Going for an adventurous trip can be really fun. However, it is essential to be well-equipped with the necessary gear and a solid plan. Here are a bunch of brilliant camping trips, and a quick guide to how you can pitch your tent like a pro at any trip!
Camping tips and hacks
- Never forget storage boxes and bins
Organize, organize and organize. One thing that will let you have a smooth and peaceful camping experience is organization. It is important to plan your days ahead, but it is also to know how to organize all your stuff that you are taking along. Your space is limited, and you don’t want to lose essential items such as food and so on.
To avoid misplacing your belongings, make it easier to find your items with the help of storage bins. There are many storage bins available with different sizes and features. Some even come with lids and wheels so it’s safer to store valuable items in such boxes. Rather than filling up plastic bags and making your backpacks heavy, these storage boxes can be a great way to save time and remain organized. You will also find storage boxes with compartments very easily.
- Large ice blocks
Ice cubes are easily available, and therefore many people take these to their camping trips. However, these cubes last for a lesser time compared to large ice blocks. With a block of ice, there is less surface area for heat to be transmitted, and hence it melts slower than cubes.
If you want to arrange ice cubes for your cooler, make use of large water jugs, water gallons or even emptied milk cartons and freeze water in them before the trip. This is a great alternative to ice blocks since the melted content can be clean and safe to drink or add in your food as well. Another tip for ensuring good cooling for your food items is to freeze the items before you put them in the cooler.
- Zip lock bags are a must
Zip lock bags make a great companion on your camping trips. They can accommodate multiple types of items, ranging from food to your gadgets. These bags are reusable, and you can even store the ones in good condition for your next camping trip. Zip lock bags come in a variety of sizes and are easily available too.
One way to use these bags for camping is to put your mobile phone or tablet in them. The transparency of the zip lock bag will help you look at the screen and even use it. These bags are also flexible, so you can fold the extra space or the loose ends and put it in your pocket just like you carry your phone in regular days. This protects your phone from accidental exposure to water, heat, moisture, and reduces chances of damage if your phone falls.
- Carry some cash
Since camping is done mostly in slightly remote areas, your credit cards or digital modes of payment might not work. You may come across locals, and they might not have facilities such as credit card machines and ATMs around the camping site. In such cases, cash comes in handy. You should always carry some cash with you on camping sites.
- Plan your meals
You can be fully equipped with all kitchen essentials and food items, but you will still find yourself in a hurry or stressed out if your meals are not planned. While you are spending time planning your outfits and routes, don’t forget to plan your meals. Make a list of meals you can have with the items you are carrying. You should also decide on which days will you be making what food item, so that you can keep check of the available ingredients and also don’t waste time deciding what to eat.
- Lanterns as a backup
Handheld torches and flashlights are a must-have on camping. While you are carrying those with you, don’t forget extra batteries. However, sometimes torches and flashlights give up on us. It is very common for these lights to face technical issues and stop working. Since you will be outdoors, bad weather conditions can also damage these lights. So here is a solution and a backup plan— carry a couple of lanterns with you. Go old school, and get a chance to even capture some aesthetic pictures with these lanterns.
- Battery powered fairy lights
Since we are on the topic of aesthetic lighting and backup plans, battery operated fairy lights are a great choice. You can use these to light up the area inside your tent, or even outside if the weather allows. Use your cheap internet plans to find some great ideas on how to decorate and take dreamy pictures. Fairy lights are also a good way to give your kids some tasks to do, as they can put these up all by themselves.
Tips for safely pitching the tents
- Practice setting up the tent
If you are camping for the first time, make sure you practice setting it up at home first. This can help you learn better, so you don’t face any trouble at the site. Moreover, practicing at home lets you identify or inspect any issues with tent that can’t be fixed at campsite. If you are not camping for the first time, still practice beforehand, so you can see if any repairs are required.
- Repair kit
Invest in a high quality repair kit before you go off camping. A repair kit can fix small to medium issues that occur with the tent and its setup materials.
- Waterproof layering
Some camping tents come with a waterproof layer that form a protection between the tent’s surface and the ground. This way, damp ground or pests from the ground stay away from your tent. However, if your tent does not have this layering already, or it is damaged due to regular wear and tear, there is a way to fix this. Tarpaulin is a great material to create a waterproof layering between your tent and the ground.
- Finding a location
It is very important to choose the best and safest location to set up your tent. Make sure you choose campsites that are already used for camping, so that you do not affect any natural area and minimize the impact on the environment. Moreover, avoid camping near any water source, such as a lake or a river. This will ensure that the wildlife’s access to water is not disturbed. Stay away from damaged trees and tree limbs. In terms of weather, keep the windows or the door of the tent towards the wind. To avoid impactful drag caused by fast winds, place the tent’s smaller side towards the wind.
Conclusion
Now that you know what things you need to carry with you, get your gears ready and go off to a smooth and safe camping trip!
