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Guide for camping trip
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Camping trip can be a DISASTER if you don't buy the right equipments and you don't know what to avoid and how to prepare for this.
The basic equipments you need when going camping are: tent, sleeping bag, rucksack and waterproof material to cover the tent in case of rain.
What to know when you buy a tent !!!
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Tents are made from materials like nylon, cotton canvas or duck, nylon with a polyurethane coating.
Nylon : Nowadays, this is one of the most preferable, popular and acceptable material as it is very strong, light weighted and can be folded easily into a small bunch. Nylon is especially treated to make waterproof tents either totally waterproof or breathable-waterproof.
Cotton canvas or duck : This is one of the oldest material used in making waterproof tents. If by chance fabric gets wet, than cotton swell and pack together, draining out the water.
I had once a cotton canvas tent and during a vacation after we pitched the tent we didn't dig drain channels around the tent and we didn't cover it with plastic in case of rain like others, because we were too tired and too lazy. At night it started to rain and we were thinking that by morning everything will be wet inside. We took the risk and went to sleep. In the morning, surprise, after the rain passed we were the only persons in camping with no water inside and everything clean. So, tents made from cotton are strong and very useful.
The modern day waterproof tents are made of strong, lightweight, high-tech materials like carbon fiber, glass fiber or aluminum which make them more durable and reliable in adverse weather conditions.
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First, when you choose to buy a tent take in account how many persons will sleep in. In most of cases the number of persons that the tent producer writes they can fit inside is not really correct. For example, if they say it's a tent for 2 persons, then be sure it is for 1, or if they say it's for 4, then it's for 3 and so on. So, if you want to have space to breath and to sleep comfortable without being crowded, then buy a tent with one place more than it's written on the label.
Second, the color of the tent is also important. It is preferably to buy light colors fabrics, darker fabrics will heat up to a higher temperature. Don't buy heavy tents. Tent must be light enough to not be a nightmare when you carry it, but robust enough to stand up to the elements.
When you decide going camping, beside a tent buy also a waterproof material to cover your tent in case of rain. Otherwise you will use your tent as swimming pool and it's not too pleasant.
Look for breathable sidewalls and roofs to minimize condensation. Read the label carefully and see for what season it is intended for.
About sleeping bags:
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Sleeping bags are also very important. Consider the length and width, to keep you warm, the size when is compacted. Don't buy heavy or big size bags just because you want to be sure you will not feel cold inside. If the bag is not keeping you warm you can put on some extra clothes and also use a camping mat with your bag, this will allow it to work most efficiently. Make sure you air out the bag between uses, as sweat left inside will reduce its effectiveness.
What to know when you pitch the tent !!!
1. If you are not camping in a camping ground, then you need to take a look at what is around you. Ensure that the spot you choose is free of stones, sticks and other debris that could potentially damage your tent.
2. Make sure that the ground is flat. If it is not then you should make certain that everyone sleeps with their heads at the higher end so blood does no rush to their heads all night.
3. When you choose the place consider also the presence of a tree that can offer shade for the tent and also some protection if it rains. If there is a particular view you like you will have to choose whether to face the entrance of your tent in that direction, or if you prefer, to face the fire.
4. Stack the tent even if you have a pop up tent that claim on the packaging that no staking is necessary, if you do not want it blown away, staking is certainly going to be necessary.
5. You should always assemble your tent poles so you can tell the difference from the long ones and the short ones. Most all tent poles today have a number or a color coding system that helps you assemble your poles properly. If you find that your tent poles dont have a coding system then you can make your own coding system by using different color tapes like red, blue or black on the tent poles.
6. In order to not damage the tent put a tarp or plastic sheet under to keep the floor safer and also prevent ground moisture from seeping in.
7. If you are not sure about the quality of your tent and if you anticipate rainfall then dig a trench around the tent. If you do not do so, you will end up with rain water collecting under the tent.
8. Put down some rugs for everyone to wipe their shoes and feet on when entering the tent.
9. When your camping trip comes to an end, use a rag to clean up any dirty spots and sweep the tent clean. If your tent is wet at the end of your camping trip, always dry your tent completely before storing the tent. This will prevent molding and material deterioration.
10. When vacation is over the tent will need to be cleaned.
Checklist
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Tent
Sleeping bag
Mattress or air beds
Pump if necessary
Matches / lighter pref. waterproof
Camping stove
Stove fuel
Cooking utensils
Eating utensils
Dish washing implements
Water container
Insect repellent
Map and compass
Sun tan lotion
Clothes
Camp light Torch and spare batteries
Toilet roll
Wash kit
Towels
Food Bin liners and small plastic bags
First aid kit
Sunglasses
Hat
Waterproofs
Camping mat
Pen knife or multi tool
Wet wipes
Camera
Rucksack
Water proof poncho
Collapsible water container
Whistle
Blister pads
Phones and chargers
Playing cards