Camping

Master Your Pre-Trip Game

Getting ready for a camping trip isn’t just about throwing gear in your car and hoping for the best. Proper preparation is the difference between a memorable adventure and a miserable experience.

I learned this lesson during a frosty night in Northumberland near Kielder Forest, when our inadequate sleeping bags left us shivering until we could buy a duvet the next day. Let’s break down exactly what you need to succeed.

Essential Gear Checklist

• Quality sleeping bag (rated for your conditions!)
• Reliable tent with waterproof base (more on this crucial point later)
• Comfortable bed or roll mat
• Proper clothing layers
• First aid kit
• Water filtration system (if wild camping)
• Multi-purpose items, like cutlery and tin openers
• Emergency supplies, like extra food and bivvy bags

💡 PRO TIP: Multi-purpose items are worth their weight in gold. A simple plastic bag can:

• Waterproof your gear
• Serve as an emergency poncho
• Collect drinking water

First Aid Essentials

• Blister treatment
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Basic wound care supplies
• Emergency contacts list
• Local medical facility information

Weather Planning

• Check historical weather data
• Check temperature swings
• Plan for wind patterns
• Pack appropriate gear for conditions

Packing Strategy

Think of packing like building a pyramid:

• Base Layer: Heavy items
• Middle Layer: Medium-weight items
• Top Layer: Frequently needed items

Remember, preparation might seem overwhelming at first, but it becomes second nature with practice. Take it step by step, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get ready for your next adventure.

Find the Perfect Spot

Finding the right campsite is an art that combines safety, comfort, and natural beauty. The perfect spot isn’t always the most obvious one, but knowing what to look for makes all the difference.

I learned this lesson the hard way at Lake Bogoria, Kenya. What seemed like a perfect wooded campsite turned into a flood zone during an unexpected downpour. Our midnight scramble to higher ground taught me to always check the surrounding terrain for natural water channels and potential flooding risks.

This wasn’t my only hard-learned lesson about camp site selection. In Spain, what looked like an ideal spot near a road turned into a water channel during heavy rain, forcing us to relocate to a nearby layby.

And in Wales, I spent a sleepless night sliding to one side of my tent after setting up on what I thought was a “minor” slope. Trust me – flat ground is worth the extra time to find!

Campsite Selection Criteria

• Slightly elevated ground (avoid natural drainage channels!)
• Natural wind protection
• Safe distance from water (200 feet minimum)
• Clear of overhead hazards Away from obvious animal paths
• ABSOLUTELY flat ground – even slight slopes can ruin your sleep
• Check for signs of water flow or flooding

Your campsite choice sets the foundation for your entire outdoor experience. Take time to find the right spot, and you’ll be rewarded with a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable stay.

Set Up Camp

Setting up camp efficiently can mean the difference between enjoying sunset views and fumbling with tent poles in the dark. A systematic approach turns this stressful task into a smooth operation.

Camp Layout Essentials

• Sleeping zone (morning sun exposure)
• Cooking area (good ventilation)
• Food storage (downwind, away from tent)
• Social space
• Waste management area

Camp Kitchen Organisation

Essential zones:

• Prep area
• Cooking space
• Cleaning station
• Food storage
• Water station

With practice, your camp setup will become a well-oiled machine, giving you more time to enjoy the wilderness and less time wrestling with equipment.

Daily Camp Routine

Creating a reliable camp routine changes your outdoor experience from chaos to comfort. These daily practices help you stay organised, comfortable, and ready for whatever nature throws your way.

Fire Building 101

Layer your fire like a house:

• Foundation: Tinder
• Framework: Kindling
• Walls: Larger logs

Meal Planning

• Pre-measure ingredients
• Pack in labelled containers
• Separate drinking and washing water
• Plan one-pot meals
• Keep snacks accessible

A good routine becomes your outdoor rhythm, making each day flow smoothly and letting you focus on what really matters – enjoying your time in nature.

Level Up Your Comfort

Comfort in the wilderness isn’t about recreating your home’s amenities – it’s about smart adaptations that make outdoor living enjoyable.

A camping trip in Snowdonia taught me this when I discovered my tent’s base wasn’t waterproof during a heavy rainstorm. Watching my sleeping bag slowly soak through was a harsh lesson in gear testing and preparation.

Small adjustments can make a huge difference in your camping experience.

Sleep System Layers

• Ground pad (check R-value)
• Quality sleeping bag
• Base-layer clothing
• Insulation layer
• Outer layer

Camp Comfort Additions

• Tarp for outdoor living space
• Natural seating arrangements
• Strategic lighting placement
• Weather protection
• Social area setup

Remember, being comfortable outdoors doesn’t mean sacrificing the authentic camping experience. It means being prepared to fully enjoy every moment of it.

Problem Prevention

The best way to handle camping problems is to prevent them before they start. A proactive approach to potential issues keeps your adventure running smoothly.

Essential Repair Kit

• Duct tape
• Paracord
• Multi-tool
• Spare tent poles
• Waterproof matches

Emergency Preparedness

• Local emergency contacts
• Charged phone in waterproof case
• Emergency shelter materials
• Extra food and water
• Backup light sources

Prevention might seem like extra work, but it’s always easier than dealing with problems in the field. A little forethought goes a long way in the wilderness.

Protect What You Love

Our relationship with nature is a two-way street – we enjoy its beauty while taking responsibility for its preservation. Every camper plays a crucial role in protecting our outdoor spaces.

Leave No Trace Principles

• Use established campsites
• Stay on marked trails
• Pack out all trash
• Minimise campfire impact
• Respect wildlife distance

Environmental Best Practices

• Use biodegradable soap
• Filter/boil all water
• Pack out toilet paper
• Clean up beyond your own items
• Follow local regulations

Water Safety Tips

• Filter all drinking water
• Keep washing station 200ft from water sources
• Use biodegradable soap sparingly
• Store grey water properly
• Know local water regulations

Your actions as a responsible camper help ensure these spaces remain beautiful and accessible for future generations. It’s a legacy worth protecting.

Build Your Camping Community

The camping community is built on shared experiences, knowledge, and respect. Your fellow campers can be your greatest resource and support system in the outdoors.

Campground Etiquette

• Respect quiet hours
• Keep your site tidy
• Share resources when possible
• Control pet behaviour
• Minimise noise impact

Skill Building

• Join local outdoor groups
• Attend workshops
• Share your knowledge
• Learn from others’ experiences
• Practice new skills safely

Remember, today’s beginners are tomorrow’s experts. By building and supporting our camping community, we all grow stronger together

Pro Tips Throughout Your Trip

Getting Started Checklist

• Choose your first destination
• Gather basic gear to stay dry and stay warm
• Set a date
• Practice with your gear
• Make your campsite reservation
• Plan your meals
• Pack your bags
• Hit the trail!

Morning Routine

• Check weather first
• Secure loose items
• Prepare day’s water
• Plan meals ahead
• Check gear condition

Evening Routine

• Secure food storage
• Check the weather forecast
• Prepare for temperature drops
• Set up lighting
• Review next-day’s plan

Safety Reminders

• Always tell someone your plans
• Carry emergency beacon/phone
• Know your limits
• Check gear before each use
• Stay weather-aware
• Keep first aid kit accessible

Take Your Next Steps: From Dreaming to Doing

Now you’re armed with pro-level camping knowledge that’ll change your outdoor adventures from stressful to spectacular.

Imagine waking up in your perfectly pitched tent, brewing coffee as the sunrise paints the sky, and feeling completely at home in the wilderness. That’s not just a dream anymore – it’s your next camping trip.

Remember, every camping pro started exactly where you are right now. The difference?

They took that first step. Whether you’re planning a backgarden trial run or diving straight into a weekend getaway, you’ve got everything you need to succeed. Those stunning campsites and unforgettable memories are waiting for you.