Camping, whether with family, friends or simply by yourself backpacking, is a great way to spend your time.
Nothing beats the thrill of being outdoors, at one with nature and away from the hustle and bustle of today's busy lifestyle.
However, the whole idea of spending a few days in a tent for the first time can be quite a daunting experience to most people.
Here are a few steps that will help somebody embarking on their first camping adventure...
1) Practice pitching your tent in the garden first This will give you the confidence that you are able to successfully pitch (assemble) your tent for when you come to do it for real.
It will also ensure that all the tent pieces are present and correct and that the tent is not damaged.
You don't want to be putting a tent up only to find a gaping hole in the side! 2) Pitch the tent in your garden and spend the night in it You've practiced putting the tent up in your garden.
Why not try spending the night in it whist it is still pitched? If things aren't going to plan in the middle of the night - just move back into the house.
3) Seek out a local campsite for your first trip If things go wrong or you forget something essential, just nip home and get it! 4) Take something warm to wear for the night Even in the summer, things start to get a bit nippy at night.
Don't sit there shivering when the sun goes down.
Take a fleece and enjoy sitting outside the tent with friends during the evening hours.
5) Don't forget your sleeping bag It doesn't have to be an expensive one.
Also don't take one designed for the arctic when it is the middle of summer - you'll swelter! Also look into basic sleeping mat to lie on.
These make sleeping on the floor a comfortable experience.
You can pick up a basic one that self inflates at little cost.
They help to keep you warm as well as cosy! 6) Take a first aid kit It only needs to be a basic one, but if you get a cut or insect bite, it will pay for itself straightaway.
7) Take enough food It's surprising how much energy you expend outdoors.
Take enough food so that you don't go hungry.
Disposable Barbecues are great.
Consider a cool box for milk and perishable food items such as bacon, cheese etc.
8) A bonus tip - Drink plenty of water!!!! Do not get dehydrated.
This can happen so easily when out camping, especially if the weather is hot.
It will ruin the trip and you may get seriously ill.
The tap is taken for granted when at home!
Nothing beats the thrill of being outdoors, at one with nature and away from the hustle and bustle of today's busy lifestyle.
However, the whole idea of spending a few days in a tent for the first time can be quite a daunting experience to most people.
Here are a few steps that will help somebody embarking on their first camping adventure...
1) Practice pitching your tent in the garden first This will give you the confidence that you are able to successfully pitch (assemble) your tent for when you come to do it for real.
It will also ensure that all the tent pieces are present and correct and that the tent is not damaged.
You don't want to be putting a tent up only to find a gaping hole in the side! 2) Pitch the tent in your garden and spend the night in it You've practiced putting the tent up in your garden.
Why not try spending the night in it whist it is still pitched? If things aren't going to plan in the middle of the night - just move back into the house.
3) Seek out a local campsite for your first trip If things go wrong or you forget something essential, just nip home and get it! 4) Take something warm to wear for the night Even in the summer, things start to get a bit nippy at night.
Don't sit there shivering when the sun goes down.
Take a fleece and enjoy sitting outside the tent with friends during the evening hours.
5) Don't forget your sleeping bag It doesn't have to be an expensive one.
Also don't take one designed for the arctic when it is the middle of summer - you'll swelter! Also look into basic sleeping mat to lie on.
These make sleeping on the floor a comfortable experience.
You can pick up a basic one that self inflates at little cost.
They help to keep you warm as well as cosy! 6) Take a first aid kit It only needs to be a basic one, but if you get a cut or insect bite, it will pay for itself straightaway.
7) Take enough food It's surprising how much energy you expend outdoors.
Take enough food so that you don't go hungry.
Disposable Barbecues are great.
Consider a cool box for milk and perishable food items such as bacon, cheese etc.
8) A bonus tip - Drink plenty of water!!!! Do not get dehydrated.
This can happen so easily when out camping, especially if the weather is hot.
It will ruin the trip and you may get seriously ill.
The tap is taken for granted when at home!
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