Camping is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. Camping is becoming increasingly popular with younger generations; 56% of campers are considered millennials. In fact, despite the popularity of RV-ing, camping is still a preferred option for many people.
And there is no denying that the US has some fantastic spots for camping, including Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Big Sur, to name a few.
However, the traditional camping experience can be improved with just a few simple changes. You can have a memorable outdoor adventure by upgrading your camping experience.
From choosing the right gear to finding the perfect spot to pitch your tent, there are plenty of tips and tricks to make your camping trip one to remember.
With the proper preparation and a few insider secrets, you can create an unforgettable outdoor experience. So, grab your camping gear and get ready to upgrade your camping experience with these tips and tricks!
Choose your pitch carefully.
The location of your pitch is just as important as the type of tent you choose. When choosing a pitch, keep the following in mind;
- Find an appropriate pitch: Find dry, firm ground free of rocks, thorns, and any other hazards.
- Choose a pitch with a view: Although you don’t want to be too close to the river or lake, you don’t want to be too high up either, as you won’t be able to enjoy the view.
- Stay out of sight: Avoid pitches too close to a road, busy areas, and passing boats’ paths.
Don’t forget to consider other campers and the size of your group; if there are a few of you, you might prefer a more secluded spot, but if you are alone, a more crowded area might give added safety and security overnight.
A good tip is to arrive early so you can find a good spot and get your bearings before dark, primarily if you have never used that site before.
Upgrade your tent
While choosing the perfect tent and location is crucial for an excellent outdoor adventure, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your tent. If your tent is a little old or if you want to future-proof your tent purchase, there are a few ways to upgrade your tent.
- Choose a high-quality tent: You want to look for heavy-duty zippers, good space between the fly and the canopy, and solid seams to ensure it’s waterproof as a minimum.
- Upgrade your flysheet: The flysheet is the top part of the tent and can be upgraded with a tarpaulin or waterproof material.
- Partition your tent: Adding partitions to your tent boosts flexibility and can create more space. Choosing bigger tents will come with this feature and is great for camping with kids or in large groups for increased privacy.
- Choose a tent with internal pockets: Internal pockets are great for storing valuables and can be added to any tent model.
Take a solar-powered portable power station.
If you prefer to camp in areas farther away from civilization, you need to take a solar-powered power station. While they are a bit more expensive upfront, they are an excellent investment for anyone who prefers to camp in isolated areas.
A solar-powered portable power station can be charged directly from the sun’s energy, making them an eco-friendly choice for camping. Solar generators are available in various wattages for all your electrical needs.
If you want to run a few appliances and charge your phone, purchase a power station with a higher capacity, especially for charging phones, devices, or anything else you need. This will allow you to stay off the grid for a while without worrying about losing connection.
Meal prep before you leave
While camping is all about getting back to basics and reconnecting with nature, that doesn’t mean you have to go without home comforts. It’s easy to take the modern world with you when you prepare meals before you leave.
If your vision of eating when camping is heating a tin of beans over a campfire, toasting marshmallows, or making smores, then think again. You can prepare your favorite foods before leaving and heat them up on your cooking stove when you arrive.
If you take a cool box, you can store your meals for a few days, from pizzas to calzones, pasta bakes, chili, and much more. Just because you are at one with nature doesn’t mean you need to eat bland, boring food.
Take inflatable camping mats and mattresses.
Most people consider a mat or mattress an accessory for indoor use, but they are essential for camping. Regarding camping mats, there are plenty of different designs and materials to choose from. Camping mats can be either inflatable or foam and come in various colors to suit your style.
When it comes to mattresses, there are quite a few different options to choose from. You can choose a standard foam mattress or a foam mattress with a built-in pillow, a blow-up mattress, or a hybrid mattress that combines foam and air.
When you pair camping mats and mattresses with a good tent, you can create a comfortable sleeping space that’s almost as good as being at home.
Invest in water filters
One of the main issues with camping is the risk of water contamination. While some areas have freshwater, others need to be treated before they are safe to drink. Some sites don’t have fresh water, so you’ll have to pack your own water.
However, the longer your trip, the more water you will need. And sometimes, you need more water or experience emergencies that can deplete your water supply. By investing in a water filter for your camping trip, you can make sure that your water supply is safe to drink.
There are many different water filter brands to choose from, so you can find the one that is best for you and your camping needs. From a sports cap bottle with a filter attached to drinking straws that filter the water before it reaches your lips and a gravity filter ideal for larger groups, all you do is fill the bag, hang it in a tree and watch the impurities drain away leaving you with clean drinking water.
Try a pop-up camper.
If sleeping on the ground isn’t for you, or you don’t have the time to set up a tent every day if you are moving around frequently, a pop-up camper can increase your comfort level and camping experience.
A pop-up camper is an excellent option if you are camping with kids. Pop-up campers are easy to park and store, so they are perfect for people who are on a tight schedule. Beyond being easy to transport, these pop-up campers are also highly comfortable. They offer plenty of room for everyone and are easy to set up. They are also relatively affordable and easy to rent.
Take a portable shower and shower caddy.
If you are camping at a site with bathing facilities, a shower caddy is the easiest way to get your toiletries from your tent to the shower block and back again. It saves juggling everything along with your towel and clean clothes, especially if you are located a walk from the facilities.
However, a portable shower can be a lifesaver if you are camping in a more rural location. You will need a good water supply; see the water filter section above.
Still, a portable shower can be hung to a tree or your vehicle, for example, and will come with a water tank, pump, shower head, and in some cases, a curtain (if not, you will need to purchase one) allowing you to get clean regardless of where you are.
Don’t forget home comforts.
While there are plenty of ways to upgrade your camping experience, it’s important to remember that home comforts are most important when camping. From blankets to pillows, hot water bottles, and anything else that help you to increase your comfort level.
Other options include portable speakers, devices to catch your favorite tv shows, snacks, and activities to help pass the time. Don’t forget to bring waterproof storage so you can keep your items dry in wet weather or environments.
Conclusion
Whether you are camping with friends and family or going solo for the weekend, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your camping experience. From choosing the right spot to upgrading your tent, there are plenty of ways to make your outdoor adventure more memorable.
By upgrading your tent, taking a solar-powered portable power station, meal prepping before you leave, taking inflatable camping mats and mattresses, investing in water filters, trying out a pop-up camper, taking a portable shower, and bringing home comforts with you, you can make the most of your outdoor adventure.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick a spot and upgrade your camping experience with these tips and tricks.