The UK is a nation of campers, with Mintel statistics from 2022 showing that 22% of UK adults had camped since the start of 2020. Around 4.5 million of these were newcomers, but while there’s certainly something to be said for throwing caution to the wind and getting immediately stuck into camping, it’s important to do so the right way.
Whether this is your first camping trip in the great outdoors or you want to enjoy the beauty of autumn up close and personal, it’s important to have the right equipment, tools, and know-how at your disposal. Having them to hand will make your trip much more enjoyable, stress-free, and safe, but what sorts of things do you need to get?
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Why you should go on a camping trip
Camping is an immersive experience, whether you’re pitching a tent in the wilderness or parking your RV in a front country campground. While campers are affected by the rain, wind, and snow, you may encounter wildlife in their natural habitat. At different times of the day, people can see natural features such as mountains, seashores, or sand dunes. Spending nights outside allows people to see constellations that are not visible at home and hear natural sounds such as coyote yips and songbird trills.
Taking a camping trip is also good for the body (and mind). The physical demands of backcountry camping clearly qualify as exercise. However, any type of camping has health benefits. Some are straightforward, such as camping or hiking. Outside, mental health improves. Researchers discovered a link between outdoor activity and a reduction in depressive thoughts. Sleeping under the stars allows you to reconnect with your natural circadian rhythms, which is the foundation for good sleep and health.
Here’s what you’ll need for your camping trip.
The basics: tent and sleeping bag
It sounds silly to suggest, but you need to think about where you’re going to be staying and how you’re going to be sleeping while out camping.
Critical to ensuring a comfortable – dry – night’s sleep is a quality tent – especially since almost two-thirds of all bookings in 2020 involved a regular grass pitch. Look for a model with both an interior wall and a flysheet, as this will help reduce condensation and add that extra layer of protection if the weather turns sour.
Next, is the sleeping bag. If you plan on camping across the seasons, it’s a good idea to invest in both thin and thick sleeping bags so you’re not left uncomfortable.
The right tools
Tools are always a necessity when camping. Whether you’re cooking, building your tent, repairing it, or enjoying outdoor activities, tools make the whole task much similar. Therefore, many people use 4wd storage boxes in their cars to place all the necessary tools. It helps them stay organized and also ensures the safety of their instruments.
A good starting point is a tent peg mallet, which makes anchoring your tent much quicker and less painful on your hands and feet. A fire starter and camping stove are also good to bring along as well, helping you get a tasty campfire roaring and cook up a storm for you and your family.
Equipment like pocket knives and multitools can also help out if you encounter any issues, from solving less common problems like cutting through ropes and fighting bears, to more common conundrums like opening a wine bottle or filing off the nail you broke while putting up the tent.
Maps and GPS devices
If you choose to go off-piste, you need to know where you are. To ensure you don’t get lost in the wilderness, bring along a paper map of the area you’re exploring, a compass, and a GPS locator. Make sure you know how to use all three before you set out.
Camping furniture
Sitting on the floor is all well and good, but if you want to camp in comfort or you’re new to the activity, then bringing along camping chairs and a fold-out picnic table can make the experience more enjoyable. Also, consider air beds for the tents – there’s nothing worse than a night spent camping on the lumpy or rocky ground!
