Over the years, I’ve been camping more than I’d like to admit to, I’ve stayed in all conditions, in every type of tent across Europe, the UK and Europe So I decided to give my top 10 tips for those who are new to camping.
1. Do not spend a lot of money on a fancy setup
If you’ve never slept in a tent before and you’re not sure whether it’s the right choice for you it’s not necessary to shell out hundreds of dollars on expensive gear. However, don’t make the top rookie camping mistake of purchasing one skin tent.
We’ve all seen those cheap pop-up tents that are sold in places such as Asda and Tesco, advertised as the perfect festival tent. We’ll tell you, the cheapest single skin tent is a complete waste of money. Your gear and you will be soaked. So, why not ask your friend to borrow the tent, or consider a night in a tent first by booking a camping break?
If you don’t have any friends who are camping, you could try eBay to find a bargain second-hand or try Freecycle or your local selling groups on Facebook or even a camping shop near me like AutoLeisure which offer a great value selection of tents.
2. Be sure to buy an extra large tent than you believe you’ll need.
The idea of a four-man dome tent may sound great however, once you factor in air or camp bed mattresses, it’s unlikely that you can be able to fit four people and their gear in! It is always advisable to choose the right tent to give you more room, particularly when you’re camping in a car and don’t have to think about the weight of your tent or carrying it. Sleeping and living in a tent on top of one another can end up creating a feeling of annoyance So, always choose an extra-large tent than is the minimum requirements.
We would also recommend purchasing an erect tent that is taller, which means that you can stand up in it, which makes an ideal living.
Remember that you’re unlikely to be fully occupied in any tent unless you’re using narrow self-inflating mats and sleeping squeezed in a single layer on the floor.
3. The night time is chilly in UK is much colder than you imagine.
Even in July and June it is true that the nighttime temperature outside within the UK is usually quite cold. Spending a night in a tent that is cold and chilly is not a good idea at all. Make sure to bring extra blankets and layers of clothing to keep warm during the night.
4. Eliminate the electronic devices
Camping with an electric hook-up (EHU) is costly as well as the pitch you choose and campsite choices will be limited.
Solar chargers are cheap and are capable of powering all essential devices such as your phone or tablet, or you can spend a bit more on something more powerful such as HUBi, the HUBi Solar Hub.
As a bonus point, If you’re thinking of taking devices such as hair straighteners to camp with you, no one is interested in the way your hair is straight so leave them at home!
Why not use the camping trip as a reason to turn off your phone? Take your tablet off and take the opportunity ts benefit from a having a digital detox.
5. Prepare for rain, wind and gale-force winds!
We should not get caught up in the bush. Weather in the UK is a nightmare. This is in the middle of July. It’s wet, windy, cold as I’m wearing winter boots, and an extra thick pair of tights.
Okay, so sometimes we are lucky enough to have the sun shines and rain ceases to fall for a short period of time however, even if the forecast is looking good make sure you have additional layers and waterproofs in the event of.
6. Purchase camping gear and tents cheaper outside of the season
Due to the escalating demand the price of tents is always expensive at the beginning of camping season. While June may seem as a great time to purchase a new camping tent or other gear however, the prices tend to be more expensive during this time of the year.
I usually buy camping equipment in the winter months or before spring. The majority of retailers will also offer sales during summer at the close of the season typically around the end of August which is a great opportunity to get bargains.
7. Purchase the previous year’s version of the tent
Tents, as with all consumer products, change regularly. Manufacturers introduce new models and introduce new features to their top selling tent models. Therefore, the most current model of tents is likely to be a high-end item.
Find a previous year model, as you’ll usually see them marked down since retailers are more inclined to promote new premium models instead.
8. Plan out your activities and day trips in advance
It’s true that children are likely to be bored, particularly when you’re planning an electronic detox, so you’ll want to ensure you’ve got lots of ideas on what you and your family can enjoy your time while camping.
Based on the age of your children, certain kids will go off to play and entertain themselves for a long time. If your children aren’t doing well in their imagination make a plan and bring a selection of boredom-busting toys with you.
Kites, footballs, crafting and paint supplies cards, binoculars, Scavenger hunts, board games and books on nature are excellent ways to combat boredom while camping without relying on technology.
9. Pick your campsite carefully
The location you pick will have a significant influence on how you will enjoy your first camping experience. Determine how far you would like to travel, if you prefer the coast or countryside or plenty of amenities (in which case the campsite will likely be noisy and crowded) or if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere with a wild, camping vibe (in which case, you’ll have to sacrifice facilities).
We’ve been to some amazing camping spots over the years that we’ve returned to repeatedly as well as at others that we’d prefer to erase off our minds!
10. Prepare!
Make sure you have a few essentials. Items like duck tape, cables ties, batteries and a pen knife first aid kit, and many more are useful to keep. Camping can be a tense experience, and that’s one of the reasons why it is so enjoyable however it is important to be well-prepared.
If the force of the wind makes the pitching of your tent more similar to the Krypton Factor challenge or you’re trying to get your tent packed down during torrential rain, ….just do it. The ability to overcome challenges and perseverance is what (I believe) sets hardcore campers apart from the muggles. So whatever you face, just accept it and make sure that you don’t let one small incident ruin your whole excursion.
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