Prepare your camping equipment with these simple steps

Looking forward to that annual camping holiday? Give yourself the best chance to make your camping adventure absolutely epic by ensuring your gear is ready to go... and that you've got everything you need! Checking your camping equipment is a must-do before you head away. Whether you're planning weekend getaways, longer treks into the wilderness, or a classic extended family camping holiday, ensuring your gear is in tip-top shape will make your experience even more enjoyable.

Here are 6 easy steps to take to get your ready for your camping holidays this season:

1. Inventory Your Gear
   Start by collecting all your camping essentials in one spot (if you have kids, get them to think of it as a mini camping treasure hunt to give you a hand!). From your trusty Zempire tent to your favourite camping pillow, lay it all out and get ready to inspect. Creating an inventory checklist to tick off each item should ensure you don't forget anything or identify any new gear you may need. When it comes to packing the vehicle, bring the checklist back out to make life easy and avoid the dreaded thoughts of feeling like you forgot something! 
   
   
2. Pitch Your Tent
   Set up your tent in the backyard or wherever you can find ample space. This isn’t just a check-up; it’s a chance to re-live your camping experience to get your excited for your next one! Once set up, be sure to: 
• Check for Damage: Look for rips, tears, or holes in the fabric and floor—consider this your tent's spa day!
• Poles and Pegs: Ensure all poles are intact and that you have all the pegs you need. Nothing ruins a camping trip like missing pegs!
• Waterproofing: If your tent is showing signs of wear, consider applying waterproofing spray. If you have a new canvas tent, now would be a good time to weather your canvas fabric by dampening it with a hose, letting dry, then repeating this once more. Trust us, a dry tent makes for a happy camper!
  
  
3. Test Your Sleeping Gear
• Sleeping Bags: Give your sleeping bags a good fluff and check for any missing zippers. Snuggling into a cozy bag is one of the best parts of camping!
• Sleeping Mats/Beds/Pads
  Leave any self-inflating mats inflated and lay flat while not in use. If it’s been rolled up in storage, inflate it and leave it under your bed—it’ll be ready to go when you are! Now is a good time to check for any leaks in inflatable bedding to get them tended to before you get to your campsite. 
  
  
4. Check Cooking Equipment
• Stoves and Grills: Fire up your camping stove (safely!) to ensure it’s functioning properly. Check all connections & be sure to fill up any gas bottles or get extra fuel canisters to check off your list. 
• Cookware: Inspect your pots, pans, and utensils. Make sure you have all the tools you need to whip up some delicious campfire meals.
  
  
5. Look Over Your Accessories
• Flashlights and Lanterns: Check that batteries are fresh & rechargeable items are fully charged — no one wants to be left in the dark! Now is a good time to stock up on extra batteries or powerbanks for rechargeables. 
• First Aid Kits: Ensure your first aid kit is fully stocked. You never know when you might need a band-aid.
  
  
6. Address Missing Parts or Replacements
   If you find any missing components or parts that need replacing, don’t worry... Zempire has you covered with a wide range of spare parts available on our website. These are super easy to order online and it’s like finding the missing puzzle pieces for your camping adventure! Touch base with our team if you can't find what you're looking for and it pays to keep spares of certain essentials (e.g. Boston Valves & pump parts for air tents, valve caps for sleeping mats etc). 
   
   

If you have any questions regarding your camping gear, Zempire's excellent customer service team based in New Zealand is here to help! Don’t hesitate to reach out here. 

So gather your gear, get excited, and make this camping season one for the books! Camp well Zempire Family.