Camping Tips

As I previously covered camping in hot weather, I thought it would be worth covering the opposite.

1. Layers – it’s better to have a more layers than one thick heavy coat. By having multiple thin layers allows you to adjust the levels of insulation and warmth. Careful you don’t get your clothes sweaty as damp clothing soaks up body heat!
2. Natural or Synthetic? Feather and down is commonly used in sleeping bags however the slightest touch of water or dampness will destroy its insulation value. Stick with synthetic, it’s much more reliable.
3. The more room you have the more heat will dissipate. Get a sleeping bag that fits tight to your body and wraps around your head (like a cocoon).
4. During the night body moisture and warm breath condense which reduce warmth. Try to air your bag and tent regularly to avoid dampness.
5. Add a sleeping bag liner to your bag to help keep you warm through the night.
6. The ground can draw away a lot of heat. To prevent this, a layer between you and the ground, preferably a closed cell foam sleeping pad or air/foam mattress along with a layer of extra clothes.
7. Wear dry clothes when going into your sleeping bag as dampness will draw away heat. Also your head gives out a lot of heat so stick a hat or beanie on!

When camping it is important to be prepared for all weather conditions. Many people wish to camp during the summer months but there is a checklist of points to think about in advance:

1. Daily temperatures – what time of year are you planning to travel? Do you have any family members who will be with you that may be susceptible to heat such as elderly or young children.
2. What to wear – Light coloured clothing will reflect the sun and dark will heat up. Breathable materials are very good to reduce heat and perspiration. Don’t forget your sunglasses and a hat!
3. Staying hydrated – bring plenty of water, also check the facilities to see where you have access to drinking water. A void alcohol when out in the sun and this can increase the rate at which you dehydrate.
4. Camping Equipment – Do not carry unnecessary gadgets that will add to weight and exhaust you.
5. Emergency Equipment – In the unlikely hood of an emergency it is important to have a mobile phone or knowledge of who has first aid training on site to assist.

Top 10 Camping Tips
We thought it would be useful to have a quick list of what we consider the most important camping tips!

1. Use a checklist – it’s very easy to forget items when packing! Make a long list of everything you need including those all important essentials such as a toothbrush and loo roll! The list can be used to help you pack and also when you’re holiday comes to an end!
2. Practice pitching – New tent? Been a while since you last went camping? Do a test setup in the garden. It’s a great way to familiarise yourself with the equipment and prevents looking silly at the resort. Not only that, it’s worth checking for any holes, missing ropes or pegs!!
3. Picking the area – try not to pick an area which has the potential to damage your tent or cause discomfort when sleeping! If you have no choice, clear the area of debris and also the area leading to the toilets of any dog or cow mess too!
4. Protect your tent – Tents are expensive to replace! Use a tough plastic sheet to protect the underside of the tent. Not only that, it will reduce the dirt picked up by the tent! If you manage to dirty the tent be sure to clean it with warm water (check your instructions for further details regarding cleaning). Lastly do not pack away a damp/wet/dirty tent! Leaving the tent in a poor condition could end up destroying the fabric!
5. Guy lines – Most guy lines supplied on modern tents are reflective to prevent being a trip hazard at night. However if yours are not it would be worth adding electrical tape to them in order to make them visible at night time. Check that the guy lines regularly so that you do not end up losing your tent!
6. Spares – Lost tent pegs and broken guy lines can make a holiday turn into a nightmare. Always carry spares for any part which could be damaged or lost easily. Also a useful addition to bring is a roll of duck tape. This can be used to patch holes, hold parts together and give you enough time to find a suitable fix for the problem.
7. Avoid flood grounds – It is very easy to be attracted to pitching near a river or on a beach. However you should be aware that these areas are prone to flooding from rising water levels. Another issue is surface run off from a steep hill side, which could take you and your tent for a water ride! Try to find an area with a slight slope to allow quick drainage.
8. Protection from the wind – Strong winds can cause a tent to be pulled and lifted. Try to position your tent using the aerodynamics of the tank to your advantage. A tip is to keep the entrance out of the wind otherwise the tent might end up being a kite!
9. Facilities – try not to position your tent too far or too close to the facilities. Too far could end up a long walk in the middle of the night with many guy lines (trip wires) to dodge! Too close and the noise from other campers will soon become an annoyance (not to mention the smells)!
10. Common Sense – Avoid dangers such as overhanging trees dropping branches on you and your tent, rabbit and badger holes leaving you with a twisted ankle and ant’s nests with creatures who end up in your sleeping bag!