The cost of camping in the Philippines depends on your choice of camp destination. Campsites and resorts typically charge PhP 500 to PhP 5,000 per head, but it can blow up according to the package that you are planning to avail. Public campgrounds are of course cheaper, while private lodges or luxury glamping getaways charge higher because of extra services, experiential activities, and wellness amenities.
Camping, though, can be a highly transformative hobby. It is a perfect bonding opportunity with family and friends, as sharing moments and experiences outdoors will make you embrace your downtime so much more, especially if you are dying to take a break from your busy timeline. Going off-grid for a while is a great way to witness the world without digital distractions, especially in this era where everything happens or exists virtually. You will learn to value nature and the environment as well, encouraging you to be more mindful and conscious of your materialistic choices. Camping is beneficial to your mental health and happiness, too, as it takes you to places and spaces that spark inspiration and positivity.
Truth be told: camping comes with a hefty price tag. The cost mostly involves proper and essential heavy-duty gear to ensure utmost convenience, such as nature-proof clothes and accessories. The seasoned camper would already be familiar with what to bring on a trip, but for beginners who wish to start on their own adventure, we rounded up a set of major camping must-haves.
Scroll down to see our personal picks for tools and gears that won’t burn a hole in your pocket:
1. Camping chairs
A camping chair enhances your outdoor experience as it offers posture support and provides comfort while you are taking a breather. As long periods of sitting can potentially strain your legs and back, too, it is best to find one with ergonomic features. Shop Decathlon’s camping armchair that can adapt to your specific needs. It functions neatly as an armrest, backrest, and headrest with a breathability asset.
2. Compact cookware
A compact and portable cookware is crucial in camping. Choose an easy-to-carry design that doesn’t take up excessive space in your bag, especially if you are solo-traveling or backpacking. The trick is to look for a safe, multifunctional, and sturdy brand that transforms into one integrated unit. For easy use, try this all-around stove and pot system from Amazon.
3. Portable products
From solar chargers to sleeping pads, there is a multitude of possible portables to bring on your grand outdoor getaway. Optimal choices like lightweight coolers, portable water purifiers, self-inflating sleeping pads, pop-up tents, and roll-up tables will truly make your stay more manageable, trouble-free, and efficient. This tent from Shopee, for example, has a fully automatic feature, an added sun protection, and a strong skeletal structure.
4. Easy-to-collapse equipment
Collapsible sets such as cutlery, sea-to-summit sinks, and foldable fire pits are perfect for immersions in the wild. Innovative handy equipment will help you minimize baggage weight, thereby boosting mobility, promoting safety, and preventing falls and slips. Foldables are a great game changer, too! Catch this three-tier rack from Camping Gears for a rockstar storage solution.
5. Two-in-one tools
Save space and be practical by picking combination camping gears that provide multiple functions and are made for extreme wild excursions. Swiss knives, solar fans with flashlights, and headlamps with built-in power banks are highly needed for nature escapades. For effortless camping, add this aluminum table-slash-stool from Lazada to your cart.
To cut down on camping costs, you can make the most out of what you have. Repurpose items that you regularly use at home—unearth your old blankets and other bed sheets that can double as a sleeping bag. Think efficiency—take a carpool to your destination if gassing up is too expensive, or travel with a group and chip in for fuel costs. You can DIY your camping accessories or find alternatives to fit your budget! It’s true that there are factors that make camping more expensive than your regular hobby, but you can be smart in your spending decisions. If you are getting a new gear, it will definitely cost higher compared to renting, but you can also consider it a long-term investment especially if you are considering to go camping on a regular basis. Keep in mind as well that long-distance destinations can entail a lot of secondary costs, so be mindful of your budget. Be it a remote campsite or a city-adjacent destination, camping outdoors need not be expensive.
