A camping trip should always be a fun, rewarding experience – a chance to experience the beauty of nature without the usual interruptions of everyday life. Unfortunately, when you’re not properly prepared, things don’t always go as planned. Even a camping getaway with your best friends can quickly go awry if you forget a couple key items or neglect to pack the right way for the trip. Follow these tips to make sure your camping experience is the relaxing, fun holiday you need this year.
- You’ll need to eat. Packing a box of protein bars and a few bottles of juice won’t cut it if you really want to experience camping as it should be. Cooking up a hot bowl of food and enjoying it by firelight is key to the overall vibe of the trip, and it’s tricky to do this without the right tools. Get yourself a portable gas stove so you can dish up some delicious grub, and you’re sure to be fuelled for all of the hiking, sightseeing and exploring you want to do while you’re away.
- Test everything before you go. If you’re bringing brand new items with you for your camping getaway, be sure to test them out at home before you head off. Pitch your tent in the garden to make sure you know exactly what you’re doing, test out any tech gadgets you’ll be bringing along, and check that all of your torches and charger packs are working as they should be. This way, you’ll be able to start your holiday with a calm, prepared mindset.
- Do your research ahead of time. Don’t just head out on the open road and plan to pitch your tent wherever catches your eye. Do some research first and explore your options. Particular camping sites will be better than others, so read reviews and check out all of the alternatives before making any decisions. You’ll also want to understand what the terrain is like in that area and what kind of weather you can expect so that you can plan your trip accordingly and bring everything you need with you.
- Invest in the right gear. This goes for your camping equipment and your sleeping kit. Cheap tents are fine for backyard campouts with the kids, but they won’t hold up well over multiple trips to the great outdoors. You’ll want proper equipment, so invest in quality and skip over the cheap alternatives. Consider this when choosing your sleeping items, too. Freezing in your tent at night can spoil the whole experience, so get yourself a cosy sleeping bag that’s built for proper camping, and bring warm layers to cover you in case the temperature drops.
- Make a list and check it twice. It’s easier than you might think to forget some crucial items when you’re packing for a camping holiday, especially if you’re bringing gear for the whole family. Make a complete list of everything you need and check it off as you pack each item.You should also make a list of emergency contacts for the area you’ll be travelling to, as well as simple directions to help you arrive where you need to be without getting lost should your GPS fail you at a critical moment.