OUR BEST TIPS FOR CAMPING UNDER A TENT
Camping in a tent is a way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and embark on an adventure in nature, where we can disconnect from technology and reconnect with Mother Nature.
But camping in a tent can be a bit intimidating, especially when it's your first time. To ensure your camping stay is comfortable and therefore enjoyable, you need to know what you're doing and have the right camping gear. Otherwise, your perfect vision of bivouacking can quickly turn into a nightmare.
"To help you plan and prepare, the Survieprotek team has gathered below 10 things you need to know before going on your first tent camping trip. With these tips, you'll be able to go from backyard camping to wild camping in no time."
1. Camping tent. Consider the size of your camping tent (depending on the number of people sharing it) and the weight of your tent. Opt for a ultra lightweight tent if you are hiking and wild camping, where every kilo counts. Make sure your tent is waterproof and has a double roof.
2. Camping sleeping bag. Also choose a sleeping bag that suits your seasonal needs. If you are camping during the warm summer months, for example, you will prefer a lightweight sleeping bag to a cold weather sleeping bag that you will use at the end of autumn or during winter, when temperatures are likely to drop.
3. Inflatable camping mattress. If you don't like sleeping on the ground, plan for a ground mat or an inflatable mattress comfortable with an integrated pillow to increase comfort.
4. First aid kit. Regarding safety, always carry a first aid kit to address all issues, from minor scrapes to more serious injuries like sprains or heavy bleeding.
5. GPS or paper map. You can bring a GPS with you if you go hiking. There are several navigation apps that work without Wi-Fi. Just make sure to download the appropriate maps before losing service. Also, prepare a backup paper map in case your phone breaks down or gets damaged. Place your map in an extra-large waterproof map holder to protect it from the rain.
6. Lamp. Never forget to bring a light source - preferably a headlamp to keep your hands free - that you can store and easily access during your trip (i.e., not at the bottom of your backpack!). I prefer to keep my headlamp in the pocket of the tent closest to my pillow, so I always know where it is and can easily find it in the dark.
7. Cooking stove. This is an essential piece of equipment for campers and adventurers as it allows for the preparation of warm and friendly meals.
2. Prepare camping and campfire-friendly meals in advance.
"Just because you are camping and don't have access to a large kitchen doesn't mean you shouldn't eat good meals. If you're not very excited about eating a can of baked beans and hot dogs while camping, plan ahead and prepare easy dishes to cook over the campfire."
Prepare chicken skewers in advance and pack them in plastic bags. With this method, the skewers will be ready to be taken out and you can prepare a fabulous meal on the grill in just a few minutes.
"Just because you are camping doesn't mean you can't have coffee as good as your favorite coffee. To do this, you can bring a coffee press, a French press, or buy yourself a more sophisticated instant coffee. It will be worth having that good fuel first thing in the morning."
3. Pay attention to your water source and bring a water purifier.
Before your trip, determine if you need to bring water or if you can find it at your destination. Water is, unfortunately, heavy and quickly adds weight to your bag. It's about finding the right balance between carrying enough and not carrying too much. If you are hiking near water sources, you can get away with bringing less.
If you plan to carry the minimum amount of water with you and are unsure of the water source, bring a filter and/or water purifier. This will greatly help protect you from consuming unsafe or contaminated water while staying hydrated.
"Water is not the only thing you need to have with you. You will also sweat and lose salt and minerals that will need to be replenished. That’s why I also recommend bringing mineral salts (powder in a sachet that you can dilute in water) for quick rehydration. I always keep them in my backpack."
4. Practice setting up a new tent before your trip
Of course, it may seem easy to set up a tent, but not everyone is a camping pro. The last thing you want to have to do on your first tent camping trip is to set up the tent in the dark or in the rain and not knowing how the pieces fit together.
So practice setting up your tent at home before your trip. Set up the tent in your living room or garden several times before you leave. Not only will this help you understand how the different parts fit together, but it will also help you speed up the tent setup process so you don't waste precious time struggling with its installation.
5. Select your camping locations in advance
If you are wild camping, few things are more stressful than that feeling of panic you get when the sun sets and you have no idea where you are going to pitch your tent for the night. Avoid this by studying the terrain in advance with the Google Earth app, for example.
Otherwise, reserve your spot at a campground. You can find the best camping spots in no time, and in advance online now. Search for the areas you want to explore and find the nearest campground. You can then click for more information on each site, including amenities, activities, photos/videos, and much more.
6. Prepare for adverse weather conditions
No one wants to camp in the rain. But being prepared can reduce the risk of ruining your trip.
To start, lay down a tarp before setting up your tent. This will create an insulating layer between your tent and the ground and prevent moisture from seeping in. Remember to tuck the tarp under your tent once you have set it up. This will prevent rainwater from pooling on the parts of the tarp that extend out. Additionally, many tents come with a rainfly: be prepared to attach it to your tent if necessary.
To protect yourself from the elements, plan for waterproof shoes that dry easily. Bring appropriate rain gear (and quick-drying clothes) that will help keep you dry and warm. Additionally, always plan for several layers of clothing, even if the forecast is quite warm. Temperatures drop at night, and you never know when the cold will set in.
I also recommend placing important items and the clothes you want to keep dry in waterproof bags.
And don't forget to bring some form of entertainment in case you have a rainy day. Bring a book, a journal, a deck of cards, or any other light activity that will help you make the most of your time under the tent.
7. Protect yourself from mosquitoes and insects
"You are ready to face the rain, but it is time to prepare for the other unwelcome guest of your trip: mosquitoes (as well as other biting insects like ticks, horseflies, and gnats). Not only are these insects annoying, but some of them can also carry diseases, making bite prevention all the more important."
You can prevent mosquito bites during your camping stay in a tent in several ways:
- Take a mosquito repellent spray
- Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing and pants, and/or mosquito-resistant clothing (for example, clothing treated with permethrin).
- Keep the entrance of your tent always closed to prevent mosquitoes or other insects from getting in.
- You can also sleep in an integrated mosquito net hammock.
8. Dissuade wild animals from approaching your camping area.
Some campgrounds or wilderness areas require you to follow food storage guidelines and use storage containers. Although these guidelines most often apply in bear country, you should also deter small animals (like raccoons and rodents) from rummaging through your campsite for food, no matter where you are camping.
If you camp in bear country, bear barrels are an excellent way to protect your food and other scented items overnight.
Similarly, all food waste (or any other waste, for that matter) must be collected, stored properly, and especially if you are hiking, disposed of when you leave your camping spot. Even organic waste, such as apple cores or orange peels, must be picked up and taken with you.
9. Practice safety when you have a campfire
A campfire can be an essential source of heat, as well as a means of cooking during your tent camping trip. However, there are often specific precautions and guidelines that you need to consider. Always follow local fire safety guidelines and be aware of the fire risks for the time of year at your destination.
If you are staying at a campground, do not bring firewood (and do not plan to bring any back either). You risk transporting invasive species and diseases that kill native trees. You should plan to buy firewood on site.
If you are hiking, only collect what you need - and only what has already fallen or dead wood. This helps minimize the impact of your campfire.
Never leave a campfire unattended, make sure it is small and only burns for the time you are using it, and always extinguish it properly when you are done. It is recommended to put out fires with water, not with dirt; dirt may not completely extinguish a fire.
10. Leave no trace
You may have already heard the expressions "leave no trace" and "take back with you what you brought in." If not, your first camping trip in a tent is the perfect opportunity to learn more about these principles of nature protection and to apply them.
Conclusion
The six fundamental principles for enjoying a good camping stay in a tent (some of which have already been discussed) are as follows:
- Plan and prepare in advance
- Properly dispose of waste
- Leave what you find
- Minimize the impact of campfires
- Respect wildlife and flora
- Be considerate towards other visitors
By respecting these fundamental principles, as well as the camping tips above and all local guidelines and restrictions related to wilderness areas, you can help ensure that your first tent camping trip (and all subsequent ones) will preserve the lands and natural habitats for future generations of campers.
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