How to Make Camping Comfortable and Fun for Everyone
When it comes to camping, most people don’t enjoy it for one simple reason: it isn’t as comfortable as a hotel room. However, there are plenty of pieces of gear that will transform your camping experience for the better.
Tent
Firstly, when it comes to your tent, size does matter. Whether it is a large four or six-person tent, or one of the many Intrepid rooftop tents for vehicles, choose one that is big enough for you and whoever you will be sharing with, as well as big enough for your clothes and gear.
It is clear to everyone that a small tent you can’t stand in won’t be as comfortable as one that has space for your cot, a chair or two, etc. This is particularly important if you are camping somewhere cold or rainy, as you will be spending a lot of time indoors.
Tarpaulin/Canopy
Next, a tarpaulin or canopy can make your living space even larger, and protect you against the elements. It also allows you to invest in a tent that is smaller, as you can still have your chairs and gear underneath a protective cover.
Additionally, you may not want to spend all day in your tent when it is raining, for instance, and a canopy allows you to be outdoors and in the fresh air without getting soaked.
Power Station
A big, long-lasting power station is easily one of the best things to have on a camping trip. It can power lights, charge devices, and power small electric coolers, cookers, etc. Simply put, every person who goes camping regularly should have a power station.
When it comes to comfort, you can use it to power a fan or two when it is hot, or a heating system when the temperature drops. You can also use them to power a kettle, allowing you to have endless hot water for cooking, cleaning, a shower, etc.
Sleeping Pad
While most high-quality sleeping bags are soft and padded, they still aren’t padded enough to make you forget that you are sleeping on the ground. This is why you should invest in a soft and thick sleeping pad. We love this camping mat.
Cooking Gear
Never underestimate the power of having a fully stocked cooking gear box. When doing extended camping trips, it is best to invest in a few pans, a pot or two, cooking utensils, plates, and bowls, etc.
Cooking is already quite challenging to do while camping, and since you don’t want to only eat snacks the entire time, rather spend the money and invest in a camping kitchen that will allow you to make everything from fried eggs and bacon, to a delicious spaghetti bolognese, no matter where you are. Read here for more of our favourite camping meals that are quick and easy to cook.
Cooler
Another staple that you should have is a high-quality, and large cooler. You need somewhere to store all your fresh ingredients, as well as somewhere to keep drinks and food cool, especially if you are not camping in the Winter or camping somewhere cold.
As mentioned, there are several coolers on the market that can be powered with electricity from your power station, and this turns them into something more akin to a fridge than a cooler; perfect for keeping the things in it cold.
Lighting
You don’t want to spend your entire camping trip having to use a torch, headlamp or your fire as a light source. However, there are plenty of easy and convenient ways to light up your campsite once the sun sets.
Firstly, you can use battery-powered lanterns that you can hang where needed, and you can also invest in a few strings of fairy lights. The latter are very useful as they can light up large areas, but also require very little power, meaning they won’t drain your power station in one evening. Find our camping kit list essentials here!
Hygiene
Finally, when it comes to comfort while camping, hygiene is often a sticking point for many. Unless you are camping at a campsite that has a ton of infrastructure, like bathrooms and showers, you often have to settle for a dip into a lake or using a bottle of water to clean.
However, for showering, there are plenty of different pieces of gear you can choose from that make it easier. The most common option is a large bag that you can hang from a tree or your car, and it has a pipe and a shower head attached to it. As for using the bathroom, you can purchase a composting camping toilet that is easy to use and clean, making the process far more convenient and comfortable compared to the classic hole-in-the-ground method we’re all familiar with.
There are numerous pieces of gear available for purchase that can make camping more comfortable and enjoyable, without compromising the authentic camping experience. Plus, there is a good chance you will have far more family and friends wanting to join you on your next adventure.
