Don’t you sometimes just want to run away from your responsibilities and spend your remaining days in a remote forest while living your cottagecore dreams? Who doesn’t? Camping offers you a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, leaving you refreshed and recharged before going back to work on a Monday!
Camping is something that everyone should do at least once in their lives. If you’ve been procrastinating the day you tick ‘camping’ off of your bucket list, then the time to see the great outdoors is now!
Check out this camping guide for beginners down below!
Before Camping
First thing’s first.
Decide if you want to go camping or glamping. Camping costs less and allows you to be more in touch with nature. Most campsites will allow you to erect a tent on their grounds. On the other hand, glamping is ideal for those who have a little more money to spare. Glamping sites come with accommodation and other activities.
Practice building a tent at home.
You’ve decided you want to get the whole camping experience and sleep in a tent. It is now the time to learn how to assemble or build a tent so your retreat wouldn’t be ruined if you can’t keep your tent upright.
Make a checklist.
Make it as detailed as you want—you’ll never know what you might need! Don’t know what to bring? We’ve gotchu! Scroll down for the ultimate packing guide for camping!
Ultimate Checklist
Water.
Don’t forget water bottles that you can bring when you leave the campsite for activities and big containers for washing and cooking in the camping area.
Valuables.
Camping is the perfect time to unwind and leave all your stress behind. If you still need your devices with you, keep them in a dry, cool place. Please use big gadgets (like a DSLR camera or a laptop) with caution!
Basic tools
like swiss knives, maps, ropes, compass, flashlights (and extra batteries), scissors, whistles, etc.
Toiletries.
Hygiene is key! Don’t forget your necessities–towels, toilet seat spray, alcohol, wet wipes, insect repellents, sunscreen, bath kits, and a beauty kit.
Camping gear
usually includes waterproof tents, travel pillows, sleeping cots. You may bring a portable stove, bowls (that can also double as cookware), and utensils for cooking.
First aid kits and other meds.
Safety first! Ensure your first aid kit includes everything you need and pack medicines like Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Loperamide, Cetirizine, and antibiotics.
PROTIP: Pack light! You don’t need to bring the entirety of your toolbox or large pots from your kitchen. Pack only what you think you will need!
What to Wear
- Appropriate footwear. Sneakers and sports shoes can be used for camping. If you’re going hiking, hiking boots may be what you need. Pack an extra pair of slippers so your feet can rest into something else when you are back at camp.
- Be prepared for all types of weather. Prepare clothes for a warm day (these are breathable t-shirts and pants, and sun visors!) and nightwear for a cold night (sweatpants, shirts, and lots and lots of blankets!)
- PROTIP: Layered clothes are your best friend!
- Swimwear. Who knows? Your campsite might be near a river or a lake.
How to Build a Tent
1. Select the ideal type of tent for you.
A-tents are the most common ones and probably the easiest to build and assemble, but the lack of indoor space compromises their simplicity. Tunnel tents require more poles for structure, but it does give you the extra space you need. Dome tents are relatively easy to assemble and are ideal for a group of campers.
2. Check if the parts of your tent are complete.
Materials to be used include poles, pegs, rain-fly (an external layer placed on top of your to make it safer from the rain), and waterproof fabric.
3. Place a ground cloth.
This is where you will set up your tent and keep tiny pebbles and stones from ripping your tent apart.
4. Insert the poles into the fabric.
If you’re building one from scratch, it’s to get the ropes and your tying skills out into the open.
5. Hammer the pegs onto the ground.
Doing so will keep your tent sturdy from the wind. It would be much easier if you have a friend to lend an extra hand!
Place the rain-fly on top of your tent, et voila! You can now enjoy camping!
How to Enjoy Camping
Make an itinerary.
Before heading out to the campsite of your choice, ensure that you have an itinerary for the whole group. This way, you won’t waste time arguing over what activity should be done first.
Bring board/card games.
Camping is meant for you to disconnect from work and stress, even for just a few days. Avoid boredom by packing some classic family board/card games for your group to enjoy!
Revel in the environment.
It’s not every day that you get to wake up surrounded by nature. Take advantage of your surroundings to relax, meditate, and self-reflect. You’ll feel more energized and focused after.
Document what you can, but don’t let your gadgets take the fun away.
Who wouldn’t want to capture the view as you step into the summit of a mountain? You may bring your devices to document your trip, but don’t overuse them! You might miss some of the fun if you do.
Check for other activities and facilities.
Glamping sites usually offer additional activities such as zipline, kayaking, archery, bonfire, ATV, etc. You may also want to check nearby water sources, so you’ll know whether to pack that swimsuit or not!
Safety Tips
- Assign an emergency contact from your family and update them as often as possible! You may also keep your emergency contact’s details in your wallet or anything that will be with you at all times.
- If you’re traveling in a group, always, always, always, stay with them. Camping grounds, especially ones close to the wild, are not meant to be wandered alone.
- Bring a first aid kit! You’ll never know what danger you will face out there, so it’s better to be safe than sorry! Pack the essentials: bandages, gauze tapes, plasters, etc.
- Make your campfires at least 15 to 20 feet away from the tent area. Never leave bonfires unattended. Before sleeping, extinguish the fire (make sure that even the embers are put out!) with a bucket of water.
Other Tips
Be prepared for any kind of weather.
You don’t want to freeze in the middle of the night or be drenched in sweat during the day. You may want to bring extra blankets or jackets. Just make sure that everything you pack is camping-friendly!
Waterproof your tent.
The Philippines may be a tropical country, but it’s not exempt from any weather change–including sudden rainstorms. Set up a rain-fly over your tent to add a layer of protection from the rain.
Just because you have no access to a state-of-the-art kitchen facility in the woods doesn’t mean that you can’t have good food! Pack camping-friendly meals ahead of time, and don’t forget the ingredients for s’mores!
Leave the campsite as you found it.
Before leaving camp, ensure that all trash is disposed of properly and all your belongings are in your bags. This way, the group of campers after you will have the same wonderful experience with nature as the one you just had!
Camping is one the best ways to immerse in nature and to be more attuned with yourself. If you’re looking for a weekend retreat that doesn’t cost much and will bring out your adventurous side, then it’s high time you pack a bag and take out your camping gear–the great outdoors await you.
