes up early. Displaying respect for individuals around you and their schedules is an important part of complying to camping guidelines. As a result, any noises ranging from children laughing and chatting loudly to music and RV doors opening and closing are all subject to noise guidelines.

• Camping for kids

Adults should keep children respectful on the campgrounds as some campers prefer not to hear children before 7 a.m. or have them roaming around late at night. It’s vital to keep track of your kids’ whereabouts, talk to them about being respectful to the other campers and assist them in following the noise level guidelines.

• Keeping your area in tack and spotless 

When you leave, ensure your campsite is clean and that any litter is disposed of in the bins supplied on the campgrounds.

• Set a timer for your lights

While most campsites don’t have any laws about lighting, keep in mind how your lights can affect the other campers. When trying to sleep, or admiring the night sky, someone may be sensitive to light. Remember to turn everything off at a respectable hour or set a timer.

• Wildlife in the area should be respected

Remember not feed any wild animals in the area. To avoid attracting wild animals in the campgrounds, dispose of any rubbish and clear all food away. When you leave, ensure your campsite is clean and spotless.

• Double check whether camping fire pits are allowed at your camping site 

Nothing beats toasting marshmallows over an open fire, cooking your own potatoes over the coals, or simply experiencing the warmth of a fire on a cold night. However, check with your facility if campfires are permitted; otherwise, you may be penalised if you build one. Some campers have a communal bonfire that is lit every night for everyone’s pleasure. If you’re camping near the beach, you can usually create a bonfire on the sand. Only use materials which the fire can burn. Always ensure your campfire is completely extinguished before leaving the campsite by applying dirt or sand. A wildfire can simply be started by burning embers.

• Check first if generators are allowed 

Many campgrounds do not allow generators, but if they do, standard camping etiquette surrounding generators is to use them only during the day for short periods of time if possible. If you need to use a generator at night for medical reasons, try to find a campsite away from others and notify anyone camping nearby that you will be using your generator, giving them the opportunity to move.

 

 

WHAT CAMPING GEAR DO I NEED?

Camping is all about getting away from the luxuries of urban life, so make a list of things you’ll need beforehand. Depending on the location, time, and planned activity, you may need to take several items of camping equipment. If you’re questioning; what camping equipment do I need? Besides food and water, here’s a helpful checklist:

• Backpack

A backpack is one of the most essential items of camping equipment to have on your excursion if you plan on doing any trekking or hiking. It ought to be comfy, waterproof, and lightweight. A weekend backpack is ideal for 1-3 nights spent outdoors. Depending on the conditions you intend to camp in, a capacity of 35 to 50 litres is recommended. More gear necessitates more space; thus, a weekend trip will require taking a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent, and cooking gear.

• Sleeping Bag

Considering nights in the woods are colder, a warm and comfy sleeping bag will help you have a better night’s sleep. A sleeping bag is a lightweight quilt with a zipper that can be used as a compact, portable bedding in circumstances where a person is sleeping outdoors. Its primary purpose is to provide warmth and thermal insulation using synthetic or down insulation. A sleeping bag is typically used in addition to a tent since it serves those functions easier. It usually has a water-resistant or water-repellent cover that protects against wind chill and light precipitation to some extent.

• Collapsible Camping Gear

This is a useful idea, particularly for beginners. When shopping, always ask yourself, “Is this collapsible?” ” because folding, shrinking, and collapsible camping gear allows you to take more equipment. On a family camping holiday, it can be challenging to find space, so when you’re assessing all your needs you may be wondering how everything will be organised, so it’s helpful to remember to purchase collapsible camping gear.

• Insulated Water Bottle (Flask)

Water is essential to our everyday lives. Bringing an insulated water bottle that can keep your water cold or warm, depending on your preference, is a necessity when you’re at the camping site or going for a hike. Keeping yourself hydrated is an important aspect of camping because lack of water and dehydration can cause dizziness and could potentially lead you to faint.

• Torch/Flashlight

A flashlight is a must-have item for any camping trip, and you should have one for each member of your camping group. With only one on hand, it’s possible it’ll get lost, break, or stop working properly.  It’s important to take multiple torches. Don’t rely on your vision and memory skills. If you’re trapped in an emergency, being able to see what’s going on and how to get yourself and others out of danger is important.

• Baby Wipes

Unless you’re staying at a campground, you’ll be lucky to have access to a shower or even running water during your camping trip. Bringing a couple of baby wipes will be extremely useful for a variety of reasons, and you’ll find that you’ll need this essential item considerably more, weather it’s for the bathroom, cleaning your cooking utensils, or wiping down your clothes and shoes.

• Hand Sanitizer/Rubbing Alcohol

   Due to COVID-19, we’re aware that hand sanitizer is a quick and easy approach in keeping germs away. When a doctor visits a new patient, he or she washes their hands with an antibacterial solution. Hikers should do the same after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating meals. Soap and water aren’t always available while camping, so bring an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you. Ethyl alcohol, which will kill bacteria when used, must be included in this translucent gel. Rubbing alcohol, such as Band Aid is a better alternative to hand sanitizer and can be purchased in a chemist.

• Tent

To stay relatively safe in the woods, you’ll need a tent. Which camping tent is the best? You’ll need a tough tent that can endure a wide range of weather conditions. A camping tent is not only necessary if you want to fully enjoy your camping holiday, but it also delivers the ultimate camping experience. Tents offer excellent shelter from the environment, such as wind, rain, and sun. The wind is one of campers’ worst enemies, but if you stay inside the tent, you’ll be completely safe and secure.

• Camping Chair/Seat/Stool

Of course, you’ll be needing to sit somewhere during your camping trip and feel comfortable with your own chair. Camping chairs can be used at the beach. You’ll become tired of having to sit on sand, grass, logs or trying to find anywhere that’s dry on a wet day. Sitting on something comfortable whilst eating, drinking, working, reading, or simply enjoying the campfire is far more convenient than the ground. Foldable chairs, or a compact stool are useful for a variety of activities too, including fishing, BBQs and picnics. All of this will be made much more comfortable with a portable chair, allowing you to sit back, relax, and destress.

• First Aid Kit

A first-aid kit is essential to any camping trip. In your kit, include pain relievers, antiseptic solution, allergy medicines, band aids and bandages – with appropriate scissors or knife. In Australia, you may want to consider a snake bite kit which is becoming more popular in its demand as it may save your life.

• Mosquito Repellent & Fly Spray

Another aspect of nature is mosquitos and flies. No matter where you are in Australia, ensure you have effective mosquito roll-on or spray and something to keep other flies and insects away. It’s uncomfortable to be itching the whole day and night, so be wise and invest in an essential bug repellent.

Those are just the essentials for a camping trip.

 

Here are other suggestions you can also take:

• Kitchen utensils

Spoon, forks, thermos for hot water, pans, and knives. Knives can be essential and helpful during times where you don’t have scissors, so you can cut through a packet with a knife.

• Firewood

If your campground allows campfires, firewood will be essential. Also, having conversations surrounding the fire creates a more intimate mood.

• Stove

If you’re fortunate, you can bring a stove, it’s warming to enjoy a hot can of soup on a cold night outdoors.

• Matches/ Lighters

If your flashlights have turned off or are broken, matches are a way to salvage the problem. They will also be helpful in dark situations, as well as ensuring more safety.

• Rubbish bins/plastics to throw trash

It’s a good idea to “Clean before you go” when camping. You don’t want to harm the environment with any rubbish.

• Extra change of clothes

You always have to be prepared for the worst or maybe you just take a swim in the river, you’ll need extra clothes for changing, or you’ll feel uncomfortable and need some fresh clean clothes during the camping experience.

• Raincoat or umbrella

  If you’re hiking, you don’t want to become soaking wet, so raincoat’s are the lightest form of clothing you can take to prepare for a rainy day.

• Sunblock

You don’t want to get sun burnt when trekking, or being outdoors, so be sure to bring sun protection in your bag.

• Slippers/Slip-On Shoes

Of course, you’ll be wearing hiking/ camping shoes, as their comfortable and a pair of thongs will also be handy, as they’re lightweight.

• A sense of adventure

Why go on a camping trip if your mind is still at work? It’s important to relax, breathe the fresh air and enjoy the nature!

 

 

WHY CHOOSE OUTDOOR CAMPING DISORDER (OCD) TO SHOP ONLINE?

Outdoor Camping Disorder (OCD) is an online camping store for all your outdoor adventure needs. We specialize in collapsible camping gear, Howqua tents, Burke and Wills swags, oilskin jackets, oilskin dog coats, outdoor cooking equipment, and solar powered camping lights – all available online with us. If you’re looking for one of the best online camping stores in Australia or you’re just looking to buy a one-off purchase, then you’ve chosen the ideal place.

Due to the pandemic, more people are ordering products online, so get your swag now or buy a tent online and we’ll have it shipped out to you in no time. The demand for an online camping store has risen significantly because of COVID-19 – and OCD have broadened their product range to help supply the demand, for many products including the rise in demand for cooking equipment such as burners, pots, pans, utensils, and the other high-demand products have been the solar powered camping lights due to the huge popularity in solar over the years. All the major brands are found here too: Outdoor Connection, Burke & Wills, and Barebones, are available within our camping store online.

Outdoor Camping Disorder (OCD) is an entirely personalized experience – and make sure to click-through to any of our Social Media channels to keep up to date with all the latest deals. We have Australia’s most diverse collection of outdoor products and source the highest quality gear from both domestic and international sources.

Our camping equipment is available to help you have exciting outdoor adventures whilst also receiving the best guidance for your excursions. Look up our camping essentials, blog, hire gear and all the weekly offers on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Maybe treat yourself with a new top-of-the-range Burke and Wills jacket. Buying an oilskin jacket will help you withstand Australia’s harshest weather outdoors. Secure your very own Burke and Wills Swags or double swag. Even treat your little furry friend with the Burke and Wills Dog Coat.

You’ll find the best quality Howqua tents, solar powered camping lights, sun lounger camping chairs, and all-round top quality collapsible camping gear.

 

Outdoor Camping Disorder (OCD) is committed to supporting the communities in which we live. The preservation of our national parks and Aboriginal people’s ancestral homelands is fundamental to who we are. The environment is our business, and our life so we only advocate responsible outdoor behaviour and activities, that wouldn’t harm us or nature.

We pledge to continue to supply high-quality products at reasonable prices to all Australians to enable them to have a happier, more enjoyable and safe camping experience.