With our lives increasingly being led in fast-paced urban environments, with digital communications and social media being a large part of our lives, it’s perhaps unsurprising that many people are choosing to log-off, switch off, and head into nature for some peace and tranquility, whether this is in eight person tents or in single person tents. It’s on these trips that you can rediscover yourself, find peace, and reset for the weeks ahead. As such, this guide is concerned with your wellbeing and enjoyment on such trips into the unknown – pushing you to the camping trip of your dreams.
Pack Light
The impressive thing about serial campers is just how little they take. They know that the secret to a warm night’s sleep is as much about the quality of the fire they make as the quality of the sleeping bag they pack – and that thermals are a lot more efficient at keeping you warm than your biggest, fluffiest jumper. So, the tip here is to pack efficiently, and to pack light. Take only what you know you’ll need. Don’t lug lots of heavy things into the woods, only to lug them back the next day. Enjoy being free of possessions and stripping your life back to its essential elements – it’s all part of the fun.
The Gear
Still, you will need some gear to truly appreciate the natural world and to make your experience of nature magical and enduringly memorable. One of the key elements of this is your fire-lighting equipment, and here you should consider using Ferro Rods: an old-school way to light a fire. Meanwhile, a small knife can be useful for sharpening sticks and helping to curate your wilderness home, and some simple cooking equipment – like a mug for tea and coffee, and a plate for the sausages and marshmallows you hold over the fire – are other great additions to you camping gear.
Camping Spots
If you’re new to camping, you may not be well aware of the kinds of spots that are best for camping. Being by a water source can be romantic, but it’s also where flies, mosquitos and other creepy crawlies are most likely to gather. If you’re by the sea, bear in mind the changing tide and how it can raise the water level to flood your tent, even if you’re set far back from the shore. In fact, there general tip here is to camp on high ground, and under a tree for shelter from the worst of the rain – it’s the best way to stay safe and comfortable.
Enjoy Freedom
This is your trip to reconnect with nature: don’t ruin it by constantly updating your social media, by taking a tablet to watch a film in bed, or by worrying about the world you’ve left behind. Instead, enjoy the freedom that a brief stay in nature can present in your life: dance around the campfire, or go running through a forest, along a beach, or into hills in giddy glee. It’s a wonderful experience – and one you should maximize in your time in nature.
There you have it: your guide to a ‘back-to-nature’ camping trip.
