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At some point, everyone has thought of getting off the grid and enjoying the adventurous outdoors. Most of the time, though, people are convinced they can’t or shouldn’t do it.
Several reasons like inexperience and cost usually win those internal arguments. If you’re one of those people, don’t worry. Some imagination, courage, and the following tips can help you prepare for your own camping expedition outdoors.
Table of Contents
Choose your sleeping bag.
There are many factors to consider when choosing sleeping bags. You’ll have to determine qualities like shape, size, temperature rating, material, and others. These will mostly depend on where you plan to go and which time of the year. Study your options well and choose the best one for the trip you’re planning.
Mind your tent.
The comfort, weight, size, and ventilation of your tent will depend on whether you plan on using it in back country camping or with your family. The tent’s material is also a consideration. Look into other helpful features as well, like stitching, zippers, flooring, and more. A weather-resistant tent may be a necessity depending on where and when you plan on camping.
Setting up your tent can be tedious, especially if you’re doing it for the first time in the actual camp site. It would be ideal to practice setting it up at home first, before going on the trip. Once you’re on the actual camping trip and you’re looking for a good place to set up your tent, find a relatively flat and soft ground or a natural bed.
Build a fire.
Campfires make the quintessential outdoor experience. However, doing it wrong can ruin your whole trip in a matter of minutes.
To make your campfire safer, pick a spot that is not directly below low-hanging branches. Clear debris on the floor area and either dig a pit or use rocks as boundaries. This will help prevent the fire from burning out of control. Keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water close by just in case.
Never build your fire close to your tent and never leave it unattended.
Keep animals away.
Most wild animals stay away from people by default. Make sure you don’t feed them intentionally and unintentionally. Keeping your food in your car or hanging on a tree will reduce the risk of animals going through your camp. Never leave food inside your tent.
Camp though the rain.
As much as you would want clear blue skies for your whole trip, you can’t really predict when it will rain. During those times, it’s better to be caught prepared. Prioritize to keep yourself and your items dry. Bring rain gear and wear boots. Don’t set up your camp near a drainage path. Avoid water build up in and around your tent.
After the rain, dry out all your wet gear before storing. This will keep molds from accumulating and eventually damaging your items.
Prepare for the worst.
A lot of things can go wrong when you’re camping and away from the comforts and facilities of a city. Make sure to keep the following items handy during those worst case scenarios.
1. Medicine kit — prepare meds that can help with burns, blisters, and stomach aches.
2. Map — Make sure you learn how to read one, too.
3. Extra batteries — for flashlights and other essential electronics. Bring a battery pack for mobile devices.
4. Satellite phone with internet and GPS — Never risk losing ways to communicate and be located, particularly when you’re camping in deep seclusion.
Leave no trace.
According to the Leave No Trace organization, nine out of ten campers don’t know exactly how they impact the environment. Make it a habit to minimize waste and conserve. You are the guest in most of the areas you will camp in. Treat your host with the reverence they deserve.
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