You can’t beat a spot of camping, especially as the summer approaches, with all its promise of warmer nights and longer days. But now there are enough gadgets on the market to bamboozle even the most self-assured Boy Scout. With everything from fold up double beds to portable coffee makers, camping holidays are getting a bit too complicated and a bit too safe. Forget whatever else you might read; there are just five things you’ll really need for the perfect camping expedition.
1) A decent tent
Ok, so it’s an obvious one, but a decent tent is the single most important piece of camping kit you’ll need for a successful trip. A cheap tent probably won’t last your holiday and will cause all sorts of problems. Always test pitching your tent before you go — there’s nothing worse than setting up camp only to discover you’re missing a guy rope, ground sheet or outer layer. If you’re a first-timer, buy a tent from a reputable company. Going one berth bigger than the amount of people the tent is a good tip, since you’ll have more room for luggage and a little breathing space.
2) A lightweight sleeping bag
Forget roll mats or posh travel pillows — a good quality sleeping bag can make the difference between a terrible and a great night’s sleep. There are lots of lightweight models on the market now which are both water resistant and super warm.
3) A Swiss Army knife
Since childhood, most men have been lured by the simple beauty of the Swiss Army knife. The classic multi-tool has everything you’ll need for outdoor adventures: knife, scissors, corkscrew, nail file, can-opener… We would be lost without them, let’s face it.
4) Solar powered torch
Bagging yourself a really reliable solar powered torch is the only way you can ensure you don’t caught out in the dark when the batteries run flat. Just make sure you charge it during the day.
5) The right set of clothes
The key to camping is to pack light, but this doesn’t mean wearing the same pair of shorts for five days running. Remember to include clothing for your day time activities, such as hiking gear, swim wear and wetsuit, depending, of course, on what you will be doing. One warm jumper is always useful too, for when the temperature drops at night.
Of course, you might also want to consider packing a box of matches, food and plenty of drinking water unless you are going the very pure primal route. Oh, and a pan does come in handy when cooking over an open fire. But don’t go any more complicated than that. Getting back to nature has never been so simple and such good fun.
(Photo by blmoregon via Flickr)
Article written by Roxanne
Ok, so it’s an obvious one, but a decent tent is the single most important piece of camping kit you’ll need for a successful trip. A cheap tent probably won’t last your holiday and will cause all sorts of problems. Always test pitching your tent before you go — there’s nothing worse than setting up camp only to discover you’re missing a guy rope, ground sheet or outer layer. If you’re a first-timer, buy a tent from a reputable company. Going one berth bigger than the amount of people the tent is a good tip, since you’ll have more room for luggage and a little breathing space.
2) A lightweight sleeping bag
Forget roll mats or posh travel pillows — a good quality sleeping bag can make the difference between a terrible and a great night’s sleep. There are lots of lightweight models on the market now which are both water resistant and super warm.
3) A Swiss Army knife
Since childhood, most men have been lured by the simple beauty of the Swiss Army knife. The classic multi-tool has everything you’ll need for outdoor adventures: knife, scissors, corkscrew, nail file, can-opener… We would be lost without them, let’s face it.
4) Solar powered torch
Bagging yourself a really reliable solar powered torch is the only way you can ensure you don’t caught out in the dark when the batteries run flat. Just make sure you charge it during the day.
5) The right set of clothes
The key to camping is to pack light, but this doesn’t mean wearing the same pair of shorts for five days running. Remember to include clothing for your day time activities, such as hiking gear, swim wear and wetsuit, depending, of course, on what you will be doing. One warm jumper is always useful too, for when the temperature drops at night.
Of course, you might also want to consider packing a box of matches, food and plenty of drinking water unless you are going the very pure primal route. Oh, and a pan does come in handy when cooking over an open fire. But don’t go any more complicated than that. Getting back to nature has never been so simple and such good fun.
(Photo by blmoregon via Flickr)
Article written by Roxanne
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