| There's something about heading off to visit Mother | | | | Just in case the stars aren't sufficient, a strong torch |
| Nature, with nothing but you, lots of trees and a | | | | with fresh batteries or a camping lantern can help. If |
| cheerful campfire. It's the best way to experience | | | | you need to go wandering in the night, you'll want to |
| total peace and quiet. There are no other people, no | | | | be able to check out your surroundings. For sleeping, |
| smog, nothing to do but relax for the weekend. If | | | | make sure your sleeping bag is suitable for the |
| this sounds irresistible to you, then make sure you do | | | | conditions you'll be encountering. If you have a |
| some planning before you head off. | | | | lightweight summer bag and it starts to snow, you |
| Check out what sort of camping gear you already | | | | won't get much sleep because you'll be shivering the |
| have. While you might be keen to escape the | | | | whole night. |
| modern world, it might not be so much fun if you're | | | | If you're really planning to get away from the world, |
| sleeping on hard ground with a thin sleeping bag and | | | | to the point that you won't be near your car at |
| it starts to rain. Don't worry if you don't have all the | | | | night, then you'll need a backpack to carry everything |
| gear you need for your great escape into nature. If | | | | with you. Modern designs are truly wonderful, with all |
| you look online you'll find plenty of sites where you | | | | sorts of features to make carrying a pack more |
| can look at camping gear, compare different styles | | | | comfortable. You can find packs suitable for anything |
| and brands, then buy what's right for you. | | | | you might plan to do, including strolling round a local |
| It can be a bit more difficult to know what you need | | | | park right through to heavy going trekking in the |
| if you've never been camping before. Generally, a | | | | wilderness. Take the time to think about what you |
| tent is necessity. You can chance the weather, but | | | | need to use the backpack for, perhaps even visit a |
| that's only for the very hardy souls! Perhaps if you're | | | | camping store and chat to the salesperson, but if |
| going to be close to some well protected caves you | | | | you choose wisely you won't regret it. |
| can get away without a tent, but otherwise you'll be | | | | Remember, in the end it's important to travel light |
| very glad you have one when that thunderstorm rolls | | | | when you're going camping. You don't want to have |
| in. Persistent insects and wildlife are also less of a | | | | so much stuff in your backpack that you can't even |
| nuisance when you're in a tent. | | | | lift it! It's easy to get carried away and buy far too |
| If you're planning on cooking any food over the | | | | many things and spend a lot of money, but it doesn't |
| campfire, a good campfire grill makes life much easier. | | | | need to be that way. Take the time to think about |
| If there are fire restrictions or there's no wood | | | | the sort of camping you're likely to do, where you're |
| available for a campfire, then take along a camping | | | | likely to go, what the weather conditions will probably |
| stove. You'll also need some basic cooking utensils, | | | | be, and then choose carefully. By doing that, you'll |
| including some pans. Never use your best utensils out | | | | get the maximum use out of whatever camping gear |
| of the kitchen; they inevitably get burnt, melted, lost | | | | you buy, and so you'll get great value for money. |
| or almost impossible to clean. | | | | |