I don’t often feature how-to articles here on Sophie’s World. However, we’re going to Wales this summer, and I’m considering giving camping a try. Now to persuade the girls…
Today’s guest post comes from freelance writer Tom Armenante. Tom shares his best five camping tips.
Getting back in touch with nature can be an eye-opening and rewarding experience.
The most experienced of campers will have their own list of must-haves, derived from years of experience in the field. The novice camper on the other hand, may not have as much insight. To that end, here is a list of the top 5 must-have items for the best camping experience.
Wind-up Head Torch
A torch in general is always crucial when camping for those late night saunters. The beauty of a wind-up torch means you don’t have to worry about the batteries running out. A head torch has even more of an advantage so your hands are free to make fires, set up tents and cook food.
Portable Gas Stove
Portable gas stoves are a god-send. If your camp fire isn’t going the way you hoped and your camping buddies are on the hungry side, a portable gas stove is the perfect cooking companion. They run for a long time on small cartridges from your local DIY store, costing only a couple of pounds. Lightweight stoves sell for under £20.
Knife
Invest in a good knife. Knives can be so helpful on camping trips, for cooking, cutting small twigs for fire kindling, clearing a space for camp, and much more. Always take either a pocket knife – whose other components may come in just as handy, or a knife with a sheath. Safety is paramount when camping and you don’t want to slash your fingers open when fumbling through your rucksack for your head torch!
First-Aid Kit
Just in case you do end up slicing your finger or hurting yourself in any other way, you must have a full first-aid kit available. Your basic kit should consist of plasters, gauze pads, scissors, bandage, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes and instant cold pack.
Insect Repellent
Depending on where in the world you are camping, insect repellent is of varying necessity. But even in most British camping sites, especially at the height of summer, you find little biters who would have a field day without some strong repellent to keep them at bay.
There you have it! Are you a happy camper? Do you have any other camping advice?
Photo credits: head torch by tj. blackwell, gas stove by AA7JC, knife by CapCase, and insect by Gravitywave.
Disclosure: This article is brought to you in partnership with PitchUp.com.
I think you should stress the social, luxurious and glamorous aspect of camping, when you try to pursuade the girls. And of course remember to bring sun screen and insect repellent.
Social, definitely. Not so sure if they’ll buy the glamorous and luxurious bit… 🙂
A tent?
Good point 🙂
and may be sleeping bag 😀
That, too 🙂
I wish I could think of the best way to sell it to your girls but I’ve never been a camping person either. Hmmm….
I like that wind-up head torch, though.
It will take some work. They’re both hotel kinda-girls 🙂
You could tell the kids it will be an adventure, just like the movies!
As for survival essentials, I would opt for some type of condensed calorie food before a stove…easier to carry!
Something to think about…
If there’s room bring a pillow – it makes a world of difference. And really good food for all and wine for you.
Even when I backpack I bring a super lightweight camping chair as I like the back support and extra comfort.
Good luck.
Thanks, Leigh. Good tips. We’ll probably hire a car, so there should be plenty of room for extras.
Camping can be a lot of fun but I always end up forgetting something that I could’ve ended up using. Still fun, though – and you can always make the most with what you’ve got
True that. And you can always find little bits of nature that come in handy, too.
I’m not a camper but I never travel without a headtorch now, its so small and I have used it in the strangest times.
There have been times when I’ve wished I had one – trying to avoid stepping on frogs on dark Fiji nights come to mind.
How about this –
Tent, Sleeping bag, Food and Drinks, Stove, Matches