World Camping Day: Voices from our community

29/06/2026[4 min]

To celebrate World Camping Day, we asked several very happy campers why they would rather trade comfort for time outdoors and which piece of gear they always take with them.

The Allure of Camping Explained

Some see sleeping under the stars as a rare weekend adventure; others view it as a way of life, an obsession, and a lesson in self-reliance. To mark World Camping Day, we spoke with a select group of leading modern nomads and outdoor experts to explore the psychological pull of the wilderness. From remote mountain ridges to deep desert trails, these experienced individuals share the philosophy behind their passion for the wild and offer an exclusive glimpse of the essential, non-negotiable gear that supports their journeys. Happy World Camping Day!

South Africa

Johan De Villiers

"I go camping because it's the only time my mind truly quiets. In Cape Town, there's always a screen glowing or someone needing a decision by Tuesday. Out in the Tankwa Karoo, the to-do list narrows to three essentials — fire, water, and where to place the bedroll — and these simple tasks are more fulfilling than a quarter of my boardroom wins.

My favourite piece of kit is the high-lift jack. I don't reach for it often, but it certainly gives me peace of mind when I’m somewhere remote. "

Mike Eloff

"Camping, to me, is the chance to get out of the city and beyond mobile signal range, to be in nature, to take pictures of the stars, and to observe what the universe has to offer. It allows me to appreciate nature at its finest.

I always take a simple gas cooker with me as it helps me make morning coffee, use dehydrated meals or cook proper meals. "

Kingsley Holgate

"We love camping because it allows us to change lives through adventure. In Africa, you are never alone. You may think you are, but if you put up your tent in a remote place, minutes later, you will have new friends coming to say hello. We’ve met thousands of wonderful people on our camping adventures.

We wouldn’t be able to operate without a roof rack, as we must carry bales of mosquito nets and boxes full of life straws and reading glasses that we give away. It’s essential for the humanitarian work we do. "

Australia

Ron Moon

"I like to get away from it all and spend as much time as possible in the natural world, exploring the harder-to-reach places and following the routes of early explorers. If all three factors come together in one area, so much the better. Luckily, we have plenty of that in the Australian Outback.

The one piece of gear I use every day for a multitude of mundane tasks while camping is my Leatherman Wave. It’s essential to have an enjoyable and easy time out in the bush. "

Gabi Steindl

"Camping in the Australian Outback is my favourite part of life. It’s about freedom—living simply and in tune with nature. I spend months there each year, waking with the sun, observing the elements, fishing, and sleeping to the sound of the ocean. No shops or noise, just space, wildlife, stars, and a disconnect from the world. It’s brutal at times: storms, heat, flies, and the occasional big fish. But that wildness is what I love.

Favourite gear is hard to pin down because my entire Front Runner and Dometic setup is essential for these expeditions. I can't live without my Dometic fridge, which stays in the car permanently, and on longer trips, I run multiple units for months in remote areas. The PLB40 and PLB15 batteries, along with our larger solar setup, are critical for powering Starlink, camera gear, and daily living essentials during extended stays. I also rely heavily on my Front Runner Slimsport roof rack to carry gear such as surfboards, Wolf Pack Pros, and recovery equipment. "

Europe

David Steca

"Camping is a purposeful decision to embrace simplicity. Regardless of the method, it allows you to experience the next morning from a new perspective.

A lighter. Warmth and water are hard to beat. On a more glamorous note, nothing beats a proper chair - always high on the packing list. "

Patrick Cruywagen

"Camping relaxes me, helping me connect with nature, eliminating earthly distractions, and prompting me to focus on what truly matters: spending time outdoors with loved ones. I enjoy cooking over a fire, drinking cold beer, and being in beautiful places. Camping lets me experience all these things.

I do love a cold drink or fresh meat to cook over an open fire, so a powered fridge is always the first thing I pack when camping. "

America

Josh Steele

"Going camping offers an escape from daily life, letting me disconnect from noise, screens, chores, and work. I can explore, live, and follow the sun's rhythm. I enjoy cooking over a fire and sharing moments with loved ones.

My Jeep's overland setup takes me to beautiful places I want to visit, while my camera keeps memories alive. When stuck at work, looking at past photos inspires my next adventure. So, I have two favourite bits of kit: my Jeep and my camera. "

Adriana Dorothy

"I go camping to reconnect, find inspiration, and recalibrate, escaping the hustle of the “real” world. Being in nature always helps me discover peace, answers, and my true self.

I would never go camping without my Dometic CFX5 fridge. It’s my favourite piece of kit, and it makes every adventure easier and more enjoyable. Seeing people’s faces when I pull out ice cream in the desert is priceless."