If you’re new to camping and unsure of where to start, rest assured that you’re not the only one in this position.
Over 40 million people go camping each year because it is one of the absolute best ways to escape your daily routine and explore nature.
If you’re a total beginner, spending the night in the wilderness can be overwhelming. However, I’m here to assist you by providing a detailed list of camping tips specifically tailored for beginners like yourself.
By following this guide, beginners will acquire all the necessary knowledge about camping. After reading this post, you will be fully prepared for your first camping experience! Therefore, without any additional delay, let’s explore extremely helpful camping advice designed specifically for beginners!
How to pack for camping in different seasons
When packing for a camping trip, it is important to consider the season, as there are various factors to take into account. Regardless of whether you prefer camping in challenging weather conditions or during the warm summer months, it is always necessary to bring sufficient sleeping and cooking equipment.
During the colder months, particularly if the temperatures drop below zero, it would be advisable to replace your thin nylon tent and sleeping bag with more insulated alternatives. Four-season tents, which have a thicker outer layer, are available in various types. Additionally, it is important to choose a sleeping pad with an R-value of 4 or higher, and a sleeping bag that is rated at least 40°F colder than the lowest temperatures you anticipate.
If you are going camping in the spring, make sure you have rain gear, even if the weather forecast is sunny. It is important to confirm that your tent is suitable for all weather conditions. We recommend purchasing a tent footprint or bringing an extra tarp to absorb any unforeseen moisture on the ground. Additionally, it would be wise to have a rope or paracord to hang clothes and dry them in case of unexpected drizzle.
What to look out for when buying camping essentials
When planning a trip into the wilderness, prioritize the necessities over everything else. Although there may be numerous appealing gadgets available, having them will quickly overwhelm your trunk (or backpack), and carrying those nonessential items will only burden you and complicate the unpacking process.
Before purchasing camping gear, it is advisable to refer to the 10 Essentials list provided by the National Parks Service. Although not comprehensive, this list offers an overview of the essential items to bring along for a comfortable and safe camping and hiking experience.
When it comes to navigation, phones nowadays serve as the ultimate map. However, it is advisable to download maps in advance to use them offline in case you are in an area with no service.
Ensure you do not return home from every camping trip with sunburn by taking proper sun protection measures. In particular, using a reliable sunscreen, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and layered clothing will effectively shield your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays, particularly during the summer season.
Insulation — Given the unpredictable weather outside, it is advisable to have an additional layer of protection to stay warm and dry according to the specific climate you are in.
Your phone flashlight will suffice for illumination, however, a headlamp is more effective.
In the outdoors, injuries can occur, making it important to always have a first-aid kit with you. It is advisable to choose a small, packable one if you are backpacking or have limited space.
Campfire – Relaxing around the campfire is a pleasant method of unwinding, however, fires are also beneficial for cooking purposes. If you intend to ignite a fire, ensure you bring waterproof matches and fire starters – and be sure to cross-reference the fire regulations applicable to the specific area before commencing.
The NPS advises carrying a repair kit in order to fix any broken gears during the trip, although a reliable multi-tool is usually sufficient.
When it comes to food, make sure to thoroughly check your inventory for both dehydrated camping food and ingredients for a gourmet meal before you head to the campsite.
When planning for your trip, ensure that you have enough water, whether you choose to carry a water bottle or a water bladder. It is also wise to consider carrying a portable water filter, especially if you are backpacking.
If you’re not fully convinced about recharging in the wilderness, you can choose budget-friendly items or think about renting higher-priced gear from a nearby outdoor supplies store. There are many locations where you can rent tents, sleeping bags, and other necessary items.
What to wear
Ensuring that you have suitable clothing is crucial when camping, as it should be both comfortable and long-lasting.
To assist you in selecting the most suitable clothing for camping, here are some helpful tips.
Wear durable, quick-drying materials
It is important to wear the right materials when camping because you do not wash clothes or change outer layers daily.
You desire to put on clothes that are made from a combination of merino wool or polyester blends, which have the ability to resist odors and dry quickly.
It is advisable to always steer clear of materials such as cotton and denim that have a tendency to absorb moisture.
If you want outdoor clothing that is able to last a long time and is durable, I suggest considering brands such as Patagonia, North Face, Arc’teryx, and REI.
Choose the best shoes to wear camping
When planning for camping, it is important to anticipate that your shoes will become dirty. If you are planning to hike, I suggest purchasing high-quality hiking boots, such as the Columbia Newton Ridge boots.
Columbia produces the Newton Ridge boot for both men and women, which are highly resilient and considered the top boots for a price below $100! I recently purchased the same pair again, as my previous ones lasted me for three years and endured numerous miles.
I have spent years refining my camping wardrobe, and now I will share some of the top clothing options for beginner campers.
- Patagonia Capilene T-Shirts are perfect for camping. They have built-in sun protection and come in both long sleeve and short sleeve. These are great alternatives to cotton t-shirts which hold odors and moisture.
- REI Merino Midweight Half-Zip is perfect for an extra layer in the evenings when temperatures are around 50 to 60 degrees. Merino wool is odor-resistant and lightweight, making it perfect for multi-day wear.
- Patagonia Better Sweater is great for colder evenings and is stylish enough for your daily wardrobe! I wear mine to work, at home, out to dinner, and while hiking and camping!
- REI XeroDry GTX Rain Jacket is the best budget-friendly rain jacket. The REI XeroDry is made with Gore-Tex, a waterproofing material, for a full water repellent seal.
- Exofficio Underwear is perfect for camping. Unlike most underwear, they are quick-drying and odor-resistant. When you’re skipping showers while camping, you’ll be thankful for odor-resistant underwear.
- Smartwool 150 Base Layers are perfect for sleeping. The layers are made from merino wool, making them quick-drying and odor-resistant, perfect for wearing a few nights in a row. Smartwool makes both tops and bottom for men and women.
