Camping is very popular and fun but it’s always better to be well prepared for any trip you take. Whatever the time of year good waterproofs are a must, along with strong footwear.
A complete spare set of clothes is worth taking and some extra pairs of socks.
A basic first aid kit should include antiseptic cream, band aids, gauze and a bandage.
Take easy to swallow pain relief tablets and insect repellent because camp site notoriously attract annoying visitors.
Only take a mobile phone if you are able to charge it and even then take small change in case you need to use a public telephone. Before you pack, be sure to write out a thorough checklist.
All camping equipment should be sturdy, avoid gimmicky gadgets they are often a waste of money and very unreliable. For example, multifunction pen knifes sound good but what’s the point of a bottle opener if you’re never going to use it.
If your camping trip involves cooking in the great outdoors, invest in easy to assemble and compact cookware. Take a stove that is easy to light and a tin opener that won’t let you down. Don’t forget cutlery, you might be able to improvise, but it’s easier not to.
Although a compass seems straightforward, if you have no sense of directions it’s useless. Potentially its misuse can cause more problems than not having it at all.
Reading maps is also a skill that does come naturally to some people. Take advice or make sure someone in your camping group is competent.
