Guide to Palnning a Camping Trip from CheapTents

There are many oudoor equipment and accessories vailable for use in all aspects of camping, hiking, climbing and other outdoor activities. They range from essential emergency and survival equipment to products that make your trip more comfortable and everything in between. Planning your trip in advance will help you to decide which accessories you will need.

Planning your campingtrip

Before you embark on any trip, you need to think carefully about what kit you need to take with you. To do this properly, you should consider the following:

What kind of trip are you going on?
How long will you be going for?
Will you be camping?
What will the weather / climate be like?
What kind of terrain will you be travelling through?
Do you have any weight restrictions?

It is usually a good idea to travel as lightly as possible and to only take the essential items. However, if there are no weight restrictions it is best to be prepared for all possibilities.

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Fabric Care

Before setting off on your trip you need to make sure that your kit is in good condition. This means that walking boots, tents and other equipment should be pre-treated to ensure that they are clean and waterproof. Keeping your tents and equipment clean extends their serviceable life. Dirt masks water-repellency and encourages rotting and mildew. If dirt becomes engrained into fibres it will promote abrasion and deterioration within the fabrics. Nikwax and Terra Nova have a wide range of ~fabric care products that cater for all types of material and equipment. Care needs to be taken with special waterproof fabrics such as gore-tex, since regular high street detergents may not be suitable and special cleaning products should be used.

Nikwax also have a large range of care and maintenance products for walking boots. Keeping your boots clean is probably the biggest favour that you can do them. Neglecting your boots can lead to a build up of dirt in the leather or fabric fibres causing fatigue, growth of micro organisms which leads to decay, or a build up of salt inside the boot caused by perspiration which can lead to boot decay and fungal infections on the feet. Nikwax products include boot cleaner and waterproofer, treatments for leather, suede or fabric boots and conditioner for leather boots.

Looking after your equipment before and after use will not only increase its serviceable life, but will allow for a more comfortable and enjoyable trip.

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Main Camping Equipment

Whatever type of trip / expedition you are making, certain items will always be needed. First of all a good pair of walking boots and comfortable walking socks (with spare pair) is essential. Different boots are suitable for different terrain and climates and range from lightweight fabric boots for short, low level trekking / rambling trips, to the heavier, sturdy, leather boot suitable for longer mountaineering trips and winter conditions.

A good rucksack is also required. Again the type and size of rucksack will depend on the length of your trip. Smaller rucksacks are enough for day trips, but for longer trips, larger rucksacks will be needed to carry all your extra equipment. When purchasing a larger rucksack, it is very important to make sure that it has a comfortable back system that suits you. It is important that the items in your rucksack are kept dry. Rucksacks can be pre-treated with waterproofing products, but even so, it is advisable to line your rucksack with a waterproof liner (eg black bin bag) or use an external waterproof rucksack cover.

If you are camping on your trip, you will obviously need a tent. Ideally your tent should be as light as possible, especially if you have some weight restrictions. If you are travelling in a group, the weight can be shared out by splitting the tent up into flysheet, inner, poles etc.

If you are camping, you will also need a sleeping bag, which should be carefully chosen with respect to the conditions you will meet. Generally, mountaineers will need a heavier, warmer sleeping bag whereas for low level summer camping, you will be able to get away with using a lightweight sleeping bag. The first consideration when choosing a sleeping bag should be warmth, and then weight. Whatever type of trip you are making, you should always be prepared for inclement weather.

You should always carry with you a set of good waterproofs and a fleece or other spare warm clothing and if the climate is likely to be cold, a warm hat and a pair of gloves.

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Walking Equipment

Safety should always be the biggest consideration on any trip. Before setting off, make sure you have a well planned out route, some idea of what the weather conditions will be and you should also let somebody back home know your planned itinerary. When out walking you need to be prepared for all possibilities, who knows what may happen if you get lost. A good compass and map are needed and it is advisable to keep your map in a waterproof map case.

Walking poles may be useful, particularly on steep, loose terrain. If the weather takes a sudden turn for the worse, it may be a good idea to carry a bothy bag, a waterproof shelter that is lightweight, simple and quick to set up and easy to use. In case of emergencies, there are a number of itemsthat will make a difference such as a whistle, torch or lightsticks, survival bag, First Aid Kit, emergency food and a plentiful supply of fluids. In fact keeping yourself hydrated is of major importance.

Hydration packs with spare bladders are available that can fit easily into a rucksack side pocket. Filtration systems are also available for use in areas where the water may be dirty or contaminated.

And always take a spare pair of laces for your walking boots!

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Camping Accessories

The amount of time you will spend camping in the same place will affect the amount of equipment you take. For instance if you set up a base camp which you return to at the end of each days walking you may be able to afford to bring a few luxuries. However, if you have planned a trip or expedition where you are travelling large distances during the day and setting up a new camp every night, you will have to carry all your equipment with you at all times and will have to minimise the overall weight of your rucksack.

If you are carrying all your equipment with you then a lightweight foam sleeping mat (Karrimat) will make your nights sleep much more comfortable, especially if the ground is rough. Alternatively, those who have set up a base camp may prefer to use the even more comfortable, though heavier Thermarest.

Walking all day can give you a big appetite so it is important to eat properly especially if you plan on covering large distances the next day as well. A plentiful supply of food and a good stove is essential. There are various types of stove available ranging from simple, basic lightweight gas stoves such as the MSR Pocket Rocket, to more technical multi-fuel stoves such as the MSR Whisperlite INT 600. It is important to use a stove that you feel happy using. Petrol stoves are more powerful but require more care than gas or methylated spirits. Also, take into consideration that some fuels are not available in some areas. For example if you are trekking through Nepal it is unlikely that you will have access to a supply of spare gas canisters, so you would need a petrol stove. Always make sure you have enough fuel and a lighter or some matches (which must be kept dry). Apart from a stove, other essential cooking accessories include pots or pans (Cook Set), cutlery, mug and plate. A penknife will also be useful for numerous tasks.

Another vital item you should always take, no matter what type of trip you are on is a torch. Petzl headtorches are ideal as you can see what you are doing and have the use of both hands at the same time. Ideal if you have to pitch your tent, cook a meal, read a map or find your way in the dark. Petzl headtorches come with powerful and long lasting bulb and batteries, but it is a good idea to take spares just in case.

If your weight restrictions permit, it is also good to bring a groundsheet protector, spare tent pegs, a tent repair kit, change of clothing, spare trainers, a wash kit and towels.

Other Accessories

Other useful camping accessories that may be needed depending on where you are going include: sleeping bag liner, pen, wristwatch, money (local currency), crampons, ice axe, gaiters, sun block, mosquito net / repellant and some toliet paper.

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