Camping is definitely one of life's most simple pleasures – just you, the great outdoors and your tent! However, as with most simple things, it can be incredibly easy to get it wrong, so we got together with Daniel Yates, Managing Director of Pitchup.com, to get his top tips on what to do to make sure your next night under canvas is a happy one!
1. Find the perfect camping spot
Do you want be in the middle of nowhere with a campfire, or somewhere more comfortable with on-site showers, shops and pubs nearby? The pitch you pick can make or break your whole trip, so if you're camping with friends and fancy a late-night around a campfire, make sure you don't pick a family-friendly site with a curfew!
2. Know the rules of the area you’re camping in
Some areas don’t allow pets as it scares surrounding wildlife, and other areas aren’t open to overnight visitors. For example, wild camping is not allowed in most of parts of England and Wales, and in the Trossachs National Park in Scotland.
3. Practice putting up your tent
Don’t wait until you get to the campsite to figure out how to put up your tent. Try setting up your tent in the garden before taking it camping. Knowing the instructions for putting up your tent beforehand will make the process much simpler. If you haven't got a garden, don't worry - head to the nearest park and have a rehearsal there instead.
4. Only pack what you really need
When packing, always ask: ‘Do I really need this?’ Gadgets and gizmos can be heavy to carry around: only take essential clothing and minimal additional kit. However, make sure you have the essentials that you need to make you happy, there's no point going without a favourite pillow or coffee pot if it will make you grumpy without it!
5. Use a checklist
It's no fun getting to the campsite and finding out you forgot pegs! Stay organised and make sure nothing is left behind by keeping a camping gear checklist. Use it while unpacking and packing your kit, and check off each item in your bag. Planning your camping is definitely the time to give in to your inner-list-maker.
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1. Find the perfect camping spot
Do you want be in the middle of nowhere with a campfire, or somewhere more comfortable with on-site showers, shops and pubs nearby? The pitch you pick can make or break your whole trip, so if you're camping with friends and fancy a late-night around a campfire, make sure you don't pick a family-friendly site with a curfew!
2. Know the rules of the area you’re camping in
Some areas don’t allow pets as it scares surrounding wildlife, and other areas aren’t open to overnight visitors. For example, wild camping is not allowed in most of parts of England and Wales, and in the Trossachs National Park in Scotland.
3. Practice putting up your tent
Don’t wait until you get to the campsite to figure out how to put up your tent. Try setting up your tent in the garden before taking it camping. Knowing the instructions for putting up your tent beforehand will make the process much simpler. If you haven't got a garden, don't worry - head to the nearest park and have a rehearsal there instead.
4. Only pack what you really need
When packing, always ask: ‘Do I really need this?’ Gadgets and gizmos can be heavy to carry around: only take essential clothing and minimal additional kit. However, make sure you have the essentials that you need to make you happy, there's no point going without a favourite pillow or coffee pot if it will make you grumpy without it!
5. Use a checklist
It's no fun getting to the campsite and finding out you forgot pegs! Stay organised and make sure nothing is left behind by keeping a camping gear checklist. Use it while unpacking and packing your kit, and check off each item in your bag. Planning your camping is definitely the time to give in to your inner-list-maker.
Read More...