Major camping problem solved with $20 Kmart must-buy

"For anyone who goes camping in a swag, I highly recommend this."

If there's one thing I know about campers (myself included), it's that they're always up for a good recommendation. 

Whether it's how to store your toiletries easily in a caravan or how to keep the whole family entertained outside on a budget, there's always a handy trick that someone hasn't discovered yet. 

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Kmart solves common camping problem 

One common problem people often face and are constantly searching for a solution for is the bug situation. Yes, you're outside day and night so they're bound to cross your path. 

But one area we definitely aren't OK with them entering is in our swags or sleeping bags - and one Aussie mum has found an easy way to stop that. 

TikToker and seasoned camper @lifechangingchange, took to the social media platform to share a cheap item she discovered on the shelves of Kmart, which will hopefully help anyone else out there ensure their bedding remains bug-free and dry ahead of the summer camping season. 

"For anyone that goes camping in a swag, I highly recommend this from Kmart," she begins her video. 

Waterproof and bug resistant. Image: TikTok @lifechangingchange

The item the Aussie swears by is Anko's bed bug-resistant fitted mattress encasement, which retails at the bargain store from just $20 (depending on bedding size). 

"It has a zip along the bottom and is double-sided and waterproof," she says, admitting she found the must-have item after doing things the hard way. 

"On the weekend we went away and some of the mattresses got a little bit wet, soaking through from underneath but this will hopefully stop the mattress and bedding from getting wet." 

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@lifechangingchange

Best mattress protector for a swag #kmarthack #camping #campingaustralia #campinghack

♬ original sound - Life Changing Change

A must-have for comfortable camping 

While she is yet to test the theory of it being completely waterproof, the mother insists it's the best protector for a swag, and many others joined in with their thoughts online. 

"Will need to get this!" one excited camper commented. 

"Well I’m off to Kmart thank you," another added. 

And another agreed it was indeed a "gamechanger".

RELATED: Aussie’s ‘entitled’ camping hack ignites wild debate

The item the mum swears by. Image: TikTok @lifechangingchange

Meanwhile, others had a better tip for a peaceful night's sleep.

"Put a blow-up mattress under your swag mattress, it’s life-changing," one person recommended. 

Another camper had a similar idea: "Ground tarp under your swag and leave the zip open slightly to stop condensation from body warmth."

Someone else suggested putting the swag on a stretcher rather than laying it on the ground and another added: "Buy a moisture mat that goes under the mattress 👌🏼."

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Aussies to cop $322 fine for 'entitled' camping trend

Tips and product recommendations aside, camping has been a popular way for families to reconnect and unwind while they battle through the current cost of living crisis.

But entitled acts and grubby behaviour have also given it a bad name recently. 

In October, campers and caravanners were called out for an entitled 'trend' that could now see them fined close to $400. 

The trend was dubbed 'ghost camping', and it was first brought to the public's attention by Aussie dad Michael Atkinson (@outback_mike), who called it out on social media earlier this year. 

In a clip posted online, he shows viewers around an empty campground and says, "This is a fully booked campground in Kosciusko National Park. Basically, this is number 19 and I think there’s more than 20 sites here and only one in five actually has someone in them. But the whole place is booked out."

Now Queensland is taking the lead in addressing the problem by issuing fines through Queensland's Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) to campers who are caught doing it.

"It is now an offence to not attend a booked campsite or to put up tents and leave them unattended for more than 24 hours without a reasonable excuse, such as in an emergency," a DESI spokesperson shared at the time. 

The change has been brought about as DESI says the issue has been "depriving genuine campers the opportunity to enjoy" national parks within the state.

Originally published as Major camping problem solved with $20 Kmart must-buy