Many people enjoy camping more than a trip to the beach. There’s just something about the fresh air that gets cooler and cooler as you keep walking, building a temporary home around a campfire, and staring at the sky full of stars.
Your reading this can only mean one thing: you’re thinking of camping with some special people and you want to be prepared. Since camping is a project, it requires a few equipment and preparation to ensure an enjoyable and memorable activity. It doesn’t have to break the bank though, you’d only need basic gear and know-how.
Let’s start with the most important things you need to bring:
Tents
Some campsites offer tents and accommodation, while others don’t. It’s better to be prepared and have your own so you can be sure you won’t run into inconvenience later on. Tents come in a variety of sizes, but what you need to look after is performance. Take time to speak with the salesperson and ask about the size, its installation, and all the other things you need to know.
Pads and Sleeping Bags
Again, this is something you’d need the salesperson to help you with. Most sleeping bags have comfort ratings based on temperature. Remember, it can be chilly in the field especially for someone in your family. Ask the campsite for the temperature in the area where you’ll be staying.
Camp Stove
Choose a stable cooktop that lets you control the flame. A two-burner is a better option than the single-burner, as it offers versatility. Go for a foldable one.
Other things you’d need to bring that actually don’t need reminding are clothes, hygiene, and insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects. You may even bring mosquito coils and citronella candles to shoo away bugs.
What to Do
- ● Ensure you have enough time to establish your camp at a relaxed pace.
You can’t expect to have fun when you’re hungry and tired from traveling and it’s already late and dark. It’s important to allot ample time on the day of your departure for you not to rush breaking camp.
- ● Bring food that you actually like and enjoy.
You wouldn’t live on bread and soup alone when you go camping. Bring a cooler so you can take fresh meat, vegetables, and eggs with you, among others you keep in your refrigerator.
- ● Make the most out of the natural resources, historic sites, and even activities around your campsite.
Give yourself more reasons to enjoy and things to look forward to. You’re free to just relax and enjoy fresh air, though, if that’s just what you want to do.
What Not to Do
- ● Don’t be too ambitious
It is best to start small, like go camping in the next long weekend, to get a feel of the experience. You have to know if the activity is for you and it’s something you’d really want to do. It would also give you an idea on things you may need and should not forget to prepare for.
- ● Don’t miss the chance to unplug from the outside world
Many feature mobile and even wi-fi connection, but to truly enjoy the activity, you need to stop being in touch. It’s one of the many rewards you can get from camping. Instead, you may bring magazines, books, cards, or board games to pass the time and bond with the other campers, say it suddenly rained.
- ● Don’t bring too much food
You may have a cooler with you, but it wouldn’t be long until it can no longer preserve it contents. Uncooked food and leftovers may be unconsumable when you go back home. Plan your meals properly prior to your camping activity.
Camping is definitely an activity every person should try in their lifetime. It could be scary to leave the comforts of your home and sleep outdoors, but waking up to a nice sunrise is priceless. It’s the view, challenge of getting through the night, the whole journey. Try it – who knows, you may even enjoy it more than going to the beach. Expect yourself to be a happier and an even better person after the activity.