So many of us have always thought of merging with nature, becoming one with silence and peace, but due to various factors, we have always taken a step back. Camping is an amazing way to connect with nature and unwind from the daily chaos. Planning a camping trip may seem daunting, but not to worry. Below, I will provide a very easy-to-follow and complete guideline for camping. This will help you whether you are camping with others or solo.
Research-
If you are camping for the first time, make sure you do proper research. Camping is an outdoor adventure, and you won't get the luxuries of staying in a hotel. Below are some points to keep in mind if you are thinking about going on your first camping trip:
You are more vulnerable to natural calamities.
You have to be responsible for your own safety.
Most off-beat camping sites will be hard to reach and may include hiking and trekking (depending on where you are camping).
Many camping sites won't have access to bathrooms.
Depending on the season, there will always be insects.
Keeping all these points in mind, you should always first research the place where you want to go camping. If this is your first time, I advise against choosing a too isolated place. Even if you are going solo, it will be better if there are other campers nearby. Going through a camping organization with other people could be a better idea for your first time camping.
Here are some things you should surely research before deciding to go camping:
Research the place and make necessary reservations.
If it is a registered camping zone, read reviews from other campers to understand the place.
If you are going in a group, ensure these people are trustworthy and you feel safe around them. A bad group of people can lead to bad decisions and regrets, especially when away from urban amenities.
Choosing a Campsite-
This is a very important aspect when it comes to safety and enjoyment. There are mainly two types of campsites:
Public Campsites: National parks, state parks, and forest service lands often provide well-maintained facilities.
Private Campsites: These may offer more amenities but can be more expensive.
Gear-
There are some essential camping gear items that you should always carry. In some private camping places, tents, cutlery, food, washroom essentials, and first aid are provided by the camping organizers. However, if you are going to a public camping place, you may need to carry all your gear. Here is an easy list:
Tent: Make sure the tent is comfortable enough for the number of people planning to stay in it. It should also be weatherproof and well-ventilated. Setting up a tent can be a bit challenging at first, but make sure you set it up properly and it adheres completely to the ground.
Sleeping Bags or Mattresses: If you want, you can have both. There are several inflatable mattresses available online that are easy to carry and will give you a comfortable sleep. If you can't acquire a mattress, get a sleeping bag. There are mainly two types of sleeping bags: mummy-type, which are ideal for colder climates, and wide sleeping bags, which are perfect for warmer climates. Also, carry a pillow and an extra blanket for additional comfort.
Camping Stove and Cookware: There are several portable camping stoves on the market to fit every budget. Just make sure it's working properly and not leaking gas. For cookware, there are specific camping cookware sets that are small, compact, and sturdy. But if you are driving a big car and have a lot of space, you can also carry normal-sized cookware and use the bonfire to cook food. Camping cookware is more beginner-friendly than cooking over an open flame.
Portable Water Filter: If your campsite provides drinking water, there is no need to carry this. But if you are drinking from natural sources, always filter the water before consumption. If you are camping just for a night and have space in the car, you can carry packaged drinking water bottles. (Tip: always take two more than what you think will be enough. For example, if you think four bottles are enough, take six.)
Washroom Essentials: Carry a small soap, facewash, deodorant, wet wipes, and tissues. These will come in handy for several purposes. There are travel-friendly empty containers available online that you can fill with liquid soap, facewash, or other products. Don't forget to carry a toothbrush and toothpaste. If you feel fresh, the day will automatically turn better. Carry a small cup of water for all your washroom needs.
Fire Starters: Fire starters can be twigs and dry pieces of wood lying around the campsite. However, if it's the monsoon season or you're not near a forested area, finding natural fire starters can be challenging. So, carry some scrunched-up papers and camphor blocks for starting a fire. You can also find proper fire starters on the market. If not, paper and camphor work very well. Additionally, bring extra matches and lighters.
Clothing-
Camping is a very freeing activity, so always wear something that is weather-appropriate and comfortable. Style is not a big aspect of this. I reside in a temperate climate, so when I go camping, it's mostly cotton clothes or baggy pants and baggy t-shirts. Try to avoid flammable materials such as synthetics. Footwear is also very significant. Ornate footwear should be avoided at all costs. Wear covered shoes, and if you are near forests, try wearing footwear that covers your ankles and full pants. Also, carry insect repellent and sunscreen.
First Aid and Medicine Box-
Always carry a first aid box. You are going to need it, trust me. Here are the things that need to be included:
Paracetamol tablets
Medicine for stomach pain and body pain
Medicine for headaches
Pain-relieving ointment
Crepe bandages
Bandaids
Antiseptic solution
Iodine ointment for cuts and burns
Bandages
Doctor's tape
A small pair of scissors
Thermometer
Hygiene products (such as sanitary napkins)
Safety Gear-
When in the outdoors, safety is a big responsibility. Always keep the following things in check and, if possible, pack them in a separate bag:
Bag of Sand: This may sound absurd, but in case of a fire-related emergency, sand works better than water for extinguishing it.
Safety Knife: Always keep a sharp knife along with a knife cover. This will help keep you safe from intruders and also be useful for miscellaneous tasks around the campsite, such as breaking twigs for fire starting.
Flashlights and Headlamps: Bring extra batteries or rechargeable options to ensure you have light when needed. You can also bring battery-operated fairy lights or sleep lamps to keep your tent softly illuminated from inside.
Rope or Paracord: Useful for setting up tarps, hanging food, or making repairs. If it's a heavily forested area, you can use the rope for marking directions and paths.
Camping With Pets or Kids-
If you are camping with pets or kids, their safety entirely depends on you. Make sure you have a bag packed with all their essentials, such as food, water bowls or bottles, food bowls, and things to keep them entertained.
Tips And Tricks For Camping-
Always carry chocolates so that if there is a sudden elevation change, your body doesn't react adversely.
If you plan on making eggs, the shells, when burned in a fire, act as a wonderful mosquito repellent.
If there is no washroom available, carry a small shovel, dig a hole far away from water bodies, and cover it up properly once you are done. You can throw the used tissue in the hole too. Put a small red flag on it to mark the location so that you or others don't end up digging in the same place.
Blowing on the fire will make it bigger and better.
Carry trash bags in both large and medium sizes.
Camping is an amazing way to merge your soul with nature. The healing energies of nature, when flowing through you, repair you from the inside. But remember, you are like a guest in nature's home for a few days, so please don't litter, keep the area clean, and keep yourself safe.
Comments