Going Camping? Where Do You Begin?
Nanc', content creator & contemplative athlete
There's nothing more satisfying to get out of your daily routine than a camping trip! If you're on your first outing, here are some tips you may find helpful.
Get the perfect equipment... for you!
As with any new activity, it is important to choose your equipment wisely. Getting set up for camping and the outdoors requires some investment, so it's important to make flexible choices. The term “travelling light" makes perfect sense when it comes to camping (even more so when it comes to canoeing and camping!), you need to limit yourself to the essentials.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you more of a solo camper or family/group of friends’ camper?
- Are you more inclined to go on one or two camping trips per summer, and only when the weather is good, or do you plan trips every weekend, rain or shine, regardless of the season?
- What are your favourite activities / interests when you are in the outdoors? Are you more of the athletic, contemplative, epicurean, seaside or mountain type?
This will greatly influence your shopping list!
As for me, since I often go camping alone or with 1 or 2 friends, I have opted for The North Face Stormbreak 2 tent. It is spacious, durable and also easy to transport and install. In addition, its large doors provide easier access and an even more impressive view of the surrounding nature.
Choose your destination
For your first excursions, choose a destination close to home if it makes you feel safe. We often have the impression that to break away from our surroundings we have to venture far. But we forget about the opportunities and the beautiful natural surroundings close by.
This month, I have chosen the magnificent SEBKA camping paradise, located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in the charming village of Kamouraska.
Here are some other favourite places to set up camp, here and there in Quebec:
Planning your trip
Once you have selected your equipment, it's time to plan your trip! You can never be too prepared. If this is your first ever camping trip (or first of the season), I strongly recommend that you test and set up your gear a few days before you leave. This ensures that you have all the pieces you need and, most importantly, it will give you peace of mind!
Make lists and check off each item the day before departure.
Must-have list: Camping 101
- Tent (good add-ons: ground cover, tarp, and ropes)
Choosing the Right Tent
- Sleeping Pads
Choosing the Right Sleeping Pad
- Sleeping bag (a good add-on): inflatable pillow
Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag
- Flashlights / lights
- Cook set with a camp stove
- Wipes and towels (ideally microfiber) and dish soap (or multi-purpose)
- Matches
- Cooler and ice (to keep your food cold, if necessary)
- Toilet paper
- Garbage bags
- First aid kit
- Clothing (bring warm clothes and a change of clothes) and comfortable shoes/sandals
- Insect repellent
- Chairs and a table*
*If necessary, most campsites provide a picnic table and have some services or products on site (drinking water, wood, ice, etc.).
Personally, an essential item that is always on my list is an "Italian coffee pot" to make some good coffee on the stove and start the day off right!
We recommend you take a look at Our Content created in collaboration with nutritionist Geneviève O'Gleman for easy outdoor cooking meal ideas.
Equipment Maintenance
Proper cleaning and storage are critical to the longevity, efficiency and durability of your equipment. If you had only one thing to remember: never store your equipment away if it is wet..
Before you unpack, make sure you get the dust out of your tent (the old-fashioned method of turning the tent upside down is the most effective!) and clean it well* with soapy water (using a mild soap).
Let it dry completely before packing up (or dry it as soon as you get home).
*If your equipment requires a more thorough wash, you can soak your tent in soapy water, rinse it with a garden hose and then air dry it. Never put it in the washing machine.
Don't neglect the storage step. Folding your equipment could break the fibres of the material and reduce its effectiveness. You must be patient and carefully roll up your equipment before putting it away. Make sure your carry bags are dry. There are several types of waterproof bags or, for the more experienced, compression bags.
Take care of nature, take care of your equipment and they will take care of you in return!
Enjoy your outdoor adventure! ;)
