Partly driven by economics but mostly by a desire to embrace nature, more people than ever are opting to go on camping holidays.
If you’ve never slept under canvas, don’t be daunted by the prospect. The availability of easy-to-erect tents, improved facilities and high-tech gear has put an end to any Carry On Camping capers.
Plus, with some careful preparation, the whole set-up can quite literally be child’s play. Here are some top tips:
Buy the right tent
This will be your temporary home on holiday, so choose wisely. David Scotland, camping expert and owner of Outdoor World Direct, says size, weight, fabric and features are all important factors to consider.
“A family camping trip on a campsite will have very different requirements to a backpacker who plans on wild camping. However, there are some things that you should look for when buying any tent: adequate waterproofing (3000mm waterproof rating or higher will withstand downpours); the number of berths (go one more than you need); flysheets and sewn-in groundsheet to keep bugs out; vents to help reduce condensation.”
He recommends pole tents as an affordable and lightweight option, although they are trickier to pitch. Air tents are easier – simply inflate the beams with a bump – but they can be expensive and heavy.
Do a practice run
Although new tent designs are much simpler than they used to be, it’s still very easy to end up in a muddle with poles and pins. Practise before you set off by erecting your tent in the garden or living room – this will also give you a chance to check for any missing parts. If you’re stuck, search YouTube for instruction videos. When the big day comes, make sure you arrive at your chosen campsite with a decent amount of daylight to spare.
Invest in decent gear
Although you don’t need to go out and buy a lot of expensive kit for a camping trip, it is worth investing in the best gear you can afford.
“If you have young kids, consider a tent with separate pods, which will make it easier to accommodate different bedtimes,” says Catharina Björkman, Scandi lifestyle expert at wood-burning stove manufacturer Contura.
“However, if you have older teens, it may be worth letting them sleep in their own tent nearby, to ensure they don’t wake you or any younger children by going to bed later.”
And don’t forget about what you’ll be sleeping on. A compact self-inflating mat will help ensure better temperature regulation and provide more cushioning than a traditional camping mat or sleeping directly on the ground.
“But if you’re on a very tight budget or need to pack extremely lightly, a foam mat is better than nothing,” says Mr Scotland.
A sleeping bag is also important.
“Check the forecast for your trip and pay attention to the low night-time predictions,” says Mr Scotland. “If you’re planning to camp in spring, summer or autumn then two-three season or three-season models are ideal.
“If you’re a cold sleeper, I recommend a three-season option, unless there’s a heatwave forecast and the temperatures are predicted to hover around the mid-teens during the night.”
Choose the perfect campsite – and book ahead
Selecting the right campsite can make or break your camping experience, according to Camplify. The campervan, motorhome and caravan-sharing community recommends researching various sites, from holiday parks with amenities such as swimming pools and restaurants, to farm campsites or serene spots by the beach or in national parks. Check if you need to book ahead.
Be prepared for all weather
Temperatures swing like a pendulum in spring, so it’s best to have the right gear for all eventualities. Also, bear in mind summers are getting hotter than ever before.
“To beat the heat, try to find a shady pitch to block the sun, or a spot near water to provide a cooling breeze,” says Max Schmidt, head of campervan hire company CamperDays.
“On some campsites, shade and open water can be hard to come by, as many sites are located on open and exposed land, but inflatable or poled campervan and tent awnings can be used to erect a man-made sun barrier to create some much-needed shade.
“Even in the dead of summer, you always have to prepare for the unpredictably of weather. Bringing a waterproof jacket or cagoule that can be packed away into its own compact bag will maximise luggage space, and a sturdy groundsheet will ensure the interior of your tent is dry in case of a downpour.”
Cook respectfully
Never cook in a tent due to the dangers of carbon monoxide.
If you’re opting for a campsite without kitchen facilities, a barbecue can be used to cook up one-pot meals such as porridge, baked eggs and pasta without breaking the bank.
Check for any fire warnings in your area.
Just make sure you’re in a designated barbecue zone or, if you have permission to pitch up on private land, speak to the landowner before lighting up. And don’t forget to properly put your barbecue out once finished and take any rubbish (even organic food waste) to the nearest waste disposal site.
Be aware of local regulations
“Don’t get caught off guard by local rules,” advises Jonathan Frankham, general manager, UK and Europe for insurance company World Nomads. “Check out what’s cool and what’s not where you’re headed. Ignorance isn’t always bliss, especially if there are fines involved.”
Make sure you are not on private land and camping is not always allowed even on public land.
Keep any dogs under control and make sure to shut all gates. Don’t be surprised to be moved on from car parks or rest stops. They are not camp spots and can be dangerous if a truck decides to barrel through.
Always take all your rubbish with you.
What are some essential camping rules you live by? Did you learn them the hard way? Why not share a few tips in the comments section below?
Also read: Lessons learnt by two grey nomads who are taking off the L-plates
