Click here and print the camping checklist!

Here are some handy tips that we have put together to make your camping experience just that little bit better.

Should you need more advice, just send us an email to info@kangarootentcity.com.au.

Wet Packing		Travel Pack		Portable Fridge
Don’t ever pack your tent, swag or sleeping bag away wet. All materials are prone to mildew, if they’re not dried thoroughly, which in a short period of time can destroy your expensive equipment.		When filling your travelpack ready for an overseas trip, it’s a very good idea to make the first thing into the bottom of the bag, something soft and bulky like a sleeping bag or a pillow. This’ll protect heavier items packed on top and it’ll help save the bottom of your travelpack from damage as well.		If you’re planing a long trip and intend taking a portable fridge with you, try running the fridge at home for at least 24 hours before you leave. This will get the fridge cold before you use it on your trip. That way the fridge will perform at its best as soon as you leave, keeping your food fresh and drinks colder.

Inflatable Boat		Portable Gas		Hooded BBQ
If you’re intending to use an inflatable boat on your camping holiday, be careful not to over-fill the boat with air. Especially in warmer weather. On hot days, the air in the boat will expand, and if it’s too tightly inflated, the seams in the fabric may not be able to take the strain, and the boat may deflate at the most inopportune moment!		Gas equipment is great for camping – but it can also be a great source of danger. Accidental poisoning, fires and explosions are just some of the dangers if portable gas appliances aren’t used properly. As a general rule always operate gas lights and stoves in a well ventilated area, and never run them unattended.		To achieve the best cooking results with a hooded barbecue, use the hood to its full advantage. With the hood closed, your food will retain moisture, flavour and tenderness. You’ll also be able to maintain cooking efficiency on low heat. Conversely, if you need to get rid of moisture, open the lid to allow evaporation.

Ground Sheets		Sleeping Bags		Repairs
Always put down a groundsheet before pitching your tent. A ground sheet under the tent will provide protection from rocks and sticks which can quickly wear a hole through your tent floor and wreck it. A ground sheet also helps keep your tent floor much cleaner and drier when it comes time to pack the tent away.		It’s so annoying to take several attempts at trial and error to get your sleeping bag back in its carry case all neatly rolled up.  Well, believe it or not, you can actually get the sleeping bag back into its carry bag, simply by stuffing it. It’ll fit, it’s quicker and it won’t harm the sleeping bag. Try it sometime!		Kangaroo Tent City is the premier camping retailer, but did you know that Kangaroo Tent City also provides a manufacturing and repair service? Kangaroo Tent City can repair tents, make new canvas products, and service gas lanterns and stoves. For information click here, ask at any Kangaroo Tent City store or send us an e-mail.

Fly Sheet

A flysheet over your tent provides a good insulating layer from the elements, but there must be an air gap between the flysheet and the tent itself. To create this and to protect the flysheet from tearing on the top of a tent pole, place a number of tennis balls over the poles before putting the flysheet in position.

Rechargeable Lanterns

The batteries in these lanterns are LEAD ACID, exactly the same as a car battery in smaller form. This means the lantern ideally should be kept on charge all the time or as much as possible. Keeping it charged uses little electricity and will ensure the light is always ready to use. Some lanterns also have a built in emergency feature - if the power is cut in a blackout the lantern will automatically switch itself on, this will only happen whilst the lantern is on charge….yet another good reason to leave it on! All rechargeable lanterns should be charged for at least 15 hours before the first use, this ensures full burn times since day one. The battery must never be allowed to run down so much the tubes won’t light at all, otherwise you could find yourself in the market for a new battery which isn’t covered under warranty.