Life can feel very stressful and overwhelming at times. Responsibilities come along, and worries and pressure can make people wonder what is a good solution to get away from it all. Nature is a great place to escape when watching the news feels overwhelming and when the walls are closing down in one’s own house.
So if you find yourself in a situation where you would like to go camping, but aren’t familiar with its basics, here are a few pro tips to help you get your camping vacation started.
1. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a first aid kit.
These two must-haves are often overlooked by those who have either never gone camping or those who have never run into a situation where they regretted not bringing them. Staying out in the sun is unavoidable when you’re outdoors, and if you are the kind of person who is prone to sunburns or even heatstroke, then sunscreen belongs in your bag, along with some headwear that you are comfortable with.
The same thing can be said about a first aid kit, although there is a chance of not needing this one as much as the sunscreen. But having it at hand in the eventuality of a hiking accident or the cooking of a meal gone wrong can be a real lifesaver too.
2. Bring well-fitting hiking boots.
When hiking, comfortable yet compact shoes are essential. Sandals, flip-flops, or sneakers are not ideal for climbing difficult terrain since they can slow you down or, worse, strain your ankles. So make sure you buy a pair of hiking boots if you don’t already own one to make your road less difficult than it has to be and safer. Otherwise, the mistake of hiking in footwear that can easily slip will be the reason why you will thank yourself for bringing that first aid kit.
3. Spend your money wisely.
If this is the first or amongst the first few times you have gone camping, then you will need to buy new equipment. A common error for beginners is spending money on tools that are not completely necessary, such as a compass or a water filter.
It would be best to remember that you are going out in nature to disconnect from the commodities that make your life easier. Needless supplies should not belong among the cargo space you can otherwise fill with useful equipment. So instead, spend money on baggage that you know you will need, like a good tent or a comfortable sleeping bag, or simply any things that will ensure you get the best out of your relaxing vacation. After all, there is nothing like a good sleep under the stars.
4. Allow a margin of error.
Things don’t always go according to plan when you are camping. Sometimes, you burn a meal. Sometimes, you lose one of your water containers or stain the only sweater you brought along. That is why a margin of error should be considered when you’re packing to prepare yourself for a potential worst-case scenario.
Therefore, consider packing an extra meal or water bottle. You never know when you’ll need it.
5. Take into consideration the differences in temperature.
This one is also a very common mistake that most people have regretted making. When camping, the differences in temperature between day and night are like an August day and a November night.
Wherever you plan to go, whether it’s the desert or the mountainside, it’s a fact that the nights will be colder than what you are used to, while the days will have you sweating. That is why you will need to pack both clothes for warm weather and an extra hoodie or a blanket.
6. Drink twice as much water when hiking.
The importance of staying hydrated is something that applies outside of camping too. For years specialists have recommended 60 ounces of water per day to help improve your health, but the truth is not many people live by that.
Nevertheless, when you are hiking, you need to drink twice the amount of water you usually consume to maintain the vigor you will need for the long road ahead. And even though you might not be happy with carrying that amount of spare water, your body will thank you for the extra hydration.
Whether you are seeking the outdoors to keep your distance from the world or just for the sake of some good old-fashioned recreational time, camping is always a good solution. You can spend time relaxing both your mind and your body while enjoying the best of what nature has to offer.
Just get started!
Of course, there are many dos and don’ts when it comes to camping, but besides the advice the internet offers you, one of the best ways to become a pro camper is to learn from mistakes and pray for the best.