Summer holidays are meant for relaxation, yet for Australian families, the reality often feels more like a logistical marathon. Packing, loading and setting up for a camping trip can turn a weekend getaway into a stressful exercise in organisation.
According to new research by Australian camping experts ArcMate, almost half (45%) of Aussie holidaymakers find packing and unpacking the most stressful part of going on holiday, while the majority (90%) find holidaying in general, stressful.
The research also highlights the challenge of managing space and equipment, with a quarter (24%) of Aussies reporting that something always gets left behind, and only one in five (23%) saying they pack light. Even among those who manage to fit everything into their car, two in five (41%) describe it as a tight squeeze. The findings make it clear: the pressure of packing can overshadow what should be a fun and relaxing experience, leaving families exhausted before they even reach the campsite.
For ArcMate co-founders, Cassandra and Michael Kirkland, these frustrations are personal, “When we started camping as a family, we realised it wasn’t the outdoors that was stressful – it was all the preparation beforehand,” says Cassandra. “Bulky tables, awkward storage, complicated cooking gear – it all made the trip feel like work before the fun even began. We wanted to find a better way to enjoy camping without the chaos.”
Michael adds, “We wanted camping to feel like camping again – to focus on the laughter, the campfires, the stories and the time with family. The less time we spend worrying about the logistics, the more time we can enjoy being outdoors.”
A big part of that solution, the Kirklands say, lies in multi-use, easy-to-pack gear. Items that do double duty, like collapsible tables or fire pits that also serve as cooking stations, can make a real difference to a family’s camping experience.
“Having equipment that can be used in more than one way is a game-changer for families,” explains Michael. “It saves space in the car, reduces setup time, and means parents aren’t constantly juggling multiple pieces of gear. Our 2-in-1 fire pit that attaches to the spare tyre on a caravan or trailer is perfect for both cooking and warmth, so families can spend more time enjoying the moment instead of unpacking or managing extra equipment.”
This desire for simplicity reflects a growing trend among Australian families. While only one in ten (10%) Aussies identify as “Bare-Bones Adventurers,” travelling light and avoiding extra gear, the appeal of minimal-effort camping is clear. Families are increasingly looking for ways to reduce the stress of packing and setup, so they can spend their energy on the moments that matter most.
“For parents like us, the act of packing can feel like a puzzle,” continues Cassandra. “It’s a constant juggle of fitting everything into a car boot, making sure nothing gets left behind and hoping you haven’t overpacked. It’s not unusual for people to spend hours preparing, only to realise they’ve forgotten something essential. That pressure can take the joy out of the whole experience before it even begins.”
The research also shows what families value most about camping: over half (55%) say it’s the chance to spend quality time with loved ones, while 11% describe camping as a family tradition. These figures underline that the core of a successful trip isn’t the gear, but the connections and memories created along the way.
To help families make the most of their summer camping trips, Cassandra and Michael share their top tips:
- Pack smart, not more: Prioritise essentials and choose multi-use items wherever possible.
- Keep gear organised: Use labelled bins or bags so you can find what you need quickly.
- Plan for quick setups: Collapsible tables, stackable cookware, and 2-in-1 tools save time and stress.
- Think vertically: Use roof pods or hanging storage to maximise space inside the car.
- Focus on experiences: Remember that memories are made around the campfire, not in the car boot.
Summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to rediscover the joy of camping without the chaos. Thoughtful preparation, practical approaches and multi-use gear can help families leave the stress behind and make the most of the Australian outdoors. For more information and useful tips to pack light and camp right, head to ArcMate’s website.
