If you consider yourself an outdoorsy person, chances are you like to go camping. It is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. It is an opportunity to get close to nature and explore your surroundings. You can do it with your friends or family, and it will certainly be an experience that you all won’t forget. Whether you are used to camping on weekends or you’re about to go on your first such trip, there are a few things you need to know to make your experience better. Follow these tips from the pros on your next camping expedition so you can make your trip safer, less chaotic, and more enjoyable.
Boost Your Camping Experience With These Pro Tips
Boost your camping experience with these tips. (Image Source: Pexels)
Dress Appropriately
You need to wear the right set of clothes when you go camping. Depending on what time of year you choose to enjoy this activity, you have to dress accordingly. Cotton is a comfortable fabric to wear, but it might not be the best option when you go camping in the woods. Opt for moisture-wicking clothes instead since these will help you stay sweat-free.
It is also important to pack other essential items such as hiking boots, raincoats, sun hats, and even swimsuits (in case you want to take a dip in a nearby river or lake). Check out our recommended vegan hiking boots if you are looking for comfortable footwear.
Choose Your Tent Wisely
Just because you are camping in the woods, it does not mean that you have to sacrifice your personal comfort. Your tent will serve as your abode throughout your camping trip, so make sure you choose the right size for the intended number of occupants. Look into the per-person tent dimensions so you can pick the best option for your needs. This is an important step if you value your personal space, or if you want to have a good night’s sleep.
Protect Yourself From Insects And Bugs
Camping can be very romantic, so don’t let mosquitoes and other insects ruin the mood. Never forget to pack mosquito or insect repellent in order to protect yourself from bites.
Stock Up On Food
Plan properly and stock up on essential food items before heading outdoors. Remember, it can be a long way off from the nearest store. Make sure you have everything you need packed for your camping trip, no matter how long you plan for it to be.
Some of the best food items to bring along during camping include canned beans, canned soups, granola bars, trail mixes, drink powders, beef jerky, and more. If you are a vegan, you also have plenty of options for vegan protein to ensure that you are energized for your adventure.
Store Food Properly
When you are camping, the proper storage of food is very important. Failure to do so could place your life in danger as leaving your food unattended may draw the wildlife to your campsite. You can expect there will be plenty of animals hunting for food and you could end up drawing them to your tent. Bear canisters or a bear bag are among your best options to secure your food. These are foolproof storage solutions all campers should include in their gear.
Be Safe
When you do something that involves the outdoors or nature, you should always be prepared for accidents and injuries. There are a lot of unexpected things that can happen when you venture into the woods or mountains. Always include a first aid kit when packing your stuff. Make sure your kit is stocked with essentials such as sunscreen, EpiPen (for allergies), personal medications (if any), physical aids, bite creams and medications for blisters.
Remember, when you go camping, you are pretty much at the mercy of nature. Safety should always be given top priority.
Don’t Forget Your Personal Hygiene
You can expect to get down and dirty when you go camping. But this is no excuse to neglect personal hygiene. Make sure to pack the necessary personal items along with the other things on your essential camping gear list. Pack toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and garbage bags in your bag. Make sure you clean up after your mess, too. Leave the site better than when you found it.
Bring Invaluable Items
There are plenty of things that would make your life so much better on your next camping trip. When it comes to gadgets, it’s not just about the tech stuff. Instead, you need to pack items that will make camping safer and easier. These include lanterns or flashlights, headlamps, extra sets of batteries, phone chargers, and multi-tools. You will never know when you might need them and you’ll be glad you packed them if you do!
Choose The Right Campsite
This is the most important tip of all if you want a better camping experience: Choose the right site. Depending on where you are, you need to research the best campgrounds in your area. Look closely at the facilities and features for that specific campground, as well as the fees (if any).
Most campsites are available in national parks and state parks, so you can send an inquiry to their official websites. Regardless of which campsite you choose, it is important to gather as much information about each site as possible prior to making your final choice and booking a reservation.
