10 Tips Every Camper Should Know

alf of the human population lives in urban cities now where everything you could ever want and need is within easy reach. We’ve gotten used to our comfortable city life that we lose our connection with nature which has been the case for the past couple of century. It’s good to go back to basics every once in a while and get a small glimpse of how our ancestors lived many eons ago.

For beginners, camping can seem like a daunting activity. There’s a lot of preparation that goes into it. You’ll have to choose the best camping gear, the best camping site, and the best time to go camping. But like all new endeavor, we always begin with preparation. Both beginners and pro campers will benefit from these 10 tips all camper should know.

1. Selecting Your Second Home

One of the best camping gear you’ll need for camping is, of course, the tent. It’s almost impossible to go camping without a tent and it’s important that you choose the right kind of tent. Tents come in many different sizes and colors and prices but it’s important that you choose the right fit for you. It has to be versatile enough to be taken up the mountains, into the forest, or by the beach, and light enough to be portable. The first thing you do when you arrive at camp is to set the tent up so set up should be quick and easy. As a bonus, get a tent that has a rainfly. This will prevent water from condensing inside the tent during heavy downpour and keep you and your pack dry.

2. Don’t Forget The Sleeping Bag

Unless you plan on sleeping on the cold hard ground and freeze at night, you’ll need a good sleeping bag. Before getting one, consider the season you want to go camping and the condition of the environment of the campsite. You can bring a lighter sleeping bag for warmer weather or opt for the heavier one during colder months. Sleeping bags can keep you warm and comfortable as you sleep and they fully open so you can use them as a mat inside the tent during the daytime.

3. For A Full Night’s Sleep, Bring A Sleeping Pad

For a more comfortable night’s sleep, getting a sleeping pad is highly recommended. These are made from light materials and are designed to be inflated by breath to serve as a mini air mattress. Besides comfortable sleeping, it is also a good insulation. Sleeping pads are designed to prevent loss of body heat into the ground as you sleep. This will make your nights comfortable and give you the much-needed rest to take on next day’s challenge.

4. Illumination Is Key

No one wants to spend their night in total darkness with only a cellphone’s light to help them navigate the campsite. Choosing camp lighting is as crucial as selecting clothes to wear. While best LED flashlights are a good choice, headlamps free up your hands for doing tasks in the camp. A good lantern will also bring enough illumination and will allow for more comfortable camp time at night. It’ll make eating meals easier and can be a great alternative to a campfire.

5. What To Wear On Your Back, What To Bring In Your Pack

The clothes you wear while camping will determine how much you’ll enjoy the experience. Always choose clothes that can take a little bit of a beating. One of the best camping essentials one can bring should be those that are durable and breathable. Camping is a messy activity so be ready for your gear to get muddy and dirty. Cotton material is usually not advisable because wet cotton is a nightmare, it’ll keep you frozen even on good weather. Pay attention to the weather and the location of the campsite to prepare the gear you’ll be bringing. Pack a warm jacket as nights do get cold. Gloves and beanies will also keep you warm. Bringing a rain jacket is also a good idea as you can never predict what nature will throw your way. Last, wear sturdy shoes during the trek and pack comfortable slippers you can use at camp.

6. Essential Toiletries

Just because you’re in nature doesn’t mean you’ll have to forgo modern comforts, like hygiene. A roll of tissue can go a long way when going to the bathroom or using it to clean the cook set and cutleries. It’s also a good idea to bring soap and a small towel. Sunscreen and bug repellant are must in every camping trip. Last, include in your toiletry bag a small first-aid kit. This can contain prescription medications, bandages, cotton swabs etc.

7. Meal Prep

For efficiency, plan the meals you’ll have when camping. This will save you from bringing unnecessary ingredients and cut down the weight of your pack. It’s important to decide what you’ll eat at every meal and prepare them accordingly. Plan the meals that will need cooking and check if the camping ground allows for open fire or not. You’ll have to bring a butane stove for grounds that prohibit campfires. An option would be to bring boxed or canned foods. This can make preparing and cleaning up easier. You can also search for restaurants near the campground where you can grab a meal to eat. It’s important to bring plenty of snacks to munch on during the trek up and when lounging on the campsite.

8. Do Rehearse

For beginners, it’s good to do a practice camp, almost like a rehearsal. You don’t have to go far, you can simply pitch your tent in your own backyard and maybe spend a night sleeping there. Even pros at camping can benefit from a practice camp. It will give you a good idea of how it’s going to be when you’re in the campground, how heavy or light you want your pack to be, and how to set up when you get into your campsite. Doing a practice camp can give you insights you wouldn’t have anticipated and therefore you can adjust your gear, equipment, and camping plan accordingly. It’ll also give you a chance to practice pitching your tent if you just bought it new.

9. Clean As You Go

A good camper is a responsible camper. It is bad camping etiquette to leave trash behind. It spoils nature and other camper’s experience when they see all the trash you didn’t even bother to pick up. A good rule of thumb is to leave the camp in the same condition as when you first arrived there. Campsites have no garbage man that goes around collecting people’s trash. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the campers to clean up after themselves.

10. Have Fun, You Crazy Child

Lastly, do have fun. Camping shouldn’t be a punishment for you. It should be something to take your mind off of the stress that everyday life brings. It’s a chance to get away from it all and be closer to nature and appreciate its beauty, to experience new things. For some, it’s a great bonding experience they can share with their loved ones and friends. So get out there, lose yourself in nature, learn a ton of lessons, and above all, have fun.