Camping is a great and affordable way to enjoy the outdoors around you. It is also great for exploring new areas where you have never been before. Furthermore, it is a great way to enjoy your weekends away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The question is, what exactly do you need when you are going camping? Here is our short but sweet guide on how to prepare for your outdoor camping trip.
Pick Your Campsite
The first thing that is on your list should be finding a campsite. We highly doubt you will be wild camping on your first camping trip unless you have an expert with you already. Start searching on Google to find a local campsite for you or where it is in the region where you will be hiking as well.
If you are new to camping, we advise you to book a campsite that will have the facilities you need. You may also want a town near you to get food or water while camping.
Purchasing Your Tent
Finding the right tent is easier than you think. You just have to consider where you are going when camping. For example, if you are camping in the woodlands, in a country that rains a lot, you will want to have a waterproof tent with you. There are many different types of tents so you make sure which one is suitable.
Pop Up Tents
Pop-up tents are great because they don’t require you to assemble them alone. They are great for people who are not used to pitching up a tent as well. Furthermore, the poles are assembled and fitted into the tent. This not only saves a lot of time but is also very easy to place down. All you need to do is put the pegs down once your tent has expanded.
Family Tents
If you are going to a campsite with your family, a family-sized tent is very much needed. They are specifically designed for a family camping trip and have bedroom compartments, so the children and yourselves have a room each.
Backpacker Tents
These are much better tents for those who will also be hiking. They are better because they are much lighter, weatherproof, and windproof. However, one thing you need to consider when carrying these tents is that they are small. Therefore, if there is a large group of you, you must ensure you have multiple tents.
Purchasing Sleeping Bags
No matter what time of year it is, you will need to bring a sleeping bag with you. Not only are they important for when the temperature drops at night but are also great for comfort. The last thing you want to do is be sleeping on a hard floor that isn’t comfortable at all. Again, research the area you will be camping in to see what the temperature will drop to at night before you go and purchase your sleeping bag.
Practice Makes Perfect
Practice makes perfect with everything and that includes pitching your tent. The last thing you want is to spend hours pitching your tent when it only takes 15 minutes. All you need to do is put it up once before your camping trip and understand the instructions. Instructions are never easy and the same goes when putting up the tent.
Set up at the Campsite
Whilst your tent is set up, why not have a practice night camping? Camping in a place where you know the environment before doing it elsewhere is a great way to get the hang of things. If you are camping on an open field, we advise you to put your tent at a 45-degree angle. That way, ensure the tent is more stable in winter conditions.
Create A Camping Checklist
A camping checklist is also essential before you begin your travels on your camping trip. However, depending on how far you are travelling and what is available at your campsite, the checklist could be very different. It also depends on if you will be camping abroad. The camping checklist will be different when going abroad compared to visiting somewhere in your country.
Plan Your Meals Beforehand
Plan your meals for your camping trip to make sure you don’t go hungry. You will also need to understand how you will cook this food.
The first thing that you need to do is check the campsite rules before you arrive. Check to see whether or not you can set up a campfire and cook meat and other foods there. You can also research what is available near the campsite. For example, is there a shop nearby where you can buy food? Is there a pub that sells food?
To Conclude
Camping for your first time can be quite a nerve-racking experience. Nonetheless, it is a great way to explore the outdoors and enjoy the weekend in a different way from how you would usually enjoy it.
Although we have tried to cover everything for your first camping experience, there are a few minor things that have not made it into the main part of the article. Things such as water bottles, snacks/food, portable charger, waterproof watch bands, insect repellent and many more. These are the type of items that might not be essential, it just depends on where you are going and if there are any facilities nearby.
