Planning your next camping adventure? Whether you're a seasoned explorer or just getting started, the PAST Outdoors Ultimate Camping Gear Checklist 2025 is your go-to guide for packing smart and staying prepared.

Our Basic Camping Essentials Checklist

We've pulled together our expert knowledge, tested gear, and top recommendations—covering everything from basic camping essentials for beginners to comfort-boosting extras. Whether you're browsing camping equipment for sale or ticking off your packing list, this checklist is designed to make your outdoor experience safer, simpler, and a whole lot more enjoyable—no matter where the year takes you.

On this page:
Hiking Backpacks
Hydration & Filtration
Sleeping Bags
Camping Accessories
Storage, Dry bags & Containers
Sleeping Mats & Ground Sheets
Pillows, Liners & Accessories
Tents & Shelters
Hiking & Camping Furniture

1. Hiking Backpacks

A reliable hiking backpack is one of the most important pieces of gear for any hiking or camping trip. It carries your essentials, supports your load, and moves with you through every step of the journey.

At PAST Outdoors, our curated range of backpacks is designed to suit a variety of adventures—from light day hikes to multi-day expeditions. For beginners, choosing the right pack means understanding fit, volume, and comfort. With features like adjustable harnesses, weather-resistant materials, and smart storage options, these packs are built to make carrying your gear feel effortless. Here are our faves:

Exped Lightning 60 Litre Backpack

The Exped Lightning 60 Litre Backpack is a versatile and lightweight option designed for long-distance hikes and multi-day trekking adventures. Weighing approximately 1.2 kg, it offers a spacious 60-litre capacity without compromising on comfort or durability.

Mammut Ducan Spine 50-60 Litre Backpack S25

The Mammut Ducan Spine 50–60L Backpack is built for comfort on big treks. With its unique spine suspension system, it moves naturally with your body to reduce fatigue. You get flexible storage thanks to its roll-top design, plus handy extras like mesh pockets, great ventilation, and a built-in rain cover—everything you need for smooth multi-day missions.

Fjallraven Keb 72 Litre Hiking Backpack

The Fjällräven Keb 72 is a rugged yet beginner-friendly backpack designed for year-round trekking and multi-day adventures. Its adjustable wooden frame and ergonomic design ensure a comfortable fit for various back lengths, making it ideal for those new to extended hikes. With a slim profile for freedom of movement and well-organized compartments for easy gear access, the Keb 72 simplifies packing and carrying, helping beginners focus on the journey ahead.

Osprey Poco Child Carrier

The Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier makes hiking with your kiddo a breeze. It’s comfy, easy to wear, and packed with fun extras like a built-in sunshade and loads of storage for snacks, toys, and nappies. Your little adventurer rides in style while you both enjoy the trail—win-win!

Dave Parker and Allison Tomazin Parker from PAST Outdoors on a recent hike on the South Coast of NSW using the Osprey Poco Child Carrier for their toddler (who's clearly loving it!) 

 

2. Hydration & Filtration 

Staying hydrated is one of the most important parts of any outdoor adventure, and having the right gear makes it easy and safe. For beginners, understanding how to carry, access, and filter water can be a game-changer. This section includes tried-and-tested Nalgene bottles and smart filtration solutions that take the guesswork out of drinking water on the trail—ensuring you're prepared whether you're at a campsite or collecting water from a stream.

Nalgene Narrow Mouth or Wide Mouth Water Bottles

Speaking of Nalgene! One of our most popular products, ever! Nalgene is famous for being leakproof and lasting lifetimes. Choose a nalgene water bottle that's either narrow for sipping, wide for filling with ice or mixing electrolytes. Simple and versatile—perfect for beginners to experiment with hydration.

Better yet- save on space with our multi-use PAST outdoors Originals Titanium Cup. Pop your Nalgene bottle in to save space while hiking, or heat the titanium cup over a stove for a tiny water boiler for your coffee. We designed this for this very reason!

Hardside Hydration Nalgene Swig Rig

This US brand has completely gone nuts in Australia! The Hardside Hydration Nalgene Swig Rig is a must-have for hiking and camping! Here we are again with the multi-function products... this neat little set up fits over your Nalgene bottle for easy sipping on your next hike. 

 

3. Sleeping Bags

A good night's sleep can make or break your camping trip—especially for beginners. The right sleeping bag keeps you warm, comfortable, and well-rested, no matter the conditions. Whether you're heading out in summer or tackling cooler alpine nights, this selection of premium down sleeping bags offers something for every adventure and skill level. Lightweight, compact, and easy to use, these sleeping bags are built for reliable performance in the outdoors.

Sea to Summit Spark Down Sleeping Bag

Ultra-light and compact with premium 850+ fill down, rated for seasonal camping. Beginners will love the Sea to Summit Spark Sleeping Bag's warmth-to-weight ratio and small packed size for easy backpacking.

Sea to Summit Ascent Down Sleeping Bag

A step up in warmth and comfort, the Sea to Summit Ascent Down Sleeping bag is tailored for colder conditions. It balances insulation and packability—great for growing camping confidence.

Mont Helium 600 -4 to -10 degrees Down Sleeping Bag

Going somewhere super cold? The Mont Helium 600 Sleeping Bag is a lightweight, three-season down sleeping bag designed for performance without the bulk. Filled with 600g of premium 750+ loft water-resistant down, it’s built to keep you warm in temperatures from -4°C to 10°C. 

4. Camping Accessories

The right accessories can make all the difference when it comes to comfort and convenience at camp. For beginners, these simple yet essential items help bridge the gap between roughing it and truly enjoying the outdoors. From quick-drying towels that keep you fresh on the go to sun protection that lasts all day, these camping accessories are lightweight, practical, and designed to enhance every aspect of your camping experience.

Sea to Summit Pocket Towel

Highly absorbent yet fast-drying, the Sea to Summit Travel towel is compact and ideal for cleansing and comfort at camp. Beginners will appreciate its quick-dry convenience and hygiene boost.

Mont Classic Sun Hat

Protect yourself from sunburn and heat with this breathable, wide-brimmed Mont classic sun hat. A beginner essential for shade during hikes or campsite setup.

 

5.  Camping Storage, Dry Bags & Containers

Exped Dry Bags

Rugged and water-resistant, the Exped dry bags protect your gear from rain, river crossings, or accidental spills—essential for first-timers who haven’t mastered pack waterproofing yet.

PAST Outdoors Originals Ultralight Packing Cubes

Designed from silnylon offcuts of our PAST Outdoors Originals Tipi Tents, these packing cubes are the ultimate in space-efficient, eco-friendly packing. For beginners, they bring order to your kit—separate clothing from cooking gear and easily find what you need.

6. Sleeping Mats & Ground Sheets

Dupont Tyvek Ground Sheet

Our famous Dupont Tyvek Ground Sheet provides a tough, moisture-resistant layer between tent floor and ground. A beginner must-have to extend tent life and prevent damp sleeping.

Exped Ultra 5R

The Exped Ultra 5R is the perfect all‑season inflatable sleeping mat, combining luxury comfort with lightweight performance. At just 7 cm thick, its head‑to‑toe air chambers cradle your body and create the "Comfort Cradle" design that keeps you centered throughout the night. With an impressive R‑value of 4.8, it provides reliable insulation down to around −5 °F (−20 °C), making it warm enough for most 3‑season use and even winter camping.

Therm‑A‑Rest Z‑Lite Sleeping Mat

The Thermarest Z lite Sleeping Mat is a classic closed-cell foam sleeping pad, revered for its ultralight weight, durability, and versatility. Whether used as a standalone pad or layered under an inflatable mattress, it provides reliable warmth and comfort. For beginners, its no-fuss deployment means instant comfort without inflation—just unfold and sleep. Plus, it doubles as a rugged camp seat or emergency gear protector, ideal for new campers seeking simplicity and dependability.

7. Pillows, Liners & Accessories

Small comforts can make a big difference when you’re sleeping under the stars! For beginners especially, having a supportive pillow, a soft liner, or thoughtful extras can elevate your camping experience from basic to blissful. These lightweight and packable accessories add warmth, hygiene, and convenience—making your sleep setup more comfortable and easier to maintain on multi-day adventures.

Sea to Summit Aeros Pillows

You need an inflatable pillow. Let me repeat that again. You need an inflatable pillow. There is nothing worst than having to sleep on a bundle of clothing and wake up with your neck and back sore... honestly this is an absolute must-have. Inflatable and comfy, these Sea to summit Aeros pillows pack down tiny yet provide camp-ready sleep support—ideal for beginners not used to sleeping on the ground.

Sea to Summit Breeze Sleeping Bag Liner

Why do you need a sleeping bag liner?

A sleeping bag liner like the Sea to Summit Breeze Liner is a lightweight insert that offers several practical benefits, especially for campers and hikers looking to improve comfort, hygiene, and versatility. First, it helps keep the inside of your sleeping bag clean by acting as a barrier between you and the bag—ideal for multi-day trips or warmer-weather camping when you might sweat more.

Liners can also add a few extra degrees of warmth, making them perfect for boosting the performance of a lighter sleeping bag in cooler conditions. Plus, on warm nights, a liner can be used on its own as a breathable, lightweight cover. They're easy to wash, quick to dry, and extend the lifespan of your sleeping bag—making them a smart, low-maintenance addition to any camping kit.

8. Tents & Shelters

Your shelter is your home base in the outdoors—where you sleep, store your gear, and take refuge from the elements. For beginners, choosing the right tent can make a huge difference in comfort, ease of setup, and overall experience. Whether you're going solo, sharing with a mate, or camping with the whole crew, these reliable and well-designed shelters offer protection, space, and simplicity to suit a range of camping styles.

Mont Moondance 1‑Person Tent

Lightweight and compact, the Mont Moondance 1 is perfect for solo adventurers who want to keep pack weight low without compromising on quality or protection. Its quick setup, durable materials, and excellent ventilation make it beginner-friendly, especially for first-time hikers and bikepackers looking for a dependable all-weather tent.

Read more: Mont Tents: The ultimate Guide

Mont Moondance 2‑Person Tent

Ideal for pairs or solo campers wanting extra space, the Mont Moondance 2 offers roomy sleeping quarters, dual vestibules for gear storage, and a strong yet lightweight construction. It’s designed for quick and intuitive pitching—great for beginners who value comfort, versatility, and ease of use across a variety of camping environments.

PAST Outdoors Originals 4‑6‑Person Tipi Tent

Spacious and striking, the classic PAST Outdoors Tipi Tent is made from high-quality materials and designed to comfortably fit small groups or families. Its single-pole setup is surprisingly simple, even for beginners, and its durable, weather-resistant design makes it a great basecamp option for car camping or multi-day adventures. With ample headroom and ventilation, it brings both function and flair to the campsite.

Here's a video with a low down of the Tipi tent if you're thinking of getting something for family camping, or group camping. 

9. Hiking & Camping Furniture

A bit of comfort goes a long way after a big day outdoors. Lightweight, packable furniture can transform your campsite into a relaxing, functional space—giving you a place to sit, cook, or gather around. For beginners, these easy-to-carry chairs and tables offer the perfect balance between convenience and comfort, helping you feel more at home in the wild without adding unnecessary bulk to your pack.

Helinox Chair Zero

The Helinox Chair Zero is the go-to ultralight camp chair for hikers and minimalist campers. Weighing just around 500g and packing down to the size of a water bottle, it’s incredibly easy to carry. Despite its small size, it’s surprisingly strong and supportive. Beginners will love its quick setup and compact footprint—perfect for trail meals, fireside chats, or putting your boots on without sitting on the ground.

Helinox Sunset Chair

For those wanting a bit more comfort, the Helinox Sunset Chair offers a higher back and a more reclined seat—ideal for longer relaxation at basecamp or after a full day of hiking. It’s still lightweight and portable, but provides the extra support that’s especially appreciated by beginners adjusting to life off the grid. It’s the campfire companion that brings comfort without compromise.

Here's our explainer video giving you some options around what camping chair you should choose: 

Helinox Table One

Compact, lightweight, and surprisingly sturdy, the Helinox Table One is perfect for meals, card games, or keeping your gear organized and off the ground. It folds up neatly into a small carry case, making it a great addition to any pack. For new campers, this table adds convenience and cleanliness to the campsite—no more balancing dinner on your knees or prepping meals on the dirt.

Watch our short video about the Helinox One camping range: