Here are 10 things I would definitely buy again. This also makes a great wish list—perfect for people who are outdoorsy and hard to shop for.
Some of these items I’ve used for a very long time. And I like to think that my credibility, travel, and camping experience will give you some great ideas—for yourself or for gifts.
Coffee
Starting with items under $150. I like good-tasting coffee. This does not leave my vehicle. It’s the moka pot. In fact, I’ve got one in each of my vehicles. And speaking of coffee—let’s go make some.
Photo Credit: @zalimchef (Instagram)
My little machine makes good coffee. The moka consists of three parts: water goes in the bottom chamber, coffee grounds in the middle filter, and then you screw on the top.
Heat it up gently, and once it’s ready, coffee pours out the spout. Would you like a coffee? Hell yeah. Give us a cup. This is a moka. It’s about 40 bucks—and the coffee tastes absolutely amazing.
Firestarter
I absolutely love starting fires with flint and steel—specifically a ferro rod. There are a couple reasons why. One, it’s fun. Two, it’s liberating.
Recently, I took a couple of mates out to a salt lake and got them to light a fire like this for the first time. They were stoked.
And honestly, if you get stuck out in the bush for any reason, and you’ve got one of these with you—you’ll have the confidence to light a fire. Anytime.
This one is a homemade job. But here’s a replacement: the Mag Strike. It’s well-used—as you can see. About 40 bucks. It won’t break the bank. I’ve struck this hundreds of times. When it’s brand new, it looks pristine. It’ll last a long time.
It’s safe too. No sharp bits. You can’t cut yourself. Just use the back of your knife—never the edge—or you’ll blunt it.
One of my kids once cut their finger by holding the knife wrong while striking. You’ve got to strike with proper grip. Push it forward or pull the rod back.
Look at that spark!
I don’t care how old you are—starting a fire this way gives you a great sense of achievement. My kids love it. And it’s safe. 40 bucks, totally worth it.
Arm Rest
Next on the list is the armrest. This thing never leaves my vehicle. I always have it with me. I value it so much.
I added pockets, a zip pocket for fuel receipts, a torch holder, pen holder. And some Velcro for patches—or things like a lighter.
The 70 Series LandCruiser has nowhere to rest your elbow. This fits that model—and others like the FJ Cruiser, G-Wagon, and Hilux.
If your vehicle has a skinny window seal, it’ll fit. Even better—it won’t block your window controls like some longer rests do.
Nebo Lantern
Going up in price now.
One of my absolute favorite things around camp at night is the Nebo Lantern. I’ve used it for over a year. I’ve got two—one in each vehicle. It’s not offensively bright—but it can be bright. It has red light, high, medium, and low.
The red light keeps your night vision and repels bugs. It also has a phone charger. Perfect inside a swag, tent, or rooftop setup.
You can charge up other gear—like a head torch—through it. It’s collapsible. I absolutely love it. I’ve replaced every other lantern I’ve owned.
Front Runner Box
Very random—but this is one of my favorite items: the Front Runner Wolfpack Pro box. It’s versatile and seals super well.
Photo Credit: @frontrunneroutfitters (Instagram)
We were up in Victoria’s High Country and had to wedge a knife in the seal because the altitude created pressure. Yes, it’s just a plastic box—about $65—but it’s lightweight, strong, and functional. Just don’t put a hot camp oven on top of it like I did.
The accessories are great too. You can clamp it to your roof rack. This one has a high lid. Most come with low lids. Highly recommended.
Knife Collection
Now up to 300 bucks.
Most people know I love Axes—but I also love knives. I collect them. This is just a small portion of my collection.
This knife here was made by a blacksmith mate of mine. I’ve got knives scattered through the house and vehicles. I never go into the bush without one. I use them for everything. So, what’s my favorite? It changes all the time.
Right now, these two are my current favorites—both by Evoke. They’re foldable and great for bush use. The red one is more practical—it’s thinner, fits better in your pocket. But the other one feels nicer in hand.
If you’re using a sheath, the larger one might be better. The red one? It’s under 300 bucks. And it matches my 79 Series.
Rechargeable Torches
I always carry two rechargeable torches—one in the Troopy, one in the 79. One’s the Franklin Pivot. It pivots, which makes it super handy for vehicle repairs.
It’s got strong magnets, so I can stick it under the car. I used it once while knocking out wheel studs—it gave me exactly the light I needed.
The other is the Slyde King 2K. It’s bigger, brighter, and has red light mode. That red light is a must for me. It keeps bugs away and protects your night vision.
No red light? Not interested. I hardly ever use head torches anymore. I just magnetize these to the side of the truck and use them like lanterns.
Two-Way Radio
Communication is key out there.
I never head out without a two-way radio—it’s always in the car. The kids use them around camp, and I take one with me on hikes.
In the Troopy, I only have one fixed-mount radio, so the handheld works as a second channel—for road works, truckies, or caravan convoys.
You don’t actually need two fixed radios. A good portable one does the job.
Mine’s over 11 years old, and it still works perfectly—only thing that’s broken is the clip, and even that’s replaceable. That kind of durability tells you everything.
If you don’t already have a two-way radio, it’s a brilliant gift idea. Reliable, simple, and gets you connected without needing any vehicle installs.
Jetboil
These are called Jetboils for a reason—they boil water fast. Don’t ask me how long. Just know it’s quick. I use it to reheat rice (those precooked packs). I’ve even done pasta in it.
Photo Credit: @_mashamel_ (Instagram)
Great for feeding kids something simple. You can get special pans for it—but I didn’t like those much. Use it for sausages, pasta, or even soup (if you like soup). Or make tea or coffee.
It’s my go-to for quick meals. Had it for about 8 years. Never leaves my gear kit.
Extremes
Everything I’ve talked about—I’ve tested. But these? These are the most tested, most abused item of them all. The Extremes are recovery boards. If you’re buying someone a Christmas or birthday gift—get them the MK2s.
They may never need them, but they’re insurance. It’s like a winch. But this comes out before the winch. Sometimes I wedge MK2s between the Extremes. I don’t leave home without them.
Bonus: Trenching Shovel
Let’s circle back to something I’d never buy again—a cheap shovel. The one I trust is a genuine Australian Army trenching shovel.
It’s tough enough to dig through stone, clay, and sand. I’ve even used it for vehicle recoveries. It’s that versatile.
But here’s the thing—you can’t buy it new. You’ll have to hunt for it secondhand, maybe on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.
If you spot one for $50 to $80, don’t hesitate. I’ve tried imitation versions before—they bend, break, and fail you when you need them most.
Getting stuck in a bog or trying to dig a toilet hole with a flimsy shovel is the worst. This one doesn’t bend. And yes, it even holds your toilet paper.
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