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So with the holiday season fast approaching, I imagine at least a few members have camping trips planned (Maybe not those Northern Europe/America or high latitudes).
I certainly am - off for 10 days, car camping.

So I thought it might be interesting to see peoples tips, tricks, and must-have gear.

Can't say I've car camped much - got pretty good at living out of a hiking pack, though. My tip there, is it's ALWAYS worth having some decent instant coffee (caramel or vanilla latte, will perk everyone up), and it's never a waste to have a little gas stove - anything involving solid fuel will suck.

Besides that, make sure your tent/swag/shelter is easy to set up, and pack down, and you can never have enough lights if you're camping with dearly beloveds.

Instant potato? Awesome meal - boil some water, and get some hot, filling food in your stomach. Add dried veggies, stock, flavouring, instant soup or shelf parmesan - endless and easy. Good for morale.

What are yours?

If you like scrambled eggs, never take whole eggs. Use a wide-mouth Gatorade bottle (or equivalent) and pre crack your eggs. No broken eggs, less space used.

If you're really roughing it, consider a hammock. It will keep you off the ground, can still be covered, and you don't need level ground.

When I went on field outside, I used to sleep with my clothes either in my sleeping bag or between mmthe sleeping bag and the waterproof bag. That way with my own heat I would keep them warm and help dry a little when it was rainy.

Also, always put your shoes upside down to limit the risk of a random animal electing to spend its night in it.

Think camping? Think the Prince of Wales.

Socks. And lots of ‘em.

It seems such a daft thing, but trust me. Toasty, dry feet’s = a better nights sleep. Even on the coldest, wettest, most miserable night, after hiking in abysmal weather, the simple creature comfort of dry feet in fresh socks is a godsend.

Simple regular socks for the first layer, and hiking socks over the top.

And don’t forget your sleeping mat. Sure, it’s thin and looks like it belongs in a yoga studio. But trust me. That thin layer gets you up off the ground, stopping it leeching your body heat. And that again is going to aid in a good nights sleep.

 cuda1179 wrote:
If you like scrambled eggs, never take whole eggs. Use a wide-mouth Gatorade bottle (or equivalent) and pre crack your eggs. No broken eggs, less space used.

.

Isn't it too risky to transport eggs like that, especially in hot, summer weather?

Cyel wrote:

 cuda1179 wrote:
If you like scrambled eggs, never take whole eggs. Use a wide-mouth Gatorade bottle (or equivalent) and pre crack your eggs. No broken eggs, less space used.

.

Isn't it too risky to transport eggs like that, especially in hot, summer weather?

I'm assuming you'd refrigerate the bottle and keep it insulated with a cold pack.

Depending where you’re camping/hiking and the associated availability of water? Powdered Egg seems a sensible idea.

Definitely test build your tent and test out any equipment.

If you're going into the middle of nowhere with no phone signal, at least take a compass and first aid kit.

Check that there are no local regulations / warnings in place for the area you are camping in.

Just in general?

Know your terrain, and use a bloody map. Ideally one you’ve learned to use, and how to orient yourself with.

As a former Beaver/Cub/Scout/Venture Scout, I know what a British Ordinance Survey Map is telling me. And from that, whilst I can still end up not knowing where I am? I know how to use my map, my compass and a vantage point to get a much better idea of where the heck I’ve landed myself. And from that? What to look for to get myself back on the literal right track.

If you are going into a place that has regulations or warnings READ THEM. Take a picture and memorize them. If a park ranger tells you to do something, do it.

A story from a while back were two 19 year-olds road tripping from the East Coast to college in California. They planned to stay overnight in a state park in Arizona (possibly New Mexico??). Ranger told them to have a minimum of 1 gallon of water, per person, per day. Idiots went in with 3-16 ounce bottles total, and used one to boil hot dogs. They got lost, couldn't find their way back to the parking lot, and were found a few days later. One dead, one dehydrated, less than a 10 minute walk from their car.

In addition to water and map, I’d suggest getting an app like Gaia GPS that can track your steps and allow you to backtrack. It is surprisingly easy to get lost in some deserts and mountains, even with a map and compass.

 cuda1179 wrote:
If you are going into a place that has regulations or warnings READ THEM. Take a picture and memorize them. If a park ranger tells you to do something, do it.

A story from a while back were two 19 year-olds road tripping from the East Coast to college in California. They planned to stay overnight in a state park in Arizona (possibly New Mexico??). Ranger told them to have a minimum of 1 gallon of water, per person, per day. Idiots went in with 3-16 ounce bottles total, and used one to boil hot dogs. They got lost, couldn't find their way back to the parking lot, and were found a few days later. One dead, one dehydrated, less than a 10 minute walk from their car.

Yeah, don’t just know your terrain, respect it. Even here in the densely populated, temperate, UK, people die on a regular basis out on the hills and moors, even those with a lot of outdoor experience. And you still see people trying to hike up mountains in fashion trainers and bum bags


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Oh, and wherever you’re going, let someone know, and when you expect to get back, so that they can raise the alarm if you don’t.

Follow the Country Code.

For instance? Close Gates behind you. Keep your Dog on its lead when crossing fields containing livestock, and walk the perimeter rather than trudging through the middle of a field.

 cuda1179 wrote:

Spoiler:

Cyel wrote:

 cuda1179 wrote:
If you like scrambled eggs, never take whole eggs. Use a wide-mouth Gatorade bottle (or equivalent) and pre crack your eggs. No broken eggs, less space used.

.

Isn't it too risky to transport eggs like that, especially in hot, summer weather?

I'm assuming you'd refrigerate the bottle and keep it insulated with a cold pack.

Hmm, that's a lot extra weight on your back, just for scrambled eggs, though.

Cyel wrote:

 cuda1179 wrote:

Spoiler:

Cyel wrote:

 cuda1179 wrote:
If you like scrambled eggs, never take whole eggs. Use a wide-mouth Gatorade bottle (or equivalent) and pre crack your eggs. No broken eggs, less space used.

.

Isn't it too risky to transport eggs like that, especially in hot, summer weather?

I'm assuming you'd refrigerate the bottle and keep it insulated with a cold pack.

Hmm, that's a lot extra weight on your back, just for scrambled eggs, though.

Yeah it would be for backpacking. I guess that's more of a tip for people camping within a stone's throw of their car.

Oh, I didn't even consider that, as with a car you can just go whenever you want and buy whatever you need, so by taking a car to your camping you kind of God Mode yourself out of any camping challenges altogether.

To be fair, that's not entirely true in countries such as Russia or the USA as to my knowledge there are a fair few places so remote even by car you're not going to town everyday to shop.

Still, with how much you can pack i to a car it's hardly a conundrum whether to take eggs in shells or in a bottle. Just take whatever you want, a tv set, a fridge, an outdoor shower...

Comparing this with how much space I had available when packing for my 10 day trip on a bike (tent, tarp, sleeping bag and mat attached to the bike separately):

Cyel wrote:
Oh, I didn't even consider that, as with a car you can just go whenever you want and buy whatever you need, so by taking a car to your camping you kind of God Mode yourself out of any camping challenges altogether.

Not in the American Southwest. A flat tire and no spare on the wrong road, and you’re a statistic.

Avoid gimmicky stuff. It looks neat in videos for one use but there is often a reason regular outdoorsman don't use them.

And on that? If you want to take proper basic tools (like a flint for fire starting)? Learn how to use it [i]before[/head out. And ideally, take something more reliable like a ciggie lighter as well.

Because it is cool to make fire from just sparks? It’s better to just be able to make fire quickly.

Also, for walking, always loosen your shoes a little. Not too much so they hold your ankle firmly anyway, but just to soothe your feet a little...

And, if hiking in a group? Old Scout proverb. The group is only as fast as its slowest member.

 Maréchal des Logis Walter wrote:
Also, for walking, always loosen your shoes a little. Not too much so they hold your ankle firmly anyway, but just to soothe your feet a little...

Yeah, boots should be snug, not tight. I got taught a neat technique years ago where you take your laces up to the top hook of your boots, but then bring them back down and tie the knot over the top of your ankle (effectively where you would be tying normal trainers; the hook there is often on a strap going back to the heel). It keeps your ankle held firmly (better than normal IMHO), but allows the boot to be a bit looser at the top, giving your shin room to move.

Compeed Plasters.

Those things are witchcraft. Got a blister, or rubbed your Achilles raw? Wang on a Compeed, and you’re golden. Genuinely as quick as that.

In my LARPing days, I was known to carry a couple of multipacks at all times.

Absolutly, helped a few time. Just avoid those that stick "to much", I had a couple that would really be a pain to remove to renew them. Compeeds on the other hand are a great product.

Sounds like you've got your car camping game on point. Instant coffee and a gas stove are definitely clutch for those early mornings, and I'm totally with you on the lights – gotta keep the campsite lit up, especially if you're with the crew.

As for my must-haves, I always make sure to pack a comfy sleeping pad and a cozy sleeping bag. Can't beat a good night's sleep under the stars, right? And hey, while you're prepping for your trip, don't forget to check out these womens hiking outfits I stumbled upon. Having the right gear can really make your outdoor adventures even better.

Another thing I thought of: How much do you like your car? If you're doing some more serious camping there is a decent chance you are going to be absolutely filthy when you return to your car. Plan ahead, and throw a garbage bag over you backrest, on your seat, and your floorpan. Then go camping. When you get back to the car you won't have to worry about doing it while dirty. Cleanup is much faster when you don't have to scrub mud stains out of your carpet.

Also, remember your basics.

If you can keep your torso warm, it’s easier to keep the rest of you warm. So consider an extra layer there. Even in warmer weather, because it’s easier to remove a layer, than add a layer you didn’t bring with you.

There are definitely differences between type of camping and method of travel. Camping from the back of a car is always more comfortable than hiking. I've really enjoyed camping on canoe trips in the past because the experience is closer to hiking but you can take way more gear in a canoe than you can carry. Need to pay more attention to waterproof storage in case it all ends up going for an unplanned bath though.

For actual hiking? I recommend a sturdy walking stave, something like 120-150 cm in length (~4-5ft). Great for crossing barbed wire fences or clearing overgrowth from paths, styles, and gates. Can also help with support in slippy areas.

I think a multi-purpose pocket knife is always wise. A good penknife can do everything from opening cans to gutting fish. Some even have magnifying glasses if all your other firelighting gear is out of action and it is sunny.

I also find breathable waterproof layers are worth the higher price, things like goretex. Great for avoiding sweatiness and also protecting from rain and wind.

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
And on that? If you want to take proper basic tools (like a flint for fire starting)? Learn how to use it [i]before[/head out. And ideally, take something more reliable like a ciggie lighter as well.

Because it is cool to make fire from just sparks? It’s better to just be able to make fire quickly.

Fire steels and waxed matches are good back-up fire starters. Both are water resistant, so you can still start a fire if you got drenched.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Follow the Country Code.

For instance? Close Gates behind you. Keep your Dog on its lead when crossing fields containing livestock, and walk the perimeter rather than trudging through the middle of a field.

I'd go with leave gates as you find them. Sometimes farmers choose to leave gates open deliberately, so only close them behind you if you encounted them closed or someone obviously made a mistake (gate on a livestock field open to a road, for example).