Camping is one of the best ways to escape from your daily routine and immerse yourself in nature. However, camping can be overwhelming for beginners, so it’s important to follow some simple tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Preparation is the key to success when it comes to camping, so make sure you’re organised and know what you need before you leave for your first trip. Create a checklist of everything you need to pack and then fill your backpack accordingly. It’ll save you from stress and ensure you’re prepared for any eventuality!
Weather
Rain can ruin a camping experience, so it’s worth looking into the weather in the area you’re going to. While this isn’t a necessity, it can be useful to know if the campsite you’re considering is prone to heavy rainfall or not!
Prepare yourself for bad weather by packing a raincoat and some warm clothing. You should also take a hat and gloves to keep yourself protected from wind and cold.
Stay warm in the evenings, especially if you’re going camping during winter. Layers of clothing are essential to staying warm, so it’s a good idea to invest in a few lightweight layers that you can add and remove quickly.
Don’t breathe into your sleeping bag at night, as this can increase the amount of condensation that will be built up in your sleeping bag over time. This can affect your body temperature and will keep your sleep uncomfortable.
Eat a snack just before you go to bed, as this will help to warm up your body and your sleeping bag. This will also provide you with a source of energy to get you through the night, as well as keeping your digestive system running smoothly.
Use insect repellent with DEET to help protect yourself from the bugs that can be found in the outdoors, and don’t forget to check your clothing and skin for ticks regularly. Ticks can carry serious diseases, so don’t let them get the best of you!
Bring a headlamp or flashlight to be sure you can see your way around at night. A headlamp is great for managing tasks while you’re cooking, but it can also be a lifesaver when you’re trying to find your tent in the dark.
Wash your hands frequently, so that you’re not spreading germs throughout the campsite and campers’ equipment. A small bottle of hand sanitiser will come in handy too.
Be sure to pack some toilet paper in a sealable bag in case nature calls you away from a campground bathroom or if there aren’t any available. It’s best to dispose of soiled paper in a garbage receptacle.
Don’t be afraid to ask fellow campers for advice. Most people are happy to offer their help, and they might even know a lot about the campsite you’re visiting!
Avoid wildlife encounters
Animals can be a major concern when camping, but following some basic rules can reduce the risk of an unwelcome encounter. Be sure to stay alert, and if you do see an animal, be calm and slowly back away from it.