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OUR TOP TIPS TO BETTER CAMPING
Camping like most other things in life can be simple and pleasurable or it can be complicated and unpleasant. The secret to a successful camping trip is research and planning.
Research
It is essential to research the area in which you wish to go camping. An understanding of the area will allow you to prepare for the conditions you are likely to encounter. For instance, if you are travelling to beachside areas, the ground is likely to be sandy and you will need a selection of suitable sand pegs. However, if you are bush camping, the ground could be very hard, hence the need for strong, short pegs.
Consider
Consider also the prevailing conditions. Some coastal areas can be windier than inland areas so the need for extra guy ropes, pegs, possible wind breaks, etc. should be considered. Research into what temperatures can be expected at night will determine what rating sleeping bag you will need. Sleeping in a plus IO degrees rated sleeping bag in minus 2 degrees is not pleasant.
Plan
Planning follows on from research. Once you have established the conditions expected in the area you are visiting, you can plan the equipment needed to make your holiday a simple and pleasurable experience. A check list compiled several weeks prior to departure can save a lot of stress trying to get everything ready the day before you leave, both for yourself and the camping store trying to get the stove and light operating and the tent repaired all in 24 hours.
Take the tent out of storage and check general condition, with particular attention paid to pegs loops, zips and flyscreens. This should be done 3-4 weeks prior to departure to allow adequate time to have any needed repairs done.
Check the frame to ensure all parts are there and nothing has been left behind at the last camp site.
Count and check pegs and guy ropes to ensure adequate supplies, bearing in mind what was previously discussed regarding ground conditions
Clean and test light the gas stove and lamp if they are to be used. Ensure that the stove burns well and if going on an extended trip, consider taking spare gas jets.
Make sure that you have ample supply of mantels to last the entire trip bearing in mind mantels are brittle and easily broken if travelling day in and day out.
Check all o-rings and conditions of stove hoses so that no problems are encountered on the trip. Should you be the least bit apprehensive about your gas equipment, please take it to a reputable C.C.I.A. dealer and have it checked.
Air beds, camp stretchers and whatever other form of sleeping equipment is to be used, should be inflated or assembled whatever the need to ensure that all functions well on the trip.
Research of the destination as previously discussed will indicate whether there is a need to take bbq’s. The availability of ice should also be ascertained, if travelling to remote areas. If no ice is available, it may be necessary to invest in some form of portable refrigeration.
Make sure the area you are to set the tent up on is free from sharp objects that are likely to damage the floor of the tent.
Check to see that there are no ants nests.
Check that there are no overhanging branches that are likely to dislodge on windy night. This is especially dangerous around and under gum trees.
Ensure that you are not erecting your tent in a natural waterway, not necessarily a riverbed but anywhere water can channel during heavy rains.
Always, if possible, have the rear of the tent facing the prevailing conditions.
Use the appropriate pegs for the ground condition.
Always put guy ropes on tents – it may be calm when you erect your tent but windy conditions can roll in quickly and catch you unaware.
If you are at all concerned about water channeling towards your tent, especially if your tent is on a slight slope or at the base of a slope, dig a trench on the up side of your camp site to divert any run off away from the tent.
If possible wait until the tent is completely dry before dismantling as this will alleviate the need to re-erect the tent at home. Storing the tent in a wet or damp condition will result in mildew – effectively shortening the life of the tent.
Check that all poles and pegs are dry to prevent the onset of rust.
Before leaving the campsite be sure that all the biodegradable rubbish is disposed of correctly. It should either be buried deep enough for animals not to be able to dig it up, in areas where this is necessary, or disposed of into the council or shire bins where they are provided near camp grounds. All non biodegradable rubbish must be removed and disposed of correctly. Remember throwing cans into the fire does not make the biodegradable.
Following these simple rules plus using common sense will mean a pleasurable stay.
Leave your campsite CLEANER than you find it.
