Australian camping essentials: the gear you need for a great outdoor experience The Getprice team breaks down exactly you need for your next camping trip. Envisioning summer this year, we can’t imagine anything better than a good ol’ camping trip. There’s nothing quite like emerging from a deep, peaceful slumber at your favourite camping site, hearing the birds singing and watching the sun rise. Sounds amazing, right? Before you start packing your bags to your favourite camping spot, there are a few essential things you need to take with you. 1. Tent Having a space that protects you from the elements (and from bugs!) is essential for any camping trip. Summer is a time that brings out all sorts of creatures, so if you’re in an area that is surrounded by bushland, it's important to be zipped up at night. Also, as Australian weather can be quite dramatic, there is often no telling if a sudden cold front will drop the temperature by 20ºC, or maybe even bring a drizzle of rain – so you want to be prepared for any weather occasions. Here are the main factors you need to consider when choosing a tent. Number of people When thinking tent, the first factor you need to consider is size. How many people are going to be in the tent? Do you want to sleep a whole family, a couple, or just yourself? Do you have a lot of equipment that you need to store in the tent as well? Tents are measured to fit adults shoulder to shoulder, so there's not a lot of wiggle room. If you want extra space so you don’t feel like sardines – or want to store gear and still have room to sleep, you’ll want to consider going up an extra size (or two). General rule of thumb when buying a tent is to go one to two sizes up. For example, a family of four would be comfortable in a six-person tent. Weather conditions All good tents will come with a two-, three- or four-season rating. • Two-season. Two-season tents are only really suitable for warmer weather, as they have the least amount of temperature protection. This also makes them lighter, so they’re perfect for the summer/spring time. • Three-season. These are the most popular option, as they offer protection from the elements (ie. rain) without being too heavy. These tents are suitable for use in summer, spring and autumn. • Four-season. The most expensive and the heaviest of the tents, four seasons models are designed to keep you dry and warm in any weather and at any time of year. These tents are best suited to snowy periods and use at elevations above the cloud line. Despite the name, they‘re not really suitable for warmer months, as their design limits ventilation – so they can become very hot and stuffy in summer or spring. Material • Cotton/canvas. Cotton/canvas tents are great at insulation and ventilation, meaning they keep you warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. Another great benefit of cotton is that it’s less prone to condensation. There is a caveat to cotton/canvas tents, in that prior to use they do need to go through a ‘weathering’ process – which draws the stitching together and tightens the seams to seal the tent, completing the manufacturing process. You can choose to skip this step however, be prepared for some leaking around the seal for the first 2-3 of rain. • PVC-coated. Some cotton tents have a polyvinyl chloride (aka PVC, which is a type of plastic) coating on the exterior, so there is no need to go through the above weathering process as they’re already fully weatherproof. When purchasing a PVC-coated tent, it’s important to have ventilation openings in the tent as the PVC increases condensation. • Polyester-cotton. Polyester-cotton is a great material, as it’s both sturdy and hard-wearing. This tent will last you for a long time (as long as you take care of it) and is waterproof as the polyester is woven with cotton. Most polyester-cotton tents also come with an additional waterproof layer. This tent is a great choice for a quality tent and is also more affordable compared to the majority of other fabrics. • Polyester. One of the more popular fabrics, polyester is more durable than nylon so is used by many manufacturers. Polyester tents come in a range of prices, so it's important to do your research before making your purchase. Comparing polyester with other fabrics, it comes very close to poly-cotton, however polyester will not shrink or get heavier when exposed to rain. Polyester tents are also less affected by sunlight, making them great summer tents! • Nylon. Nylon tents are perfect for the summer months! Light and affordable, it's a great choice for people who are casual campers and just need a simple tent to appease the occasional summer escape. Like polyester, nylon is also waterproof and won’t shrink when exposed to rain. Depending on your budget, you can find nylon tents with a coating of either silicone or acrylic, which helps improve durability. Weight How will you be transporting your tent? Are you going a long way from your car? Before choosing a tent, you need to consider how far you’ll be carrying, what your own physical capabilities are and what else you’re bringing with you. Opting for something lightweight is always the best option if you’re unsure, or want to venture a bit further afield and not just plonk down right next to your vehicle. Ease of use Unless you have a small army of people helping you, you probably don’t want to spend hours on end setting up your tent. Some tents look great in the store, but could have taken hours to be assembled, so checking over any instructions and asking sales assistants how long it will take can ensure you’re not wasting precious time when your out in the wild. 2. Sleeping bag Outer shell material • Nylon, Polyester, Taffeta. Best for indoor or light camping trips, these synthetic materials are not the most sturdy. However, their lower cost makes them a good choice for campers on a budget that aren’t looking for anything too serious. • Ripstop. A more premium fabric, Ripstop is nylon or polyester that has been interwoven with heavier threads to create a more heavy duty and durable material. A great choice for those who are a little more adventurous and need to be prepared for any weather conditions. Inner lining material • Nylon, polyester, taffeta. The most popular lining fabric due to its winning combination of softness and breathability. Available in a wide array of sleeping bags at various price points, suitable for car or general camping in the spring/summer months when temperatures are moderate. • Polycotton. A softer fabric, but also one that takes longer to dry so it’s not ideal for winter. It’s generally recommended that sleeping bags with a polycotton lining only be used in summer or indoors. • Silk. A very breathable and smooth fabric that can greatly improve comfort, but also the most expensive option. Note too, that silk can be ripped easily, so it’s not as well-suited to harsh conditions. Stuffing type There are two common types of insulation that are used in sleeping bags today: • Down. A type of very soft bird feathers, down has many advantages when used in sleeping bags: it’s lightweight, easy to compress, great in cold conditions and long-lasting. A tad more expensive than the alternative, but a great choice if you’re braving colder, wintery conditions. • Synthetic. Synthetic insulation is quick-drying, insulates when wet and is a perfect choice for people with allergies, as it won’t cause irritation like down sometimes can. It's a great choice for an affordable price. Sizes Sleeping bags are sized by length, so when choosing a bag, go with how tall you are. For example, if you are 5 feet tall, you’d want to aim for a bag that measures the same length.. Note though that all sleeping bags include extra room so they’re not constricting – there’s an additional 8 inches to allow for a bit of movement. Shape There are three main types of sleeping bags: • 'Mummy'. Think ‘ancient Egyptian sarcophagus’ when picturing the shape of a ‘mummy’ sleeping bag: they’re narrow at the feet and tighter around your body, which creates more warmth for maximum insulation. A mummy bag also comes with a hood, which helps hold in heat. • Semi-rectangular. This style of sleeping bag has more legroom and suites a wide array of temperatures. Anybody who moves a lot in their sleep will appreciate this design, and it also converts into a blanket which can be quite useful for the warmer months. • Rectangular. This design provides the most space you can get with a sleeping bag. Equal in width from the top to the bottom, rectangular bags are great for warmer climates and general use, making them perfect in combination with camping beds, car camping or sharing with someone else. Temperature rating All sleeping bags generally have some kind of temperature rating, and as with tents, the season and conditions in which you camp are the defining factors that should decide what temperature rating you’re going to need. Do you go camping all year round, or only when it’s hot... or cold? These are the three ratings you can choose from: • Summer: +5 to +10 | Feels like you’re sleeping with a light blanket or sheet • All rounder: 0-degree | Feels like sleeping with a standard duvet at home. • Winter: - -5 to -10 | Something a bit more snug, like having an additional blanket (or two). If you see a sleeping bag that’s marked with EN13537 or EN23537, this indicates that it has been tested to a strict EU scientific standard, and should therefore tell you exactly what kind of temperatures the bag can endure. Price range Your average sleeping bags (those that have a temperature rating between +10 and -10) can range anywhere between $50 to $350 in Australia. The brand, size, type and overall quality of the materials and construction of a bag are what determines the price. If you’re the type that likes your outdoor adventures more extreme, sleeping bags meant for harsher conditions can range from $350 all the way up to $1,000 or more. 3. Cold food storage Unless you want to contract salmonella from poor food refrigeration (OMG, that’s so last century) on multi-day camping trips, some form of cold food storage is essential. Not only does refrigeration help keep that nasties at bay, it keeps your food fresh and lasting longer, ensuring that everything you packed will last the duration of your trip. When it comes to coolers (or Eskies, as most Aussies prefer to call them), there a three different types on the market: Soft coolers Soft coolers are easy to lift and are readily transportable, as they’re made with lighter materials than the traditional hard cooler counterpart. However, these coolers also have more limited storage capacities, so they’re primarily intended for one day events, rather than multi-day camping trips. Hard coolers These are exactly what most Australians picture when we think of a cooler or Esky. Hard coolers are typically large, sturdy plastic boxes, and most include a handle and wheels to make them easy to manoeuvre – useful, as they can get quite heavy when filled with cold food and ice. Hard coolers come in many sizes and are rated by capacity, which ranges from 20L to 350L. They can keep food cold for over a week and can even be used as a seat! The most ‘go-to’ cooler for camping. Powered coolers Powered coolers (which are really just portable fridges) do not use ice or ice blocks to keep your food cold – instead, they’re powered by an external power source. They’re great if you’re going for long camping trips and plan on staying close to your car, as you won’t have to worry up filling up the ice when its melts. The down side is that, as with any electrical appliance, you need to keep them juiced up. Many modern models have built-in rechargeable batteries, however, and in those cases you won’t need to keep them permanently plugged in. As mechanical devices, they also may require maintenance or (eventually), a replacement battery – and likely won’t last as long as a hard cooler – many of which can go for decades. However, this is a decent investment and if you’re serious about car camping, this is an essential. 4. Camping chair A no brainer when it comes to camping. Unless you want to go the natural way by sitting in the ground or a log, which (trust us) gets old quickly. Camping is all about getting away and relaxing, so having a camp chair is a must – and ideally, one with a drink holder! Ultimately, a camping chair should be comfortable, lightweight (especially if you’re planning on lugging it around by foot) and sturdy. The main variable when it comes to camping chairs is weight; the more cushioning and extra features a chair has, the heavier it will be. It's something to keep in mind if you need to be light on your feet. To get you started on your adventure, we’ve put together this quick list of some of the most popular camping products listed on Getprice. Oztrail Furniture Sun Lounge Jumbo RRP: $189.99 | More info: Official Oztrail product page Be the envy of your friends and relax in style with the Oztrail Furniture Sun Lounge Jumbo. Sure, you could get something a bit smaller and cheaper (and that's completely up to you) but if you want the ultimate glamping experience, this chair is for you. The Sun Lounge can hold up to 150kg, has comfortable ergonomic timber armrests, a nifty side table with cup holder, adjustable headrest and homely padded seat and backrest. If this chair was a car, it would be a Bentley. Click here to find the best Oztrail Sun Lounge prices in Australia Coleman Silver Series Instant-Up Tent RRP: $399.99 | More info: Official Coleman product page Need a tent but don’t want the fuss of spending hours putting it up (and all the unnecessary stress that comes with it)? No worries! The Coleman Silver Series Instant-Up Tent has got you covered. Setting up this bundle of joy takes under 2 minutes and it’s quite tough with an in-built frame hub, welded floors and inverted seams to keep water out, and there’s also large windows with roll up rear flaps and internal cord management. The best part about this tent is not only its easy set up but also, its comes with a large front awning! The perfect place to situate your new Oztrail Furniture Sun Lounge Jumbo chair. The Coleman Instant-Up comes in an array of different sizes that are designed to accommodate anywhere from four to 10 people. Click here to find the best Coleman Instant-Up Tent prices in Australia Engel MR40F Eclipse Portable Fridge/Freezer 38 (litre) RRP: $919.00 | More info: Official Engel product page Need something that can both refrigerate and freeze food, and don't want to worry about maintaining it with ice or ice packs? Look no further than the Engel MR40F Eclipse Portable Fridge/Freezer. This portable cooler has a 38 litre capacity (50 x 375ml cans), can drop the temperature by as much as 50ºC from ambient, meaning it can be used as a fridge or freezer (though note that it can’t do both at the same time), is thermostat controlled, has a powerful Japanese-made Sawafuji motor and is relatively light for a portable fridge at just 22kgs. If you’re looking at purchasing one of these super convenient bad boys, you’re going to need to charge it. It can run off either a 12V or 24V car plug, or the 240V connections available at many caravan parks. Click here to find the best Engle MR40F Fridge/Freezer prices in Australia Coleman Xtreme Wheeled Cooler 58 (litre) RRP: $209.99 | More info: Official Coleman product page If you think purchasing a fully-fledge portable fridge is a tad extreme, your next best bet is something like the classic Coleman Xtreme Wheeled Cooler. With a retro design and style that’s sure to bring back some nostalgia for those of a certain age,, this Esky is extremely light weight, easy to clean and built to last. Holding an impressive 58.7 liters, this cooler is completely rust proof and can keep ice cold for up to 5 days, even in external temperatures of 32°C. Coleman is also attempting to be a bit more Earth-friendly but using low-Co2 insulation, which reduces the carbon emissions produced when manufacturing foam. Click here to find the best Coleman Xtreme Cooler prices in Australia Sea to Summit Trailhead ThII - WaveLoft Sleeping Bag RRP: $199.00 | More info: Official Sea to Summit product page It’s often difficult to get a good night's sleep when you’re camping, but the Sea to Summit Trailhead Thll sleeping bag looks like it can deliver just that… and at the very least, it’ll keep you snug at night. Along with an amazing set of features that include 30D DWR Nylon shell and 20D Nylon lining (lightweight and compressible), lining fabrics attached to shell to prevent tangles and oversized zip draft tubes with anti-snag to preserve heat. What's unique about this sleeping bag is the WaveLoft construction that uses thick layers of insulation that trap clusters of warm air, keeping you toasting in chilly weather. The Trailhead II temperature rating (as per EN13537 standards) is: Comfort: 5°C | 40°F Lower Limit: -1°C | 30°F Extreme: -16°C | 4°F In addition to this, the sleeping bag tapered rectangular shape offers more space and comfort than a traditional mummy bag and has a full-length side and foot zip, so it can double a handy quilt or picnic blanket. Click here to find the best Trailhead ThII prices in Australia
Which blender is best? How to shop for a blender The Getprice team breaks down exactly what you need to know to choose the right blender for you in 2019. As we’ve discussed previously on Getprice, there’s a ton of cooking gadgets on the market that can help you whip up all kinds of creations in the kitchen. Here, we’re going to take a closer look at the blender. When it comes to buying one, you’ll have the choice between two types: benchtop or stick (sometimes known as a hand blender). In this guide, we’re going to get into the nitty gritty of the more powerful of the two: benchtop blenders. What comes to mind when you think of blenders are probably fruit smoothies or vegetables juices. These days however, the humble blender can do so much more, helping you prepare meals from breakfast to dinner, and even frozen desserts. Blenders can now chop, mix, purée, liquify and stir to your heart’s content, capabilities that will save you time when it comes to both preparation and clean-up. The right machine can create creamy milkshakes or make fresh sauce in seconds. Some truly powerful machines can not only create soups, but also heat the liquid up while they’re at it, serving up warm soup in seconds (that’s the Vitamix, we’ll get to that below). What to consider when buying a blender With that said, the first thing you’ll want to consider before buying a blender is exactly what you intend to use it for. This matters, because models with all the bells and whistles come with a suitably hefty price tag, and you don’t want to part with your hard-earned cash if you won’t be making use of the variety of features. If you primarily want a blender for fresh juices and smoothies, you’ll be safe with our picks of single-serve blenders in the low to mid-price range (between $30 to $500). Blenders at the higher end of the scale come with more powerful motors and sturdy blades that can easily purée vegetables or grind up raw, dry ingredients into pastes such as nut butter. If you’re planning on dicing up dry vegetables and nuts, you’ll want to be on the lookout for a machine with a durable stainless steel blade and a gutsy motor. Single-serve blenders – take your smoothie to go If you’re buying a blender in hopes of having a healthier lifestyle on the go, another option to consider before making your purchase is what’s called the ‘single-serve’ blender. These models allow you to whip up your smoothie and then take it out the door with you – all in the same cup. Saving you time and halving your clean-up. When shopping for a single-serve blender, keep an eye out for features such as handled cups and resealable lids. How much capacity do you need? Perhaps you’re planning on buying a blender to please a crowd. If this is the case, a single-serve blender is not the smartest option. If you want to serve up frozen cocktails for your friends or create enough soup to satisfy the family, you’ll need a blender with a large capacity. A blender with easy-to-read measurement markings will especially come in handy for larger servings, ensuring you don’t over do it. Need for speed When shopping for a blender, you’re likely to come across motor power rating, which some brands measure in watts, or occasionally, in horsepower. Wattage typically ranges from 500 to 1200-watts, with one horsepower equal to 746-watts. However, higher motor power doesn’t necessarily translate to better performance. Blade configuration and jug size are also important factors to consider (a smaller jug shouldn’t require as much power), so before making your purchase, consider what you want out of your blender and let the manufacturer’s specifications guide you. For example, while the NutriBullet 1000 Series boasts 1000-watts of power, the manufacturer states it is not intended for use as an ice crusher. KitchenAid’s Artisan Diamond Blender, however, has a design that allows you to crush ice, despite only having a 550-watt motor. As a general rule of thumb, single-serve blenders are not as powerful as their traditional benchtop counterparts, and will need liquid before blending hard fruits and vegetables. Some, but not all traditional blenders may be geared towards more heavy-duty tasks, such as making nut butter, milling flour and churning out hot soup. Ease of cleaning The idea of delicious fruit smoothies and warm soups does sound enticing… until you consider the clean up. Before making your purchase, it’s worthwhile checking if your new blender is dishwasher friendly. Brands may also tout themselves as ‘easy to clean’ if the kit comes with removable blades, which can prove handy if the base of your jug is narrow and hard to reach. A well-sealed control panel is much easier to wipe clean compared to finicky control dials, and you should also take a look at the lid seal. If it needs to be removed for a proper clean, it could prove to be a fiddly chore. What you can expect to pay If it’s a single-serve blender you’re after, models from big-name brands such as NutriBullet and Ninja retail between $159 to $279. The powerhouse machines for all your blending needs retail for much higher, starting at around $299 for a top-of-the-line KitchenAid. NutriBullet 1000 Series (N100907DG) RRP: $160 | More info: Official NutriBullet product page You’ve no doubt heard of the NutriBullet. The brand popularised single-serve blenders, and at just under 3.5kg, its compact and sleek design will fit nicely in any kitchen without taking up valuable bench space. It’s 1000-watt motor will provide smooth sipping of whatever drink you whip up, and the brand promises most drinks can be made in under 60 seconds. We also like this one for its single-serve design and resealable lid, making it perfect if you want to enjoy all manner of juices, shakes and smoothies on the go. Click here to find the best NutriBullet 1000 Series prices in Australia Ninja Nutri Ninja with Auto IQ BL480 RRP: $190 | More info: Official Ninja product page This neat little single-serve blender by Ninja has many similarities to the NutriBullet, though what sets it apart are its built-in blending programs. At the touch of a button, you can blend or pulse your ingredients together, rather than the push and twist motion needed for the NutriBullet. The simplified button functionality means the Nutri Ninja comes with a higher price tag, but these programs can ensure you’ll get an even texture every time. This particular model is lighter at 2.2kg and comes with 500ml, 700ml and 900ml cups which you can sip from directly each with a resealable lid. The measurement markings are a nice addition that’s helpful when you’re prepping more complex drinks. Click here to find the best Nutri Ninja with Auto IQ prices in Australia Sunbeam PB8080 Two Way Blender RRP: $199 | More info: Official Sunbeam product page The Sunbeam Two Way Blender is bulker than the Nutri Ninja, but it boasts three pre-programmed recipes – smoothie, chop/salsa and milkshake – and a large eight cup pitcher to handle your needs. This model features a 1100-watt motor with a 2 litre jug capacity, and stainless steel two-way blades which change direction and promise a smooth, even blend. In addition to the pre-programmed recipes, you’ll also have the option of four manual settings, so you’ll have more control over texture. Click here to find the best Sunbeam Two Way Blender prices in Australia KitchenAid Artisan Diamond Blender KSB1585 RRP: $299 | More info: Official KitchenAid product page KitchenAid’s Artisan Diamond Blender is a great choice if you’re wanting more out of your blender than fruit smoothies and juices. This model has a 550-watt motor and handles large capacity blending with its eight cup pitcher, making it easy to prepare multiple drinks for family or friends. The kit weighs in at 4.5kg and comes with five speed settings and a nifty ice crushing feature, perfect to make cocktails for a crowd. KitchenAid arguably also makes the most stylish blenders you’ll find, with this model coming in the brand’s classic red, black, cream and silver colour options. Click here to find the best KitchenAid Artisan Diamond Blender prices in Australia Vitamix Professional Series 500 RRP: $1,095 | More info: Official Vitamix product page Let’s talk about the Vitamix Professional Series 500. This machine is a beast and a serious step up in your blending game. For a start, this machine packs a two horsepower motor. It’s this powerful component that allows you to not only blend vegetables into soup, but serve it piping hot when you’re done. The heat comes from the sheer speed and friction of the blades. You can even scramble eggs using this Vitamix, and with a 2 litre jug capacity, there will be enough for everyone. It features variable speed control, so you can control the texture of your concoctions whether you want a smooth purée or a chunky salsa. Weighing in at 4.95kg, make sure you have space on your bench for this powerhouse blender. Click here to find the best Vitamix Professional Series 500 prices in Australia See all of Getprice's blenders at the category homepage
