Are you preparing for your first venture into the wilderness with your camping gear? It’s natural for beginners to encounter a multitude of unpleasant surprises on their first adventure, mostly due to inadequate planning. Most first-timers approach camping with superficial ideas of sleeping under the stars, lighting bonfires, and grilling meats into the night.
Approaching the camping site with a starry-eyed mindset often compels beginners to overlook crucial aspects, like pesky pests, wildlife, and humidity. Camping in the wild is tough, demanding a robust combination of agility, flexibility, and survival skills.
Sleeping in a tent is strikingly different from luxuriating in a temperature-controlled room, demanding multiple adjustments. And that’s where glamping comes in handy.
Glamping is a great way for beginners to get used to living in the wild without submerging themselves in the harsh conditions dictated by nature. So before you embark on your inaugural trip, here are a few tips to help you out:
Start with a Glamping Adventure
Are you overwhelmed by the idea of surviving harsh weather conditions, wildlife spotting, and other perils of the wilderness? Why not begin your camping journey with glamping?
Helping you ease into the full-blown camping experience, glamping offers a wide array of luxuries, such as insulated tents with beds, air mattresses, and even air conditioning. Imagine sleeping in a hotel-like environment in the wild!
Glamping is a much more luxurious alternative to camping, combining modern amenities with outdoor living. Think of it as a stepping stone to prepare yourself mentally and physically before venturing into the wilderness.
So, why wait? Start preparing with some tents to buy for your next glamping trip and make the most of your outdoor adventure. And if you’re a beginner, choose tents with waterproof, fire-resistant, and UV-protected features. It’s also recommended to look for tents that are easy to set up.
Don’t invest in a low-grade material, as your tent must withstand the pressure of the elements without deteriorating. Cotton canvas is highly effective at weather repellency, creating a comfortable, well-ventilated environment with superior breathability and insulation properties.
Imagine waking up in a damp tent riddled with humidity and foul odors. That won’t happen with a canvas tent, for these are ideally suited for all environments, from mountains to deserts and jungle safaris. Glampsites are usually located near water bodies, making them ideal for fishing and other activities.
You can enjoy a lavish glamping experience in the wilderness with the right tent, even installing a wood-burning stove inside. It’s wise to pick a tent that’s two sizes bigger than the total number of occupants. For instance, couples should buy a tent spacious enough to house two, while a family of 4 should invest in a 6-person tent.
Additionally, it’s essential to create an outdoor area where you or your guests can relax. An outdoor seating arrangement, hammock, and fire pit are necessary, while a wood-fired hot tub or outdoor sauna can be an excellent addition to your glamping site.
Read more about camping on the blog!
Choosing Your First Campsite
Once you’ve invested in camping essentials, it’s time to choose the right camping site for your first outdoor adventure. We suggest approaching this decision with ample consideration of functional elements.
Since this is your first time, it’s wise to pick a well-appointed campsite inside a state or national park. You can also explore campsites near basecamps and across towns nestled at the foothills of mountain ranges.
Starting small in a campsite equipped with modern amenities, like bathrooms, picnic tables, and kitchens, will facilitate skill development. Camping with like-minded adventures at a designated campsite will prepare you for a tougher adventure. Venturing out to a high-altitude base camp or the middle of the jungle is highly ill-advised.
There’s much to consider, for camping in the wild is nothing like the cinematic depictions we see in Hollywood movies. Wilderness campers must prepare themselves for bone-chilling wildlife encounters, poisonous shrubs, and intrusive pests. We advise taking familiarizing yourself with the camping lifestyle by choosing a well-maintained campsite.
Meal-Planning & Research
Taking out time to conduct research on your target destination is of the utmost significance. Your camping adventure can become a terrible disaster if you arrive at the campsite without information about amenities and the local climate.
Here are some questions to explore:
· What kind of amenities does the campsite offer? Does it offer a kitchen, portable bathroom, and shower facilities?
· What are the campsite rules? Do they allow bonfires, wood-burning stoves, and portable grills?
· Are there any towns and villages nearby that offer bars, restaurants, and eateries? Having access to local restaurants and pubs will eliminate the need to cook meals.
· Can you shop for locally-farmed produce and fresh fruits near the campsite?
Suppose your campsite is nestled deep in the park, surrounded by nature trails and dense woodlands. In that case, you must carry an array of food essentials and a water-purifying kit. Adventurers heading out on high-altitude treks typically carry power snacks, granola bars, and nuts to cover nutritional needs.
Prepare for the Unexpected
It’s essential to carry a first-aid kit and an emergency kit when embarking on a camping adventure. Your emergency toolkit should involve a flashlight, an emergency blanket, a fire-starting kit, and other tools handy for survival.
Carrying additional clothing and waterproof rain gear is also necessary for extended trips. Safety should always be your top priority, so you must consider the risks before setting out.
Final Thoughts
Whether camping in the wild or glamping in a dedicated site, an outdoor trip will push you outside your comfort zone, it will facilitate a remarkable process of self-discovery and growth, facilitating self-reflection through a profound connection with Mother Nature.
The experience will prove challenging but laced with abundant moments of sheer bliss. We strongly advise first-timers to invest in quality essentials, especially a breathable and sturdy cotton canvas tent.
Covering your essentials will maximize your comfort and convenience, helping you adjust to the harsh weather conditions and lack of modern amenities.
