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The right equipment and careful planning will help you and your fellow campers have a more enjoyable camping experience. Here are our top camping tips to get you started with your new Bluewater Camper.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
1) Test your gear.
If you’ve just bought a Bluewater camper trailer, set it up at home to ensure you know how to put it up and how to pack it away. If you’ve used it before, check that it’s still in top condition and that you have all the necessary poles and pegs. Check your stove and water is all working. If you’re taking a BBQ, clean and test that too. It’s better to identify missing equipment or faults at home than on your adventure.
2) Research your campsite.
Check what facilities are available. Are there showers, barbeques, shade options and access to clean and safe drinking water? This will help you decide what to pack and what to leave at home.
3) Research any potential dangers.
Are there poisonous plants, animals or insects in the area? Pack your first-aid kit accordingly. Don’t forget to include first-aid staples so you can deal with everything from headaches to cuts and burns. These are real camping essentials – you don’t want to be caught unprepared miles away from help. Remember, insects love water, so pack plenty of repellent.
4) Check the weather – and any fire bans.
It’s best to pack for changing weather conditions, so don’t forget thermals and waterproof rainwear. One of our favourite camping tips is to prepare for the worst weather conditions but expect the best! Also, try to pack smart. One rain jacket will do the job – you don’t need three!
5) Take nylon rope and duct tape.
Nylon rope comes in handy for support and for hanging up wet clothes, while duct tape fixes just about everything – use it to mend anything from torn shoes to broken equipment.
6) Purchase good-quality camping equipment. That is, Bluewater equipment.
For camping essentials that perform well in outdoor conditions and will last you for many camping adventures to come are found at Bluewater Campers. If there’s something you want that we don’t sell, just ask us and we’ll be able to point you in the right direction for a good quality product. Cheap equipment that damages easily and doesn’t provide comfort and protection will not make for a happy camper.
7) Be prepared for the worst.
Camping essentials also include preparing for emergencies. Tell friends and family where you are going and how long you’ll be. Make sure you carry some cash for emergencies and a phone in case you need to contact someone.
8) Take good lighting.
While it may sound romantic to get about by the moon or fire light, the reality is you don’t want to be cooking, trying to find the toilet, or hearing strange noises in pitch dark. The right camp lighting equipment makes a big difference.
9) Remember the small things.
Matches in a waterproof container are a must and don’t forget hand sanitisers, soap and face wipes. It’s worth throwing in a mallet for banging in pegs for the annex and a brush and shovel for sweeping out your camper trailer before pack-up. And, if you’re taking a bottle of wine, don’t forget the corkscrew!
SETTING UP CAMP
10) Start early.
Always set up camp before nightfall. You don’t want to be working out “what goes where” in the dark! Plus, it’s much nicer to enjoy the sunset when you’re all set up and ready to relax around a campfire.
11) Choose your site carefully.
This camping tip is all about safety. Pick a spot with flat ground. Avoid camping under trees. If you are camping near trees, look around first for warning signs of rotting branches or fallen limbs. Don’t camp where there’s a possibility of branches falling on your camper trailer.
12) Avoid waterways.
Another camping tip that may seem obvious, but nevertheless can slip from a camping novice’s mind, is to make sure you’re not camping in a river path, creek bed, or trench that could fill up with water during heavy rainfall.
13) Clear the ground.
Remove all sticks and rocks from where you plan to set up your annex, and make sure there are no ant nests.
14) Get orientated.
Check which way the wind is blowing and set your camper up so that the door is facing away from the wind. If you are camping on a slight slope, sleep with your feet pointing downhill.
15) Prepare for wind and rain.
Always peg your annex tightly to keep rain from weighing it down and choose to pack it up when it’s really windy or stormy to avoid losing pegs or damaging the annex.
16) Manage your fire.
Another safety camping tip is to build all campfires well away from trees and roots – roots can catch fire. Be aware of local fire regulations and weather conditions, use established fire circles and always keep a bucket of water handy. And remember: your fire isn’t truly out until you can sift through the ashes with your fingers. Never, ever leave your fire unattended. When you’ve finished, cover the dying embers and ashes with a deep coat of dirt or sand. You don’t want children accidentally walking over them.
17) Stay warm.
In chilly weather, fill up a water bottle with hot water and use it as a hot water bottle. Pack layers, warm clothes, and blankets to cosy up in if needed.
18) Store food securely.
Keep food in secure containers and coolers – outside of your sleeping area. You do not want to attract nocturnal visitors to your campsite, and definitely not inside your camper trailer.
PACKING UP
19) Make sure your tent is dry.
Only pack your camper trailer away once it is completely dry, as mildew can damage it and will make it smell musty. If you can’t get it dry before you leave, pack it away wet and then unpack, dry, sweep and air it out in the sun as soon as you get home. Do the same with wet poles and pegs to avoid rust.
20) Leave only footprints.
Avoid the temptation to collect natural souvenirs, and don’t feed wildlife. Take all your rubbish with you. Empty soapy water far from waterways and opt for a biodegradable soap or detergent.