Nakie's Essentials for Camping in the Aussie Summer

There’s nothing quite like camping in an Aussie summer. Long days, ocean swims, sunsets that last forever… and the occasional scorched sausage, surprise downpour, or mozzie ambush (just to keep things interesting, eh?)

If you’re planning a summer escape and want to stay comfy, cool, and slightly less sweaty, you’ll want gear that performs in all kinds of weather. From sand-free towels to recycled hammocks, here’s your guide to the real essentials for camping this summer, Nakie-style.

The Ground Rules of Summer Camping

Before we get to the fun stuff, let’s cover the basics. Aussie summer camping is different. It’s hotter, louder, and often full of wildlife with very little respect for personal space.

To survive (and enjoy it), you’ll want gear that’s:

• Lightweight – because no one wants to haul a 20kg setup to the beach.

• Quick-drying – everything will get wet eventually.

• Compact – because packing space is always tight.

• Multi-purpose – fewer items, more uses, less chaos.

• Eco-friendly – because we actually want these camp spots to stay beautiful.

And conveniently, that’s the Nakie way.

Read more: 5 Health Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors 

Our 7 Essentials for Camping in Summer 

1. A Hammock 

If there’s one thing every Aussie campsite needs, it’s a spot to nap, read, or pretend you’re supervising the esky. The Nakie hammock is the definition of “essential.”

Made from recycled plastic bottles, it’s tough enough to handle the elements, soft enough to nap in, and ridiculously easy to set up. With triple stitching and a 225kg weight limit, it’s built for solo snoozes, shared swings and everything in between. 

Best part? It packs down small and comes with straps, so you can hang it between trees, 4WD roof racks, or anything sturdy enough to hold your summer daydreams.

2. A Puffy Blanket 

Summer nights might start warm, but anyone who’s camped near the coast or inland knows the temperature drop can hit fast. That’s where the puffy blanket becomes a camping essential. 

Soft, light, and made from recycled materials, it’s the perfect balance of warmth and breathability. It’s also water-resistant, so you can use it on dewy grass, sandy ground, or even wrap it around you by the fire without worrying about spills.

Each one is made using recycled bottles, plants four trees, and folds neatly into its own carry bag. You can use it as a blanket, picnic rug, or even a makeshift doona if the tent feels too thin. Either way, it’s one of those essentials for camping you’ll end up using way more than you expected.

3. A Sand-Free Beach Towel

No Aussie summer camping trip is complete without a swim. Whether it’s a beach, river, or that questionable “waterhole” your friend swore was fine, you’ll want a towel that doesn’t turn into a sand trap.

Our recycled sand-free beach towels are 15% larger than regular ones (160 × 90 cm) and hold up to a litre of water. They dry in about half an hour, fold into their own neoprene bag, and – most importantly – actually repel sand.

Made from 86% recycled plastic and 14% polyamide, the smooth weave means one quick shake sends the sand flying back where it belongs. And they come in a heap of bright, beachy prints like Rosy Tides, Salty Waves, and Eucalyptus Green.

If you’ve got kids, grab a hooded sand-free towel too (no more wet, grumpy children or car seats full of sand). 

Related Read: What is a Sand-Free Beach Towel and Do They Actually Work? 

4. A Picnic Blanket

You know that moment when you want to sit down, but everything’s either wet, sandy, or covered in ants? Enter the Nakie recycled picnic blanket.

At 2m × 2m, it’s big enough for family dinners, board games, or the full “wine and cheese under the stars” setup. It’s soft on top, completely waterproof underneath, and machine washable, so no need to panic if someone drops a sausage or the kids decide to redecorate with barbecue sauce. 

Each one is made from recycled bottles, has corner peg loops, a hidden zip pocket for keys or pegs, and a built-in carry bag with bottle opener straps (because of course it does).

For most campers, this ends up being the most-used item of the trip – part groundsheet, part picnic rug, part everything mat.

5. Tote Bag & Backpack

Even the best packing plans need a good bag to hold it all together, and ideally one that doesn’t turn into a sand-filled black hole. Nakie’s tote bags and foldable backpacks are built for exactly that.

They’re lightweight, durable, and water-resistant, perfect for hauling towels, snacks, or the inevitable pile of “things the kids collected.” The tote is ideal for beach days or short walks, while the backpack folds down small enough to keep in your glove box, ready for spontaneous hikes or market runs.

Both are made from recycled materials, continuing Nakie’s mission to turn waste into something useful. And they look good doing it.

6. Bug Net & Rain Tarp

If you’re camping in Australia, there are two things that can quickly ruin a good night’s sleep: mozzies and surprise rain. A bug net and rain tarp might not sound exciting, but together they’re the real MVPs of a comfortable camp setup. 

Nakie’s bug net is made from recycled plastic bottles woven into fine polyester micro-mesh, keeping even the tiniest bugs out while still letting the breeze through. It fits perfectly over any Nakie hammock and packs down small enough to live in your bag full-time. 

Add the rain tarp – a tough, waterproof recycled polyester shelter with heat-taped seams and a 3000mm PU coating – and you’ve got instant shade, rain cover, and all-round weather protection. Light, compact, and simple to set up, this pair turns any hammock into an all-season sleep zone.

7. The Little Things That Make a Big Difference

Everyone’s essentials for camping will look a little different depending on your camping style. However, here are some pro tips from the Nakie crew that will make sure your summer camping experience is the most comfortable it can be. 

• Bring a power bank and keep it charged (sunsets are prettier when you can still take photos.)

• Keep a head torch by your pillow (and maybe a backup for whoever forgets theirs).

• Always pack more reusable water bottles than you think you’ll need.

• Always pack more snacks than you think you’ll need.

• Always pack more toilet paper than you think you’ll need. 

• A Nakie towel doubles as a seat, blanket, or pillow in a pinch.

• Don’t underestimate biodegradable wet wipes. Ever.

Related read: Top 10 Gifts for Campers 

Where to Buy Your Camping Essentials

You can find Nakie’s full range online. Every product comes with a lifetime warranty, ships fast, and is backed by thousands of five-star reviews.

Everything’s made from recycled materials and designed to last, so you can buy once, use forever, and spend more time doing what camping’s all about: absolutely nothing.

The Real Essentials for Camping

Summer camping in Australia is meant to be simple: just you, good company, and the great outdoors. But the right gear makes a world of difference.

Nakie’s essentials for camping aren’t about having more stuff but having smarter stuff: gear that’s strong, easy, and built for the great Aussie outdoors. 

So grab your hammock, roll up your towel, and pack your tote. The car might get dirty, the snags might burn, but you’ll be ready for whatever the Aussie summer throws at you.

Essentials for Camping FAQs

Are Nakie products waterproof?

Most of them, yep. The picnic blankets have a fully waterproof underside, and the puffy blankets are water-resistant, perfect for damp grass or early-morning dew. The towels dry fast and don’t hold moisture, so you’re never packing soggy gear.

Can I use my Nakie hammock anywhere?

Pretty much. All hammocks come with straps and carabiners for an easy, no-knot setup. You just need two solid anchor points – trees, posts, roof racks, even the side of a 4WD will do.

Do the tote bags and backpacks fit all the essentials?

Yes, they’re designed for exactly that. The tote fits towels, snacks, and sunscreen for a day at the beach, while the foldable backpack handles hikes, picnics, and all the random stuff kids collect.

What are some other essentials for camping?

Aside from the Nakie must-haves, there are a few other basics that make summer camping smoother. Pack a small first aid kit, plenty of sunscreen, and a hat. A lightweight camp stove and decent tongs make a world of difference, while bug spray, dry bags, and a comfy camp chair are also must-haves for comfy camping.