Get the gear
• Adventure HQ, Times Square Center, The Beach, JBR and Yas Mall
• Tactical Trading, next to Harley-Davidson showroom, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
• Gulf Camping, online store that delivers to your door
• Also try Go Sport, Ace Hardware, Decathlon and Carrefour
weekend@thenational.ae
ESSENTIAL: Firewood and matches/lighter
A campfire is a place to relax round after a hard hike, and can be used to cook on – and keep you warm, if needed. Firewood must be kept at least 4.5 metres away from your tent, and burning coal should never be left unattended at night.
ESSENTIAL: Lightweight sleeping bag
Depending on the season and altitude this can vary in insulation.
ESSENTIAL: Bin bags
There’s absolutely no excuse for leaving any rubbish while camping.
ESSENTIAL: Tent
ESSENTIAL: Lightweight sleeping mat
There are some great ones that weigh 200g to 300g and help to keep you insulated from the cold ground.
ESSENTIAL: Warm clothing
Temperatures can plummet during the winter months, with ice and snow common in some remote parts of the region.
ESSENTIAL: Water gear
Include snorkel equipment, a paddleboard, fishing gear etc for beach camping.
ESSENTIAL: First-aid kit
Make sure you have plasters and antiseptic spray.
ESSENTIAL: Torch and spare batteries
ESSENTIAL: Swiss army knife
ESSENTIAL: Camping stove and burner
Keep it a safe distance from your tent.
ESSENTIAL: A cool box
To keep your perishables chilled.
ESSENTIAL: Food and water
Don’t underestimate the amount of water you will need. In some remote parts, there are no shops to buy supplies.
ESSENTIAL: An up-to-date map/off-road guide
ESSENTIAL: Four-wheel-drive
A must for navigating the dunes. Make sure you fuel up before you go, and check your tyre pressure, too, because petrol stations are often few and far between.
ESSENTIAL: Insect repellent
NON-ESSENTIAL/LUXURY: Camping chairs
NON-ESSENTIAL/LUXURY: Inflatable mattress/pillow
It might sound like glamping, but a blow-up bed can do wonders to help avoid backache in the morning.
