How to Plan a Successful Camping Trip?
With summer in full effect, camping has been a popular choice chosen by those looking for a bonding experience with friends, family, and nature.
Before diving right into adventure, preparation is key, you don’t want a fantastic weekend to end up becoming a nightmare. We put together some essential tips that will help prepare you for your next camping trip.
Pick a campsite
Jumping on the road with no plan in mind isn’t a good idea, few things are worse than feeling like you don’t have a spot to spend the night. That’s an easy problem to solve. You can search for campsites near you and choose the ones that suit you the most. Most campsites have amenities such as: a level ground to pitch your tent, picnic tables, water spouts, fire pits, clean restrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and much more in case you prefer a more relaxed . We recommend these stunning 9 campsites for you!
B-Y-O-F
Food is essential for us, it provides us with the necessary nutrients and energy to keep us going, which becomes even more important when we are in the middle of nowhere with no access to our kitchen equipment or the supermarket.
Packing healthy, nutritious food is key when camping. Some people like using a camping stove to cook their food. In case you are not one of those people, it is recommended to buy a cool box.
Planning your meals makes everything easier. It will help you know exactly what groceries and cooking equipment you need to take with you.
Here are some ideas for inspiration: granola, peanut butter, beef jerky, canned beans and soups, trail mix, drink powders, coffee, and tea.
Packing essentials
We’ve already covered food and sleeping accommodations, but we still need to think about additional essentials to bring on our camping trip. This might be the most important part of our preparation before the weekend.
If this is your first time camping, here’s a gear list that you should consider looking into:
- Tent: Consider spending more on a good quality tent, Things to keep in mind when choosing are weight and space, depending on your needs.
- Sleeping bag and sleeping mat: When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to think about the time of year you will be using it so that you can choose how warm it needs to be.
- Lots of layers: Weather in Ireland can be unpredictable at times. You don’t want to return home with a cold because you didn’t pack the right clothes, so make sure you get a pair of cosy socks, a waterproof jacket, a beanie and some wool base layers.
- The small but crucial items: Don’t get tricked by their small size, missing the little things can turn the weekend into a formidable experience or a disaster. Duct tape has incredible outdoor uses, waterproof matches are a must, as well as scissors and a small rope -you never know what can happen once you are out there!
Keep Clean
When you are in the woods, it’s obvious you are going to get dirty. Bringing the right type of hygiene basics will help you stay as clean as possible with the environment in mind.
Keep Leave No Trace principles in mind – these are a simple set of guidelines that help conserve wildlife and preserve wilderness for others to enjoy. These principles, along with some simple hacks, can make your life easier and keep your campsite and body clean while you’re enjoying the outdoors.
Here are a few items to be sure to include in your hygiene kit:
- Dr Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste and toothbrush. Our travel size toothpaste is 28g and is your perfect camping companion.
- Dr Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap* (You can also use it as hair shampoo!): Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap is a must-bring versatile tool for any camping or backpacking trip. Readily biodegradable—it is probably the safest, simplest soap that you can use out in the wilderness. *use the soap at least 200 ft. away from a water source.
- Toilet paper
These are the 4 basic items to keep clean, no explanation needed, but here are some other items that will help you stay hygienic when going camping.
- Hand sanitizers: Dr. Bronner’s Hand Hygiene Sprays are just as effective as conventional sanitizers without the nasty chemicals! Only fair trade organic ethyl alcohol, organic lavender or peppermint oil, organic glycerin and water. Aside from deep cleaning your hands, you can also spray it on any surface such as public toilets, camping tables, or tents. You can choose between Lavender and Peppermint scents to accompany you during camping.
- Baby wipes: get rid of any dirt in your clothes or shoes.
- Garbage or plastic bags: Please, pick up the litter you leave behind. We all share the same soil, and we must take care of it. Just leave the campsite as you found it.
Enjoy!
That’s it, you are completely ready to go camping and have a bonding weekend you will remember. We hope these tips have helped you decide to go to explore the great outdoors!
