Camping Equipment
When preparing for your camping trip don't forget to pack tents, tent pegs, roll mats, sleeping bags, location maps, and a health and safety guide.
Tents come in all shapes and sizes and now with pop up tents camping has never been so easy.
Tents
Lightweight family tents
Ideal for short breaks and weekends, lightweight tents are quicker to erect than the heavier ones because they are made of new lightweight synthetic polyester material and fibreglass poles. The size is convenient, providing adequate headroom and living area.
Ridge tents
Standard or sloping (sloping ones give better wind resistance), these tents are a stable choice and come in various sizes. They are heavy and because they are specialised, they can take time to erect.
Dome tents
Ideal for short breaks or for backpackers. Lightweight and spacious, the dome has proved to be the most popular lightweight tent on the market.
Dome tents were originally designed for use by backpackers, but were bought by ordinary people who preferred them to frame tents because of the lightweight size and ease of erecting them.
It is very simple to assemble this stable construction using the two or three poles, which pass through the centre of the roof. The ground area consists of either a large square or hexagonal area. This area is spacious, and the tent has adequate headroom.
General Equipment
As well as a tent you will need the following items to make your camping trip comfortable.
Torches, lanterns, coolbox (optional), cooking stoves, cooking utensils, pots and pans, plates, cutlery and mugs, and for hygiene, washing up liquid and rubbish bags.
Checklist
We have compiled a checklist, which we hope you will find helpful if you are planning to camp alone.
Essential Items
Tent - Tent pegs, ground sheet, fly sheet, roll mats Sleeping bags and pillows.
General Items to Bring
Cool box, backpack, torch, batteries, matches, hammer, mobile phone (emergences), car mobile phone charger (in case of flat battery), first aid kit, travel clock, clothesline and pegs, chairs and tables.
For Out and About
Compass, binoculars, area maps, guidebooks, sun protection (creams, hats and sunglasses, after sun cream) insect replant.
Cooking Items
Cooking stove (gas for stove) can opener, corkscrew pots and pans, plates and cutlery, cooking utensils, food and clean drinking water.
Hygienic Items
Washing up liquid, tea towels hand towels, deodorant, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush toothpaste, toilet rolls, rubbish bags, shaving equipment.
Clothing
The right clothing is just as important, outdoor temperatures fall just as quickly as they rise; night time temperatures can lower so it is advisable to bring warm clothing on your trip.
During the daytime for anyone planning long walks or hikes, footwear is the most essential item of your equipment to consider.
Invest in a good pair of walking boots, choose boots which fit correctly; they should be cushioned with adequate room at the front, the heels should not slip, and the foot should be a comfortable fit at the widest part of the boot.
Health and Safety
Respect the countryside - all forms of rubbish created by camping should be disposed of correctly; sometimes we may need to take our rubbish home with us if there are no available bins.
When camping in thick wooded areas please refrain from discarding smoking devices i.e. cigarettes, pipes, and matches they can be very hazardous in mountain areas.
Campfires may look very attractive and cosy but can also be very hazardous if not maintained. Fire prevention equipment is necessary to carry in the car in the hot summer months.
Walking
Enjoying nature planning a walking or hiking Trip
Walking is one of the most beneficial ways of keeping fit. Just follow these few easy steps to minimise injury.
- Remember to plan your walk and time your distance.
- Remember to pace yourselves and when climbing hills try to regulate your breathing.
- Take plenty of water on your journey.
- Try not to take unnecessary risks.
- Stick to the paths.
- Know your limitations.