How to get into camping and backpacking

Every year that goes by, thousands of people set out on their next big outdoor adventure! Often people view themselves as unworthy as they have other commitments, not enough money or even a lack of fitness to keep up.

However, backpacking and camping don’t have to be lifelong commitments, bank account drainers or just for those who are training for the Olympics. I am here to break that stigma and prove that camping and backpacking are for anyone that wants to try it!

For many people, the general appeal of these adventures is feeling a connection with nature and being able to leave the real world behind just for a little while.

For all, this might not seem like the perfect holiday at all, but it is a case of adapting your desires to your journey. With a plan of action, some creative magic and a willingness to embrace the world out there – you will have the time of your life.

With backpacking and camping, it is all about practice and experience. It is about understanding which backpack fits the best, where the cheapest camp stove can be bought and remembering to bring the water purifier!

This kind of activity can never be planned outright and there may be obstacles in your way but it can be taken away as a valuable experience for the next time that you head out into the wilderness. One great go-to for keen campers is Planet Camping where you have a range of high-quality tents to choose from.

This leads me to discuss the essentials and how to pack correctly for a trip such as this one. The research that you do will be your best friend! What will the weather be like where you are going? Are you sleeping under the stars or will you need to locate a campsite?

It all accumulates together to make up your essentials. However, the most important essential is a first aid kit. It is vital to check that before you leave it is stocked entirely and can be used efficiently if an accident ever were to occur on your adventure.

Another point that is more on the serious side is to consider the safety of the trip that you are planning. It is crucial that when planning you are minimising as many risks as possible.

A major issue can be the lack of telephone service out in the wilderness – it is your responsibility to be prepared for this sort of scenario, whether that be to locate the nearest emergency contact service or to tell someone a complete plan of the journey, meaning if you did not arrive they would be aware that you could be lost or in danger.

A very reliable alternative could be to invest in a compass or train yourself to map read. It may seem like a time-consuming task, but it can save lives!

Camping and backpacking can be a life-changing experience, bringing lots of confidence, insight and a way to feel freedom. If it is something that has been on your bucket list, don’t wait any longer. Go outside!