Camping is fun and a great way for the family to spend quality time together with lots of activities for kids, especially when you have the right camping equipment.
Clive Garrett from family camping experts, Outwell, has put together a camping list to help you enjoy your camping holiday with confidence.
Find out more about the Outwell camping experience at: theoutdoorguid.wpengine.com/outwell
UNDERSTAND YOUR EQUIPMENT
Read the instructions, watch any manufacturer videos, and use your kit at home or in controlled conditions BEFORE you go away. Not only will familiarisation make life easy and help you avoid embarrassment on the campsite but it will also pick up any problems with your kit while you are in a position to rectify them at home.
LEARN THOSE CAMPING SKILLS
Your camping kit may be your passport to freedom but, to get the most out of your outdoor experience, you need to learn those vital and varied camping skills, like how to read the way the ground lies on your pitch; awareness of the weather and how it might change; how to pitch a tent and set it to meet the weather; knots; field repairs and gear maintenance… The list goes on but all are fun to learn. Make this a family event and it will eventually help you and your family camp with confidence. Your experience will grow as you camp and you can always find helpful hints online. But, above all, every problem can be overcome if you stay calm and keep a sense of humour.
BUY A SELECTION OF PEGS
Every tent is supplied with ample pegs to meet most normal conditions on an ideal pitch but sometimes you meet extremes that require something special to help keep your tent firmly anchored to the ground. Rock pegs, large stakes, Delta pegs are just a small selection of pegs that you might want to consider investing in.
CREATE A FIRST AID KIT FOR YOUR EQUIPMENT
Accidents happen and time takes its toll. Gear can fail in the field but this is not a disaster if you have created a First Aid kit to handle minor repairs. If you have the basic life support training, you can reduce the death rate too. Tapes, glues, hacksaw, multitool, whipping twine, guylines and Clingons are just a few items we carry in our small kit.
HELP OTHER CAMPERS
Not only can you pick up a lot of skill-based information from the web but campers are a friendly lot who are always happy to provide tips and practical help on the campsite. So don’t be shy − ask…