India-specific camping gear recommendations. Prices are approximate (Decathlon India, 2024-25). Gear needs vary hugely — a Ladakh trek needs completely different kit than a Goa beach camp.
₹5,000–8,000
Basic starter kit
₹15,000–25,000
Full mountain setup
Most organized camps provide tents + sleeping bags. Check before buying.
Decathlon Quechua MH100 — INR 3,500. Best budget tent in India. Waterproof, easy setup.
Comfort rating matters: 0°C for Himachal/Uttarakhand, 15°C for Goa/Karnataka. Quechua Forclaz 10° — INR 2,000
Foam mat minimum. Self-inflating for comfort. Decathlon Trek 100 — INR 1,200
Hands-free essential. Petzl Tikkina or Decathlon OnNight 100 — INR 600. Always carry spare batteries.
Stainless steel preferred. Carry water purification tabs for mountain streams.
Bandages, antiseptic, painkillers, ORS, Diamox (altitude), anti-diarrhea. Must carry.
Swiss Army Knife or Victorinox. Useful for everything from cooking to repairs.
20,000mAh minimum. Most campsites have zero electricity. Charge phone + headlamp.
Temperatures drop to -10°C at night above 3,000m. Decathlon Trek 100 Down — INR 3,000
Merino wool or synthetic. Wear under everything. Top + bottom.
Waterproof, ankle support essential. Quechua MH500 — INR 4,500. Break them in before trek.
Reduce knee stress 25%. Essential for descents. Collapsible carbon — INR 1,500
Snow treks (Kedarkantha, Brahmatal). Keeps snow out of boots.
UV is 2x stronger above 3,000m. Apply every 2 hours. Lips too.
Snow blindness is real above 4,000m. Polarized, wraparound.
Altitude sickness prevention. Start 1 day before going above 3,000m. Consult doctor.
Cotton stays wet forever. Synthetic/nylon dries in hours.
Protect coral reefs. SPF30+ water-resistant.
Essential for Gokarna, Goa beach camping. Sand flies worse than mosquitoes.
Waterproof bag for electronics. 10L for phone/camera.
Regular tent pegs pull out of sand. Wider sand-specific stakes.
DEET-based or Odomos. Apply at dusk. Tropical camping = mosquitoes.
Sand protection for face. Also sun shade. Get local Rajasthani turban.
Full sleeves, light colors. Sand gets everywhere with shorts.
Dehydration risk high. ORS or electrolyte sachets. 3-4L water/day.
Desert nights drop to 5°C in winter. Temperature swing of 30°C.
Proper waterproof jacket > poncho. Allows hand movement. Quechua NH500 — INR 2,000
Or use trash bag liner inside pack. Electronics in zip-locks.
Essential in Western Ghats (Coorg, Wayanad, Chikmagalur) during monsoon. Knee-high, tight weave.
Trails become streams. Regular shoes won't work. Cheap and effective.
For phone, cash, documents. Everything gets wet in monsoon camping.
Microfiber. Regular towels stay damp for days in humidity.