Your Ultimate Outdoor Guide

At Donkey Long Tong, we believe every day is a camping day. There’s just something about getting out of the city, under the stars, with a fire crackling and your favorite people gathered around.

But let’s face it: camping can feel a bit daunting, especially if you didn’t grow up doing it. If you're wondering:

• What do I need to take camping?

• How do I prepare for bad weather on a camping trip?

• What do I need to know before my first camping adventure?
  

You’re not alone. That’s exactly why we’ve gathered our best Donkey Long Tong-approved camping tips to help you get the most out of every outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned camper, these tips will make sure your trip is memorable (for all the right reasons).

Image by @ccam_boyscout

Camping Hack #1: Start with Reliable Equipment

This one’s simple but absolutely essential: invest in good-quality gear. Once you're out in the wild, you may not have easy access to shops, so being well-prepared is non-negotiable.

Test Your Tent

Your tent is your shelter, so make sure it’s up for the task. If you're borrowing a tent from a friend or family member, set it up in your garden or yard before the trip.

Here’s what to check:

• Pitch it fully to see if it’s still in good condition

• Spray it with water to check for leaks

• Pack it down to make sure it fits back in the bag (you know how sneaky those bags are…)
  

You don’t want to discover mid-rainstorm that your “waterproof” tent is more of an improvised shower, and you definitely don’t want to be the person wrestling with a soaking wet tent while muttering unmentionables in front of the kids.

Choose Space-Smart, Durable Furniture

Space in your car is precious. You're packing your tent, sleeping bags, clothes, food, and probably your entire family. You don’t need a dining room table.

Opt for a foldable camping table that’s compact but strong enough for food prep. It’s a simple thing that makes a big difference when you're chopping veggies or pouring coffee.

The same goes for camping chairs:
Get ones that fold easily, keep you off the cold ground, and hold you up for more than one trip. The key here is comfort and durability. Invest in something solid. You won’t regret it.

Check Your Car’s Reliability

Camping often means going off-grid. So, make sure your car is up for the challenge. No one wants to be stranded with no cell signal and a dying engine.

If you’re going into rugged terrain, borrow or rent an off-road vehicle. A 4x4 could be the difference between a smooth trip and a rescue mission. Trust us: getting stuck in the mud before you even pitch your tent is not the kind of memory you want.

Camping Hack #2: Fire Tools and Dry Wood

There’s no camping without a fire. It’s where you cook, warm up, tell stories, and bond. But a good fire doesn’t build itself. You need the right gear.

Pack Fire Essentials

Here’s our must-have list for building and managing the perfect camping fire:

• Donkey Long Tong 80cm - Ideal for controlling your fire without getting too close

• Donkey Tong 69cm - Perfect for cooking over flames

• The Blower - Helps get your fire going without face-fulls of smoke

• The Paddle – Keeps your fire going with air control

Or take the stress out of it completely with our Jack Sack. It's our full fire gear kit that makes campfire management simple, efficient, and stress-free.

Image by Aidan Stott

Don’t Forget the Wood (Dry Wood!)

You might assume you’ll find wood at your campsite, but it’s a gamble. And wet wood? That’s the stuff of camping nightmares.

Always pack dry wood. Enough to start and maintain a fire. Yes, it takes up space, but come nighttime when the chill sets in, you’ll be glad you brought it.

Image by Aidan Stott

Camping Hack #3: Pack the Right Clothes

We get it, styling your 'camping fit' can be fun. But remember: you’re camping, not hitting the mall. Choose comfort and function over fashion.

Layer Up Smartly

Temperatures can swing wildly outdoors, especially at night. Pack fleece layers that trap heat and keep you cozy without feeling bulky. One fleece beats five threadbare hoodies.

Don’t overpack bulky items. Quality layers go a long way.

Bring a Waterproof Jacket

Rain can arrive without warning, and when it does, you’ll need a solid rain jacket. Whether you're setting up a tent or grabbing something from your car, a good waterproof layer keeps you warm, dry, and sane.

Socks Matter

Nothing ends a good day of camping faster than wet, cold feet. Whether it’s a puddle, river crossing, or accidental slip, your feet can and will get wet, so pack extra socks. Preferably warm ones.

Pro tip: This is probably why your mom always gave you socks for Christmas.

Camping Hack #4: Plan for Unplugged Entertainment

One of the best things about camping is stepping away from screens and reconnecting with nature and people. But that doesn’t mean twiddling your thumbs.

Read, Play, Relax

Pack:

• A good book you've been meaning to read

• A deck of cards or compact board games

• Paper and pen for journaling or sketching
  

This is your chance to unwind and actually do those things you never have time for.

Lace Up and Explore

Not into sitting around? Bring hiking boots and explore your surroundings. Whether it’s a casual stroll around the campground or a nearby trail, walking in nature is a simple, grounding activity that gives you a fresh perspective on your trip.

Gather 'Round the Fire

Once the sun sets, break out the campfire stories. They can be spooky, sweet, or downright hilarious. Just start talking. Fires have been drawing people together for thousands of years. It is the guardian of our wildest stories, so why not add a few more while you’re out in nature?

Stargazing: A Free Show

If you’re far enough from city lights and the sky is clear, lay out a blanket or towel and look up. Stargazing in silence is an unforgettable experience. Try spotting constellations, or just enjoy the quiet beauty of the sky.

Sleep Under The Stars

This is a firm summer favorite. Sleeping under the stars helps you to connect with nature in a brand new way. Just make sure that it's not too cold outside, you have a warm enough sleeping bag and that you keep the bug repellant near.

Camping Hack #5: Choose the Right Campsite

Where you camp can completely change your experience, so use these tips and choose wisely.

Arrive Early

The best spots go fast. Get to the campsite early to scope out a secluded, quiet area away from other campers. You didn’t come all this way to hear your neighbor’s Bluetooth speaker.

Seek Shade

A tent in direct sun turns into an oven. Look for natural shade, or position your vehicle to provide some relief during peak heat.

Find Water (Without Hauling It)

If possible, set up camp near a water source. Hauling gallons of water across a field isn’t fun. Proximity to water helps with cooking, cleaning, drinking, and cooling off. Just make sure it's clean and safe before using.

Pick Flat Ground

Your back will thank you. Sleeping or cooking on uneven, rocky, or sloped ground is a recipe for disaster (or at least rolling potatoes and bruised egos).

Bonus Hack: Make a Checklist

If you're still nervous about your trip, or you're just wondering what you forgot to pack, we have the ultimate camping checklist for you. With this, you'll never again accidentally leave behind something important.

Be sure to save this checklist to your phone or laptop and send to your camping friends.

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared

Whether you’re heading out for your first-ever camping trip or you're already a seasoned explorer, these camping hacks, tips, and gear recommendations will help you get more from your time outdoors.

Camping is all about being prepared, staying flexible, and most importantly, being present. So grab your gear, double-check your checklist, and don’t forget to enjoy the fire, the stories, and the stars.

Happy camping!

Image by Aidan Stott