With summer well and truly here, spending more time outdoors is welcomed. Whether it’s BBQ’s, picnics, beach days or hikes, there’s plenty of good reasons to recharge and reset outside. One of our favourite ways to spend summer weekends is exploring our beautiful backyard by camping – especially while travelling overseas is out of reach. Camping is a wonderful way to get amongst nature – not to mention, it’s the perfect antidote for managing stress levels.
We know nature has a positive impact on our brain and body. Spending time outdoors is an excellent way to practice mindfulness, centre your mind, and feel grounded. It’s also a great way to switch off from our devices and daily distractions.
Why is camping good for you?
- Sunshine
While camping this summer, you’ll get more of our favourite sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D. This essential nutrient is fantastic for your overall wellness. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, it creates Vitamin D which is loved for its health supporting qualities such as calcium absorption, bone health, heart health and immune health.
- Exercise
Without a doubt, most camping trips involve walking and swimming. No matter the type of movement, get your blood pumping and release those feel-good endorphin hormones to support a happy mood and manage stress levels.
- Fresh air
There’s nothing quite like leaving the city and taking a big breath of fresh air in nature. It smells good, feels good, and leaves us feeling good. Thanks to nature’s work cleaning the air we’re left with boosted serotonin levels, feeling calmer and more relaxed.
- Happy mood
Feel uplifted after a weekend camping? Us too. Whether it’s stepping away from your regular routine, being in fresh air and nature, or the slower pace for our nervous system, camping is a great way to lift your mood.
Ready to plan your next camping trip? Here are 5 healthy essentials sure to make your next outdoor adventure a breeze, including our top picks that deserve a spot on your checklist. And while these are picked for camping, they’ll make an excellent addition to any outdoorsy weekend away.
Camping: what to bring
1. Family wellness kit
No matter where you’re going or how long you’re going for, a safety kit is a must for every outdoor getaway. Whether you’ve got blisters from new shoes, or pesky insect bites, or anything in between, being prepared is key.
Did you know Essential Oils like Citronella, double as an insect repellent? When diluted in carrier oil, they work magnificently to ward off pesky bugs.
Avoid sickness like stomach bugs or diarrhea on your trip by drinking clean and filtered water, washing your hands after touching rocks, plants and trees and paying attention to how your food and drink has been prepared.
Stay one step ahead with a stocked kit full of the necessary essentials.
What to keep in your family wellness kit:
- Gauze pads and adhesive tape
- Tweezers
- Natural Plasters
- Healing Cream
- Natural Insect Repellent
+ any of your go-to medications and supplements. Our favourite is Solgar Quercetin Complex – wonderful for supporting immune health and seasonal allergies.
Our top pick: Weleda Arnica Cream
A herbal blend of arnica and essential oils like rosemary and lemon to soothe and repair tender areas. Wonderful for supporting fast and effective relief after summer adventures cause knocks and bumps. It also supports after injuries and over-exertion, making it an ideal choice for long days on your feet or when your muscles need support. If you’re camping with kids, this cream is a great child-friendly option.
Weleda is our longest standing Mindful Brand, committed to natural skincare that puts people and planet first. Using only the highest quality ingredients, it’s no surprise that Weleda is loved by many.
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2. Eco-friendly Storage
Whether you’re spending a long day or weekend outdoors, keeping your choice of Reusable Drink Bottles, Reusable Food Storage and Reusable Keep Cups handy is helpful for meal prep or when hunger or thirst strikes.
We know hydration is key for our overall health so keep a reusable drink bottle or keep-cup close by. Opting for a stainless-steel reusable bottle means less plastic waste - for your health and the health of our planet.
Packing plenty of eco-friendly food storage containers is a fantastic and sustainable way to preserve meals during outdoor trips. But be sure to meal prep before your trip if you aren’t planning to bring along a portable gas cooker.
Our top pick: ECOtanka Mega Tanka 2000ml
This 2L reusable drink bottle is the perfect size for any outdoor trip. It’s light to carry, 100% recyclable and BPA free - making it a natural, non-toxic option for any eco enthusiast. Thanks to stainless steel, it’s less prone to harboring dirt, grime or unwanted bacteria - and it’s much easier to clean too. This durable bottle is sure to last you for years to come and makes the ideal companion when you’re out in nature.
ECOtanka is a New Zealand drink bottle company that specialises in stainless steel bottles for the whole family. From small bottles for little ones to large bottles for adults, they have options for everyone. As one of our Mindful Brands, we love their commitment to Eco Packaging and Transparency in their supply chain.
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3. Nutrition
A weekend outdoors is a great way to get your body moving. But just like physical exercise, our nutritional health is equally as important. During camping trips, eating well is crucial for staying healthy and ensuring we have enough energy for the day ahead. And while no camping trip is complete without smores, ensuring your body gets enough nutrition throughout the day is vital. Thankfully, there’s plenty of nourishing on the go options that can do just that. Look for food high in fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals – to help fuel long days and help us feel good.
Featuring wholesome ingredients that are nutrient-dense and taste delicious, our growing range of Healthy Snacks and Healthy Food & Drink are great for fueling your body and keeping you satisfied. No matter your diet preference, we have a variety of choices that support keto, paleo, low FODMAP, vegan and more. From bliss balls featuring superfoods maca and lucuma, and nut clusters dusted in rich dark chocolate, skip the afternoon sugar crash with options that don’t sacrifice taste. Better yet, get your food prep on by making our Oaty Protein Bites before you head away – a delicious and healthy snack idea full of good fats that keep you fuller for longer.
Healthy snacks and drinks to consider for your next camping trip:
Our top pick: Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Bar: Almond and Vanilla
Complete with all nine essential amino acids for recovery and repair, this potent source of plant protein is wonderful as a midday snack while you’re on the go. Made by blending premium European golden pea protein with whole fruits, nuts and seeds, these bars are high in digestible protein, iron and dietary fibre. Containing only the cleanest ingredients, these bars are free from refined sugar and unnecessary fillers.
Not a fan of almond and vanilla? Our range of Nuzest features flavours like coconut and lemon, and peanut butter and chocolate, to satisfy your tastebuds. Known for producing quick, easy and nutrient-dense supplements, Nuzest is one of our Mindful Brands committed to Transparency in their supply chain
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4. SPF
Sunscreen should be an everyday habit to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays – especially when we’re camping. On your next camping trip, be sure to reapply sunscreen often – especially after swimming and opt forshade whenever you can.
Choosing a natural, mineral based sunscreen with Zinc or Titanium Dioxide is better for your health and the health of our planet. Benefits include:
- Antioxidant-rich ingredients to help nourish healthy skin cells
- Mineral based ingredients like zinc oxide to support healthy aging and plump skin
- Immediate protection: no need to wait 20 minutes before enjoying the sun
- Gentle enough for the most sensitive skin
At HealthPost, our Sunscreen Policy ensures we only stock sunscreens that are cruelty free, have been independently tested to meet label claims, and follow our strict ingredient standards.
Our top pick: Solimara Truly Natural Sunscreen Face And Body SPF 50 Golden Sands
Packed with zinc oxide to help reduce the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles, this sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA + UVB rays and is two hours water resistant. Packed with naturally moisturising ingredients kinder for little ones with even the most sensitive skin. Not to mention, their ‘Golden Sands’ scent takes you straight to the beach - a refreshing summer scent divine for your skin.
What’s more, Solimara Truly Natural is a New Zealand owned company and one of our Mindful Brands, dedicated to Transparency in their supply chain and providing natural sunscreen.
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5. Personal Care
Simplifying your personal care and skincare routine while camping? We’ve got you covered.
Consider packing:
- Eco Wipes: while we prefer reusable washable pads, if you need a water free option to stay fresh, be sure to choose 100% biodegradable, plastic free, organic wipes.
- Natural Hand Sanitiser: to stay clear of germs and bacteria
- Natural Deodorant: for fresh pits to keep you feeling confident all day long
Bonus tip: Magnesium for a good night’s sleep and relaxed muscles
Our top pick: Better You Magnesium Oil Original Spray
Replenish tired muscles and support sound sleep with this superb topical magnesium spray. Formulated with high strength, pure magnesium oil that absorbs quickly in the skin, this spray is a great choice for hikes and long walks where muscles may become stiff and tense. Simply spray directly onto your skin and massage well. Support relaxation and overall wellbeing with a natural spray that’s gentle on your skin.
Better You specialises in nutritional supplements and products that support healthy lifestyles. From oral sprays to gels, they use ingredients like Magnesium, Turmeric and Vitamin K2 to help the body function optimally. As one of our Mindful Brands, we stand by their commitment to Eco Packaging and Environmentally Sustainable values.
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Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend away, tick off your checklist with essentials that keep your inner and outer health top of mind.
Want to make the most of your summer but keep it holistic? We round up Our Top 10 Essentials For A Healthy Summer – a wonderful guide to carry you through these warmer months.
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Always read the label and use as directed. Vitamins and minerals are supplementary to and not a replacement for a balanced diet. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.
- BetterYou (Pharmabroker Sales Ltd), Auckland
- Weleda NZ Ltd, Havelock North