Like majority of activities, the number one key is the planning if you are wanting a good experience. If this is your first time in a tent and you’re wondering what you need to pack for when your out in nature, then i’ve got you covered.
Planning a getway a little closer to home has never felt more like a treat as we are trading in our resistance bands and threadbare pjs for the thrill of the open road and the great outdoors. We have never missed fresh air and freedom so much a we do now.
Hopefully we will be blessed with another heatwave soon and with staycation going nowhere anytime soon, you may be thinking about making the most of summer by setting up a secluded spot and head away on a cheap camping holi-stay.
Deciding on your vibe-
There is not just one way to camp, so the first thing to do is to think what kind of camping trip you are wanting ahead of your adventure. Are looking for ‘going back to basics’, living off-grid and pitching up in the wild for a while or kick back on a campsite that is more to your cup of tea? Are you new to camping? If so, you’ll probably be more at home by finding a campsite that has amerities to make your first experience straight forward and stress-free.
With there being campsites all over the country, from woodlands to the coast you will have plenty of cool backdrops to choose from. Another thing worth mentioning is to think whether you need to the campsite to be dog-friendly or child-friendly as this might determine where you can stay.
Bring a sleeping bag whatever the weather-
Sleeping bags are often overlooked, but one thing you cannot skimp on is a good night sleep even on an extermely hot summer’s day/month it can get really cold at night, so be sure to check the season and temperature rating on your sleeping bag to see if it’s right for when you’re planning to go away.
Have a tent rehearsal-
Alwa practice pitching up your tent in the garden ahead of time, cos that way you won’t be caught out when it comes to putting the tent up and taking it down on the campsite. Make sure to get familiar with your gear! It’s also better to come across a repair job at home rather than in the middle of a field – a bit of plannng goes a long way. Camping in the back garden for a night is a great start to see if the outdoorsy life is right for you.
Setting up at the campsite-
Arriving nice and early to bag yourself a great spot and pitch your tent whilst it’s still light – as trying to assemble a tent in the darkness is only good for comedies and nothing else.
Ready to settle in, then look for relatively high-level ground, that is free from debris that could damage the tent. Pitching the tent under a tree might seem like a good ‘instagram’ picture moment with string light wrapped around the trees – they are not only a great target for lightning strikes, the tree might snap causing you a nigthmare to clean. So intead, opt for a more shady spot where you can hang out in during the heat of the day and save yourself a sticky situation.
Cooking on a camping stove-
Not every campsite allows campfires, but a stove can be both fun and practical. Remember when your setting up, make sure you have set it away from the tent and out of the wind, also make sure you have stocked up on plenty of gas – you’ll probably need more than you think.
Some campsites will have washing facilities so you can clean your dishes, but if it doesn’t then a washing up bowl and clothes will really come in handy – so make sure to check ahead of time. Tips: By saving salt, pepper and sugar sachets from takeawys, as well as having smaller jars/bottle of condiments it will make it a lot easier to transport.
If the campsite you’ve picked allows campfire then ensure that ou have built your’s in a designated area, that’s at least five metres away from your vechicle, tent or the surrounding hedgerows.
Plan your meals-
By planning your meals ahead of time, it not only saves you money it will also save on the hassle of figuring out what to eat every night – especially with a large group of people. Few days before you plan to go away, do a big food shop to ensure all your grub stays fresh and not stuck snacking on noodles for the next three days straight. If all else fails, lookc out or research ahead of time the local area to see how far away the shops and pubs are if thing’s don’t go to plan.
Check how far away the water supply is-
It will probably be a good idea to check the distance to the nearest water source, as you’ll be needing to make several trips a day for drinking, cooking and cleanning.
Pack plenty of layers-
It’s UK camping, so who knows what weather you’re going to end up with. Remember the fleeces, blankets, rain suits, waterproof’s and thick socks.
Foldable chairs/lounger are a must-
Really> Can you ever say that you’ve been camping if you haven’t sat in a chair that was more flexible than you’ll ever be! Sitting on the grass can be lovely and all, but lets be honest…. only for a short amount of time. The most seasoned camper knows how important a foldable chair is for a shot at being comfortable sitting at the campfire, just in time for s’mores o’clock.
Leave no trace-
It might seen like an obvious thing, but we can still forget what with our crisp packet once we’ve invested into a game of uno – so alway make sure our rubbish is placed in a secure bin each evening or in you car away from curious critters.
Shop Camping Essentials
PROFESSIONAL 200 MUMMY SLEEPING BAG £27.99
CAMPINGAZ CAMP BISTRO 2 CAMPING STOVE £12.00
FINE GARDEN FOLDING CAMPING CHAIR £18.99
SWINGBALL ALL SURFACE SOCCER £30
DISPOSABLE PALM LEAF PLATE, SET OF 25 £13.90
TREKOLOGY CAMPING MAT £43.99
NOVOSTEL LED MULTI FUNCTION TORCH £26.99
UNO CARD GAME £4.37
COLEMAN COOL BOX 30L £44.10
REUSABLE BAMBOO CUTLERY SET £12.99
TREKOLOGY ULTRALIGHT CAMPING PILLOW £15.99
CAMPING TENT, 4 PERSON POTRAL £84.99
ASMODEE DOBBLE CARD GAME £8.99
STAINLESS STEEL TONGS, WALFOS £9.99
PORTABLE STAINLESS CAMPING KETTLE £11.95
