Choosing your camping equipment
Fancy a few days out in the great outdoors? Whether you're planning a trek, or simply a van holiday, you need to prepare for camping! Don't leave with just any equipment without being properly prepared. At Speck-Sports we'll help you make your stay in the heart of nature as relaxing as possible.
The essentials for a comfortable night's camping!
Would you go hiking in slippers? Of course not! Choosing the right footwear for hiking is important. The same goes for camping. Choosing the right equipment for your lifestyle and use is very important. For reasons of comfort, practicality and safety.
Camping tent, awning... How do you choose the right base camp?
It's up to you to define your needs. Going away in a van? Then you could opt for accessories such as awnings, car tents, etc. At Speck-Sports, we're committed to offering you high-quality, appropriate equipment. That's why, to equip your vehicle or van, we've selected top-of-the-range brands such as Dometic, which offers innovative and reliable products, and Vaude, a newcomer to Speck-Sports. You'll have a choice of car tents, inflatable awnings and connecting tunnels. On the other hand, if you're more of a traditional bivouac type, opt for a classic tent. Whether it's a tunnel, tipi or dome, your tent, which can also be used for hiking, is not something to be chosen lightly. It's important to take a number of factors into account, such as its size (1, 2, 3 or more places), its weight (ultralight or bikepacking fans should opt for very light tents) and the season. Accessories can also be added to your tent purchase, such as a footprint or tarp.
To help you make the right choice, take a look at our article on choosing your tent.
Once you've selected your trekking tent or camping shelter, you can get on with finding the rest of your equipment. The quest for the perfect gear continues with the choice of a sleeping bag.
Choosing the best sleeping bag for your needs
Having a tent is all very well, but you also need to think about your sleeping bag. A sleeping bag is essential for a comfortable night's sleep, protected from the cold and damp. Choosing the right sleeping bag means a safe and restful night's sleep. But what should you look out for when choosing one?
The sleeping bag can be single or double, if you want to share your night with two people. Different sizes are available to suit different body shapes. Somemodels have even been specially designed for women. So there's something for everyone. There are many brands of sleeping bag: Deuter, Millet, Big Agnès, Pajak... At Speck-Sports we offer you a wide range of brands and products to suit all needs and prices.
There are a few things you need to bear in mind when choosing the model that's right for you. The most important is to select a sleeping bag with the right comfort temperature.
What is the comfort temperature of a sleeping bag?
On sleeping bag labels, you'll see different types of temperature: comfort temperature, "comfort limit" temperature and "extreme" temperature. The former means being able to sleep soothingly and comfortably without feeling cold. The second, the comfort limit temperature, corresponds to the limit of the sensation of cold that can be felt when lying curled up. Finally, the extreme temperature corresponds to the risk of hypothermia, which can lead to death. Depending on where you're camping, it's essential to take night-time temperatures into account to avoid the risk of hypothermia. Once you've defined the comfort temperature you'll need for bivouacking, you can select your model according to the filling (down or synthetic sleeping bag). As with tents, we invite you to consult our guide to choosing the right sleeping bag.
Note, however, that although your sleeping bag will protect you and keep you warm, it won't be enough. A mattress is advisable, especially if you're setting up camp on damp or stony ground.
Choosing the right camping mattress
As with tents and sleeping bags, you shouldn't choose your mattress on a whim. It's a purchase you need to think about carefully. There are a number of things to consider when you decide to go camping with the right equipment. As well asinvesting in quality equipment, you'll be leaving with something that's solid and durable.
The first thing to think about when choosing your camping mattress is its size. Once again, ultralight fans will opt for the smallest model (usually XS), as it will be the lightest and least bulky. On the other hand, your legs won't be resting on the mattress. In terms of width, most mattresses, whether from Big Agnès, Therm-a-rest, etc., measure around 51cm. This means that the sleeping mat can be fitted into almost any camping tent.
The thickness of the mattress will also be important depending on your needs, and will also determine whether you opt for a foam, inflatable or self-inflating mattress. Finally, adapt to the season. You won't need a mattress in summer or winter in the same way. The degree of insulation of your camping mattress is characterised by the R-Value standard. The higher this rating, the better insulated and protected you will be. We recommend that you consult our hiking mattress buying guide, to make sure you find the model that meets your needs and expectations.
What's next? Let's take a look at the accessories for ultimate comfort and practicality!
Sleeping accessories: pillows, sack sheets..
At Speck-Sports, we know that comfort is also an essential for many campers. That's why we've selected a range of accessories that can be useful when traveling, including camping pillows and sleeping bag sheets from Therm-a-Rest, Sea To Summit and many other brands. Your travel pillow will be your companion for an ultra-restful night's sleep. Choose between an inflatable or down model. This accessory is ultra-small enough to fit in your equipment, since some models (the ultra-compact ones) are no bigger than a soda can when deflated! Most pillows also feature a non-slip fabric, allowing you to position it in the hood of your sleeping bag.
Available in cotton or silk , this camping accessory provides extra comfort for your nights. In particular, it gives you a little extra warmth over and above that provided by your sleeping bag. It also protects your bag from dirt.
Here's what we at Speck-Sports think is essential for a successful night's camping. Whatever your journey, it's important to be well prepared to ensure that your adventures go as smoothly as possible. Once you've spent the night, you'll need to think about meals and cooking equipment.
Kitchen equipment for successful camping meals
Choosing a stove
One element of your camping equipment is essential: the stove. This equipment enables you to feed and serve yourself hot meals. So it's another essential to have in your bag.
There are various models to choose from: gas stoves, multi-fuel stoves, wood stoves and alcohol stoves. Most of the models offered on our website are gas or multi-fuel stoves, as they are the most widely used in the outdoor world.
Gas stoves are used with standard gas cartridges (100g, 230g and 450g). Whether MSR, Optimus, Jetboil or others, most of these brands use the valve cartridge system. Note that Campingaz's pierceable cartridges are not compatible with these stoves.
Multi-fuel stoves are generally used with C or F gasoline, 85 or 98 unleaded gasoline, kerosene or diesel. So it can be used anywhere, and if you need it on the way, a stop at a gas station will allow you to refuel.
The wood-burning camping stove is used... with wood! There's no need to carry gas cartridges or fuel bottles with you. Just find some wood around you (if you're allowed to, depending on your location) and you're ready to cook your meal!
Kitchen utensils: the most essential and lightweight items
There's no need to dwell on this point for hours. The idea is not to take all the dishes out of the cupboard, but to pack the bare essentials. For camping adventures lasting several days, it's best to pack a fairly wide range of items. Especially if you're going by van or caravan, you'll be able to store accessories in your vehicle without being encumbered by your travel bag.
What will you need? Knives and cutlery, if necessary. But if you've opted for a stove, you'll need to think about a cooking pot. Depending on the number of people you'll be cooking for, you'll need a cooking pot with enough capacity to cook a meal for everyone. On our site, you'll find a wide range of containers and cooking sets to suit your needs.
Check out our guide to choosing the right bowl!
We also offer collapsible gourds, cups and bowls to optimize space in your equipment.
Note that you'll need to be able to wash your dishes. Retractable buckets (from Kampa, for example), dishwashing trays and many other accessories are available for this purpose.
Now that you've got all the kitchen equipment you need, it's time to think about filling your belly! Yes, but with what?
Food products to take with you when camping
Depending on your activities, you won't be taking the same products with you. If you've got the chance to eat at that little farmhouse inn everyone's talking about up in the mountains, treat yourself! But if not, you'll need to bring your own food. Either the location of your base camp and your activities allow you to buy your own food, so all you have to do is cook it, or you'll have to take everything you need with you. In this case, opt for freeze-dried food. From breakfast to dessert, at Speck-Sports we have a wide choice of dishes, each as delicious as the next, protein-packed or tailored to individual needs(vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free...). Energy bars and gels are also available for you to take along and slip into your backpack pocket. Whatever you choose to eat, make sure you have enough to last you through the day, depending on the number of people you'll be camping with. Meals are the most important element to keep you going if you're doing treks or sporting activities during the day that require you to draw on your strength. After a good night's sleep and a good meal, your batteries will be recharged and you'll be ready for adventure.
Now for the final step in choosing your camping gear. There are a few must-have accessories you can't afford to be without when embarking on this type of adventure.
The essential accessories and equipment for a successful camping trip
Rucksacks: choosing the right size and comfort
You won't choose your rucksack like any other sports bag. Whether it's for hiking or travelling will depend on what you're doing. You won't have the same needs for a trek lasting several days or for a simple walk in the forest. It won't necessarily be necessary to take a bag with the largest possible capacity. In fact, if you're in a van or caravan, some equipment can stay inside your vehicle, so it won't be useful to take everything with you. The idea is to load your bag with the bare essentials.
The choice of rucksack will also be based on comfort and carrying quality. The greater the capacity, the heavier the load. You need to make sure that the rucksack you want has a stretched back or a mesh frame. Some brands(Deuter, Osprey, Grégory...) also offer backpacks specially designed and adapted for women.
Now that you know more about choosing your backpack, you can think about adding a useful accessory, especially if you're hiking at night or at the end of a winter's day.
The headlamp: how to choose the best one for your needs
A headlamp is a great addition to your travel bag. It can be used on night outings to light the way, or simply to illuminate your camp. There are many models and brands to choose from. The best known is Petzl. But you can also find a practical headlamp from Black Diamond, Led Lenzer, Silva and many others. To choose your model, you'll need to consider its wattage. Measured in Lumens, the power of a headlamp will vary. Most headlamps offer several modes. From 100 lumens, you can read or walk at night. If you're going to be trekking at night, you'll need to step up a gear, opting for at least a 400-lumen headlamp. Some models even have an option that allows the beam to automatically adapt the power to your activity. Finally, don't forget to check the waterproof index of the model you want, so that your lamp is suitable if you plan to venture out in damp conditions.
Other accessories: compass, folding knife, first aid kit, etc.
Once you've thought about the main items to take with you on a camping trip, other less essential accessories can be just as useful. First of all, opt for a first aid kit. This will enable you to provide first aid in the event of an injury (cut, scratch...). Depending on your type of activity, a survival blanket could also be a plus. On the one hand, it will keep you warm in the event of an accident, but on the other, the survival blanket can also act as a ground cover or shelter from the rain in bad weather.
To avoid getting lost, you can also take along a compass or a GPS watch. That way, you'll be sure not to lose your bearings along the way!
You can complete your kitchen equipment with folding knives or Swiss Army knives, as well as travel soap, insect repellent or a mosquito net for your tent. At Speck-Sports we offer a range of complementary items, including camping showers, towels, soap and toiletries.
Now that you have everything you need for your camping trip, all you have to do is set off on your adventure!
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