Culture & Lifestyle / A Camping Newbie? We’ve Got The Perfect Tips For Your First Camping Experience

A Camping Newbie? We’ve Got The Perfect Tips For Your First Camping Experience

Culture & Lifestyle Jul 14, 2015

by Naemah Abid

Summer means spending time with friends around a campfire, sharing stories, singing, roasting marshmallows and making memories. All you need to make that happen is a tent, some food and water. Right? No! Don’t underestimate prepping for a camping trip. Here are some tips that will help you plan a successful campout.

Prep for All Weather
You’d be surprised how quickly the weather changes out in the woods. It can be hot, rainy and muggy in the day but cold at night. So travel with layers. Pack a hoody, a sweater, extra socks, thermals and an extra sleeping bag. If you’re taking your car, pack more items like a rain coat, rain boots and an umbrella; you could be grilling in the rain or shine. Bring a tarp to protect your tent from rain.

Be Ready for an Emergency
You’re out in the wilderness and you never know what could make you sick or when you might get injured. You might get stung by a bee or be exposed to poison ivy. So don’t leave home without a first aid kit, packing everything from rubbing alcohol and band aids to antihistamines. Don’t forget sunscreen and bug repellent, and bear spray (a pepper spray for bears) if you’re camping in bear county.

Walkie-Talkies and Flashlights
At most campsites you won’t have cellphone service. It’s a good idea to take walkie-talkies if there are multiple cars going to a campsite or for when you're splitting up from your group. Flashlights are also a must. It’s pitch dark at night and you’ll need a flashlight to find your way to your tent or the outhouse.

Pack Non-potable Water and Wipes
Everyone remembers to bring drinking water but what will you use for washing the dishes or cleaning your feet? Be sure to fill some bottles with tap water and don’t forget to label them. You can also use this water to wash up and brush your teeth. And since water supply is limited, bring facial wipes and antibacterial wipes to clean your face and hands.

Easy-to-Assemble Snack Food
The best part of camping is cooking food on the open fire. But things like chicken tikka and paneer have to be kept on ice and last about a day in a cool/shadowy place. It’s always a good idea to pack easy snacks like bhel. It comes in a bag with all the sauces so you can eat it right out of the bag with a plastic spoon. Other things that won’t spoil easy are fruits, nuts and granola bars — and they’re all high in energy.

Amenities?
Lastly, be sure to check what amenities are on your campground. Will you have electricity? Are there showers? How far are the porta potties?

Plan accordingly, and you will have a great time.

Photos courtesy of Gopal Vijayaraghavan; Richard; Naemah Abid and Loozrboy

Naemah Abid

Author

Born in Saudi Arabia and originally from Pakistan, this Canadian immigrant is all too familiar with airport life. After taking her first pleasure trip abroad post-graduation, Naemah was hit with the travel bug. Find this frequent traveller sharing pictures and experiences, offering up advice and tra...

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A Camping Newbie? We’ve Got The Perfect Tips For Your First Camping Experience

by Naemah Abid

Naemah Abid

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