Cool Tips for Your Next Camping Trip

Experienced campers may have a trusted routine for camping preparations. Meanwhile, the rest of us may require a little bit of help. No matter whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a rookie rooftop tent camper, there are several handy tips for your next camping trip.

Here are our Top 10 Camping Tips:

1. Inspect your camping equipment before you leave. You don’t want to discover a hole in your car side awning or roof rack tent in the middle of a torrential downpour. Make sure your lighters are operational for lighting a camp stove and you have plenty of propane as well.
2. Pack a first aid kit. In addition to the usual emergency supplies, stock up on extra hand sanitizers and face masks, just in case.
3. Invest in bear proof trash and recycle containers. The last thing you want to attract to your serene camp spot is hungry animals. Respect your wild surroundings and plan to practice safe storage and disposal.
4. Prepare for all sorts of weather. While we may envision idyllic weather conditions for our vacation, the weather sometimes has other ideas. Pack clothing, footwear, and additional waterproof gear in the event of inclement weather. 
5. Practice setting up your rooftop tent and awning at home. Not everyone is naturally skilled with tools and instructions. However, with a bit of practice at home, you may be surprised how quickly you accomplish tent set-up. Then, when you do head out to camp, you’ll have more valuable outdoor adventure time. 
6. Make reservations before you go. Campsites fill up quickly and there are diverse rules this year due to COVID-19. Avoid disappointment and reserve your spot ahead or map out your secret camp location to avoid wasting time lost on the back roads.
7. Bring extra games and books. If it rains and you cannot get out on the water, you and your fellow campers will appreciate a feisty game of cards or a relaxing read.
8. Check amenities before you book. Inquire ahead of time if there are washroom facilities or fire pits. In addition, you’ll need to know if you require firewood or can purchase it from the campsite. You’ll also want to check into what, if any, recreational options and gear are available.
9. Plan your meals and groceries. Delicious camp food and drinks make your camping experience sublime. First, ensure you have all the utensils and items required for cooking and eating. That includes fire starters, charcoal for grills, a propane stove, and an igniter, for instance. Next, plan your snacks, treats, and meals. Easy to pack items include energy bars, homemade trail mix, and canned soups. But don’t think camp food has to be boring. You can make potato salad, savoury BBQ marinades, and chopped vegetables ahead of time, ready for the grill. Purified water makes cooking safe as well. And remember, a bottle of good wine shared by the campfire makes for happy memories.
10. Lastly, be respectful of other campers, the environment, and the critters you may encounter. Everyone has experienced disappointments, stress, and cancellations over the pandemic. Never underestimate a kind word and the courtesy of a ‘please’ and ‘thank-you’ to everyone you encounter. Bring your trash and recyclables with you and leave your camp spot as clean as you found it, if not cleaner. Countless animals live in our outdoor environment and depend on a safe ecosystem.

Planning ahead with these camping tips should take away a good deal of stress and worry.

Have a fun and safe camping escapade, no matter where drive with your hard-shell rooftop tent.