A Successful Guide For Happy Campers On Their Expedition

The first thing you need to do before setting off for any camping trip is to produce a check list whether your going for a couple of days or for a whole week. You will need to think about such items as tents, sleeping bags, extra blankets, firewood and cooking equipment. Talking from experience I find preparing a night in advance is idyllic so you’re not rushing on the day and forgetting to put those essential items on the list.

Just before heading off on your camping trip it will also be a good idea to research what kind of services the camp site has to offer, such as canteens or whether they allow any pets on site. I always try to leave enough time between departing the house and journeying to the camp site so I can unwind as packing a car and remembering all the necessary gear can be very stressful.

When you arrive at the camp site take a drive or even a walk around to see what setting will be best for you to pitch your tent. This can make a considerable difference because it will determine how your trip will be affected, so you need to ask yourself, do you want to be near families and couples? Or do you need to be by the camp sites facilities? Be sure that the ground where you pitch your tent is flat and clear of any debris such as twigs, stones or anything else that could cause you an uncomfortable night’s sleep.

Making your first camp fire can be very tasking, so be prepared. Talking from experience it is always key to start off small then build it up later on if the fire is quickly burning away. Try to find dry hardwoods such as oak or birch as they tend to burn much longer than softwoods and use firelighters to give a bit of extra aid. After these techniques the fire should be at its peak and you can then start to roast those marshmallows! You must always remember that starting a camp fire can take time, thought and persistence and you must never leave the fire unattended.

On your first night you may feel quite cold especially if your trip is around autumn or winter periods. My advice is to do some exercise before you climb into your sleeping bag. Taking a brisk walk or even a quick jog will help get the blood in your body circulating. However you don’t have to exercise you can spend 5 - 10 minutes in front of a camp fire before returning to your tent. Added warmth can also be gained from wrapping yourself in an extra blanket inside your sleeping bag or by wearing an extra pair of socks and a fleece over your pyjamas.

When you come to the end of your camping experience you will have to start repacking for the journey back home. Although the thought of getting back to luxury will be in the forefront of your mind remember to clean up all your rubbish and don’t forget any paraphernalia. It may even be worth just going through that check list as you start to pack all your possessions back into your car so you don’t risk leaving anything at the camp site.

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Lucy is a part-time columnist and camping expert writing for gear zone.

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