Camping
Though few things match the glamour shown on TV, camping is a globally beloved activity for all ages. Whether seeking real challenges or a break from the fast-paced life, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy simplicity through camping.
If you’re planning a lifelong camping adventure, these 10 tips will help you prepare and stay safe if lost in the wild. Whether you're vacationing at home or venturing into the Appalachian Trail—regardless of experience—these pointers matter.
The golden rule of camping: set up camp before dark. Choose your shelter—tent, RV, or cabin. Some adventurers sleep under the stars in simple hammocks. If that’s too rugged, bring a tent. Though basic, a well-prepared tent can be comfy. Consult outdoor stores for one suited to your needs, considering size, shape, and weight.
Remember: bigger isn’t always better—you’ll carry it to camp. Test it at home first to avoid issues. Pack spare tent poles (they break often). Crack a window or leave small vents open to prevent moisture buildup. Bring an old shower curtain (slightly smaller than your tent floor) to lay on wet ground.
Choose sleeping bags wisely for the season
For restful sleep, pick cold-weather sleeping bags. Key tip: choose season-appropriate ones. Light bags work in warmer months, but winter demands low-temp resistance. Opt for a bag rated slightly below your expected temps as a buffer.
For tent stays, mummy bags are ideal—they hug your feet, retain heat, and pack easily. Synthetic bags dry faster and resist allergies vs. down, which is ultralight and packable.
Boost comfort by placing a pad under your bag. Skip a pillow; inflate a sturdy plastic bag for head support.
Pack only essential food
No camping guide is complete without food/water tips. Whether hiking, kayaking, or car-camping with DVDs, you’ll need sustenance. Rule: pack only what’s needed per meal. For small groups, bring two cups of instant cereal instead of a full oat canister. Use sealed bags. Near RVs/cars, store perishables like meat in coolers.
Clean water is fundamental. Unless sourcing safe water (or knowing a reliable spring), bring bottled. Or pack iodine tablets to purify wilderness water. Filter the cleanest available water or boil for ≥10 mins. Wrap cups in foil to speed cooling.
Leave no trace
Camp in open areas? Remember this: protect nature for future generations. Leave no trace means departing with a clean site—untouched ecosystems. Post-meal, clear all food away from the ground.
Seems obvious, but hard to perfect. For group trips, stay 60m from rivers/lakes. Follow pre-planned routes/campsites. Bury solid waste 15–20cm deep. Wash/dish 60m from water bodies. Filter/boil used water, then scatter it. Don’t disturb ruins/natural features. Keep campsites small, use established fire pits/stoves. Observe wildlife, never feed animals.
Dress appropriately
Even fashion-averse folks must gear up right. Wear loose, neat clothing. In cold months, add layers—hats, gloves, jackets, thermal underwear. Sweat management: peel layers before overheating to stay dry. Wet clothes = misery.
Footwear matters. Protect your feet with closed-toe shoes (linings absorb sweat). Hiking boots are ideal. Prevent blisters by rubbing soap on ankles/toes pre-hike. Carry soap to apply to trouble spots if feet rub.
Pack a rain poncho—it’s miserable getting soaked, and wet clothes risk hypothermia.
Avoid bugs, bears, and toxic plants
Watch for hornet nests/insects near shelters. Wear long sleeves/pants when near plants. Use insect repellent. Check for ticks.
Know poison ivy’s three-leaf cluster. Beware poison oak/poison sumac (more common). Cover skin fully near vegetation. Carry calamine lotion/antihistamines for rashes.
Store food properly to deter bears—hang it or place it high in trees.
Avoid getting lost
Veteran campers know this: avoid getting lost. A common mistake, but preventable with simple tools—compass, map, GPS. Learn to use them beforehand (and read the rest of this guide for more safety tips).
Carry a survival backpack
When you’re camping, nothing could be truer than the Boy Scouts’ motto “Be prepared.” Packing a survival backpack is an absolutely essential skill when you head out from camp to explore. So, what should go in this backpack? First, include water purification tablets, a water purifier, and a metal cup. Then, pack a survival knife, which can be used for hunting, self-defense, and signaling for help. It’s more versatile than a regular blade and well worth buying from a camping or outdoor supply store.
Another must-have for your survival backpack is waterproof matches stored in a sealed container. Waterproof matches can be made by dipping ordinary matches in nail polish or paraffin. Plastic pill bottles or 35mm film canisters work well for storing them and are quite convenient. Your survival backpack should also have a flashlight, along with some spare batteries kept in the same sealed container as the waterproof matches. It’s also a good idea to include a signal flare and an LED light.
In addition to carrying a survival backpack, you should also bring a first aid kit. It should contain bandages, wound cleanser, medical gloves, and ice packs.
Stay Hygienic
We mentioned the importance of cleanliness in the clothing tips above. Undoubtedly, keeping your body clean is equally important. But you might wonder how to maintain hygiene under less-than-ideal conditions. Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket and make sure to wash your hands before eating, drinking, or touching your face. Use cotton balls soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean your body.
During camping, your feet will get very dirty, so when you come across a river, take off your shoes and soak your feet in the water for a few minutes. Avoid using cologne, perfumes, or scented lotions, as they can attract insects.
When packing, wrap hygiene items such as towels, toothbrushes, and soap separately in aluminum foil to prevent them from getting other items in your backpack wet.
Before officially going camping, practice handling emergencies with your children. If they want to check out their sleeping bags, by all means let them. Camping with kids or pets can be exhausting, but it can also be a rewarding experience. As we’ve learned, the secret to a successful camping trip lies in advance planning. It determines whether you, your kids, and your furry friends can make it through to the end.
Be sure to bring appropriate clothing to protect your children—sun hats for summer and hot days, and long-sleeved clothes they can wear if temperatures suddenly drop. Then, just like conducting a fire drill, help your children learn how to avoid getting lost and what to do if they do. Give each child a flashlight or glow stick, and remind them daily of the camping rules and safety precautions.
Bringing your dog on a camping trip can make even the simplest shelter feel like home. But be prepared—and willing—to control your pet if wildlife or domestic animals pass by. Also, ensure your pet is vaccinated and that its license is up to date. Of course, bring a leash to keep your dog under control when needed. Provide your dog with clean bowls for food and fresh, clean drinking water, and properly clean up and dispose of your pet’s waste.