Going camping as an adult really gives you a newfound appreciation for your parents. Think about it: While they were busy doing all the work—figuring out where to camp, how to set things up, what to eat—you got to enjoy nature without worrying about all the logistics of your camping setup. Those were the good old days.
Now that you’re an adult, you’ve probably realized that a good camping experience doesn’t just happen by accident. Camping is all about having fun and reconnecting with nature–two things that can be difficult to accomplish when your camping setup is disorganized and impractical. This guide is meant to help you create a more comfortable and convenient camping setup so you can spend less time being stressed out and more time enjoying the great outdoors.
Anyone who has ever been camping knows that “roughing it” in the wilderness isn’t the most difficult part of camping—it’s all the pre-planning and packing that needs to happen before you even take a single step outside the door. From basic necessities such as food and shelter to items that can make camping more comfortable, you probably have a decent amount of gear that needs to be packed and loaded into your vehicle.
Getting organized at home will make packing and setting up your campsite much easier–not to mention, less stressful. Here are a few organization tips and hacks for your next trip.
- Start by making a camping checklist. You can find a generic camping checklist and then tailor it to your needs and region. Don’t forget to include separate checklists for kids and pets.
- Take stock of your current gear. Go through your camping storage and figure out what you need. If it’s been a while since you last camped, be sure to test your gear to ensure that everything works and has all the necessary pieces.
- Get a roomy tent. While a four-person tent can technically fit four people, it’s probably going to be very snug. If you don’t feel like spooning your tentmates all night, go one size up (e.g., a six-person tent to fit four people comfortably).
The key to optimizing any camping setup is to choose the right location to pitch your tent and set up camp. In addition to making everyday tasks easier, your choice of a campsite will improve your odds of getting a good night’s sleep.
But what makes a good campsite? Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Even with proper planning, getting a campsite established can be a daunting task. To make things seem easier, try to arrive at your campsite early and with a full stomach. You’d be amazed at how less stressful setting up camp is when you’re not pressed for time or hangry.
- Start with your shelter. Pick a good place to pitch your tent (see above) and set up your tent before anything else. Pro tip: Keep your tent nice and clean by placing a tarp underneath it. When you’re ready to pack up and leave, the only thing that will be dirty is the tarp.
Looking for camping headlamps for the entire family? Shop LED headlamps at Pelican’s official store.
After setting up camp, nothing tastes better than a well-earned campfire meal. But cooking without the convenience of modern kitchen appliances can be somewhat difficult. Here are a few tips to make cooking in the great outdoors easier and more enjoyable.
- Plan meals in advance. Before your trip, sit down and create a delicious menu consisting of easy camping meals. To make cooking and cleanup even easier, try to do as much meal prep in advance as you possibly can. Try this cooking hack: Fill a clean, plastic container with scrambled eggs and pre-cut veggies to make omelets in the morning.
Looking for a heavy-duty cooler for your next camping adventure? Shop coolers at Pelican’s official store.
Keeping a clean campsite benefits everyone. Besides helping your campsite stay litter- and critter-free, you’re also doing your part to preserve the environment for other campers and outdoor lovers. Here’s how to keep it clean and tidy without too much hassle.
The secret to an incredible camping experience isn’t expensive gear or fancy gadgets—it’s an optimized camping setup. When your campsite is well-organized and efficient, every aspect of your camping experience is automatically better, from the food you make to your quality of sleep. With these tips, you can make your next camping adventure easy and more comfortable for all.