Pakistan is a land of natural beauty, and if you’ve read our blog on the best camping sites in Pakistan, you probably know that you have the option of camping in not just every province and region, but also in every climate, weather, or area you choose. From camping in the mountains, valleys, and meadows up north, to camping on the beach, in the desert, or just on a nearby hill station, there are a lot of choices. But the most important part of camping is knowing how to do it right. Check out our tips for camping outdoors before you embark on the journey for the best experience.
Top Tips for Camping Outdoors
Novice and inexperienced campers might face a lot of issues if they’re not aware of the basics of camping and how you need to prepare yourself for the trip. So, here are our camping tips for beginners that even pros can use as a checklist before they set off on the adventure:
- Know where to go
- Carry the right gear
- Travel light
- Take extra bedding along
- Dress in layers
- Check the weather forecast
- Arrive before sunset
- Plan campfire-friendly meals
- Don’t destroy the natural beauty
- Clean up before you go
Ready to spend the night under the stars on a fun-filled camping trip? Check out the detailed explanation of the camping tips and tricks mentioned above in the next section of our blog.
Let’s get camping!
Know Where to Go
The first tip for camping outdoors is to know exactly where you want to go and during which season. Knowing your destination is crucial because most campsites will have no or barely any essentials, and you’ll have to pack for the trip based on where you’re going, what’s available there, and how long the hike or journey is going to be.
Carry the Right Gear
Some camping essentials include a tent, a sleeping bag, a flashlight, a box of matches, food, water, extra clothes, bug spray, utensils, rope, map, hand sanitiser, and hiking gear. You can add more or fewer items to your pack based on where you’re going, the weather you’re going to experience, the facilities you’ll find at your campsite, and how far you’ll be hiking into the wilderness.
Most people prefer to join a tour group for a camping trip in Pakistan, and if that is what you’re considering, ask the tour operator for the camping essentials you’ll need for the trip.
Travel Light
Continuing the tip above, travel light, with a single heavy-duty pack on your shoulders for all your belongings. The reason is simple. If you’re hiking long distances or climbing rough terrain to get to the campsite, you’ll need to have both of your hands free to help you move through the rugged terrain and the lighter your pack, the easier it will be to cover longer distances.
Take Extra Bedding ALong
If you think sleeping in a tent is cosy and comfortable, think again! Unless you spread a comfy sleeping bag on the ground, you won’t get a good night’s rest. If you’re camping on hard ground, even the sleeping bag might not be enough, and you’ll need extra blankets or sheets as bedding to make the tent as comfortable as you can.
However, carrying the bedding can be a challenge on long treks. Roll up the sheets, and tie them to your pack. You can ask a friend or travel companion to share the burden of carrying the extra weight in case you get tired so that you do not exhaust yourself during the hike.
Dress in Layers
One of the best outdoor camping tips is to always dress in layers or to carry a few layers if you have space in your backpack. Most camping spots are meadows and plains at high altitudes, or open beaches and deserts, where winds are cooler and gustier than in the city. Even if you choose to camp in the summer season, prepare yourself for cooler nights in the outdoors.
Check the Weather Forecast
Another camping tip for beginners is to always check the weather forecast before you plan your camping trip. Setting up a tent while it rains, getting your bonfire extinguished by a downpour, and staying the night in the tent, shivering, as you hear the rain drum on the roof, are not the ideal case scenarios. Plan your trip for a sunny weekend when you’ll be able to get the best camping experience. You’ll also get a chance to explore more of your surroundings if you visit the destination when the weather’s good.
Arrive Before Sunset
One of the best outdoor camping tips is that you should always arrive at the campsite before sunset, no matter how long your hike or travel is. This will make sure that you have plenty of time to set up camp and get ready for an amazing sunset.
Plan Campfire-Friendly Meals
Another crucial part of camping tips and tricks is to prepare and plan for your meals in advance. Remember that unless you have an eatery, hotel, motel, or lodge near your campsite, you won’t be getting any fresh meals ready to devour. So you’ll need to cook your own on the campfire. This is why it is necessary to carry pots, pans, as well as utensils for meals. You should also try to find food items that cook at low heat levels or don’t require any cooking at all, for quick and convenient meals. Hotdogs, chicken kebabs, granola bars, canned food, and beef jerky are some options you can consider.
Don’t Destroy Natural Beauty
One important rule of camping is to avoid destroying the natural beauty of the campsite. Don’t pick flowers, leave burnt patches on the ground, or catch and kill wildlife and insects. Respect the nature that you’ve chosen to surround yourself with. However, if a wild animal attacks your camp, do not hesitate to take appropriate action, as failing to make a decision might prove fatal for one of your camping buddies.
Clean Up Before You Go
Another camping tips for beginners and pros alike is to always clean up the campsite before leaving and to leave it as you found it, untouched and beautiful. Do not litter the ground, do not carve your names or initials into rocks or trees, and make sure you put the fire out before your departure.
These are ten of the top tips for camping outdoors. Use them to plan your camping expedition and make the most of the experience of sleeping under the stars.
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