Never been camping before but want to? It’s not as complicated as you might think, but here are some tips for your first camping trip that will help you avoid rookie mistakes.
Equipment
Equipment advice is a big point to consider from this list of tips for your first camping trip.
In general, do not buy cheap equipment in favor of affordability. If you can purchase higher quality gear then definitely do so.
A cheap tent can be tempting but you pay for what you get, and you do not want something that falls apart on you while you’re outdoors. Holes and broken zipper doors are a nightmare to deal with if you’re somewhere with rain or lots of bugs.
The same rule applies to other gear like sleeping bags, backpacks and camping cots. Cheap gear will work at first then the stitching and zippers start to fail after a few uses.
Sleeping
Next up on tips for your first camping trip, consider your options for how you’ll sleep at night. Are you going to use a camping cot, air mattress or some other form of padding?
Camping cots are a great option if you don’t mind packing one around and there’s space in your tent. They get you off the ground without the hassle of pads or mattresses and are perfectly comfortable to sleep on.
For something more compact, go for an air mattress or pad. You’ll be sleeping on the ground but roughing it is part of the camping experience.
A pad/sleeping bag combo works great in terms of cushion, and air mattresses can be an even more portable option.
Just be sure to bring a pump if you do go for an air mattress. Inflating and maintaining an air mattress with lung power alone is a tiring, labor-intensive experience.
Food, Facilities and Emergencies
Last up from this list of tips for your first camping trip, research the site you’re going to and know how much food and water you’ll need to bring.
Different camping grounds have different restrictions and facilities. What’s the bathroom situation like? Are campfires allowed? Where can you dispose of garbage? It’s important to know the answer to these type of questions.
Also, plan for emergency situations. Find out if there will be cellphone service and who you can contact for help if needed.
Imagine getting lost, a flat tire or rolling your ankle severely enough that you can’t walk. These are very realistic scenarios and it’s important to have a plan in mind when you’re in the wilderness.
Finally, know how much food and water you will need to bring. Running out of either will cut your trip short.
A good rule of thumb to follow is that having too much food and water is a much better problem than having too little.
