Desert Camping Essentials

Desert Camping Essentials Checklist

• Tent ((to avoid creepy crawlies, heavy dew, rare rain showers, wind and goats)
• Lightweight sleeping bag
• ​ Warm Jacket
• Closed-toe shoes
• Torches and spare batteries
• Cool box
• Water (for drinking and washing)
• Food and drink
• Camping stove, firewood or barbecue and charcoal
• Newspaper to light the fire
• Matches or lighters
• Insect repellent and antihistamine cream
• First aid kit (including any personal medication)
• Sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sun cream)
• Warm clothing for cooler evenings
• Toilet rolls
• Rubbish bags

Camping Tent

The lack of shade and protection from winds, cold and dew make camping in the desert somewhat challenging and a sturdy, high-quality tent with UV protection can make or break your sand dune adventure.

The weather in the United Arab Emirates varies depending on the season. At the beginning and at the end of the winter season, the heat might get quite uncomfortable. The middle of winter, which falls for December, January, and February, is accompanied by low temperatures, reaching sometimes below 10°C in the mountains. Another thing that is very common is humidity in the UAE, which often causes water accumulation on the tent, usually at night and in the morning. Considering all this it is important to choose a suitable tent.

Sleeping Bag

The sleeping bag is not very crucial on my camping checklist, one can use pillows and blankets that you already have at home. If you are, however, camping during winter, a warm sleeping bag might be necessary.

Sleeping Mattress

The cold ground can really turn the tables while camping and may potentially cause health problems. That is why it is so important to have proper isolation. Air mattress available in different sizes, in the market, is a viable option. To inflate the mattress you will need an electric pump that you can easily plug into the cigarette lighter in your car.