Are you thinking of going away this summer or autumn? There’s every chance that sunny holidays abroad will be off the menu for at least the next year or so, and even if they aren’t off of the menu, it might be that you won’t feel comfortable traveling abroad for a long while yet, and that’s okay.
Choosing to go on a staycation has become a really popular choice among most families, and the benefits of staying within the States mean we’re boosting our own economy, propping up our own travel industry, and supporting local businesses through this tough time.
Choosing to Camp
Camping is a really popular choice for families, providing a fun activity for kids, as well as a healthy getaway in the great outdoors. Camping has been shown to have a huge number of health benefits, and there is even evidence to suggest that camping can help to reset circadian rhythm problems like insomnia.
If you’re new to camping, here are a few areas to look into before you go.
Choosing the Tent
Getting the right tent is absolutely vital. Do you need a big family tent? Or do you want a tiny lightweight, bivvy-style tent? The Camping Geek has a great article on the best cabin tents for campers, a fantastic compromise between weight, size, and price.
Choosing the Sleeping Bags
No one likes to be cold in the evenings, and getting the right sleeping bag is a huge part of staying warm overnight. Sadly, some sleeping bags that are sold cheaply just don’t stack up to use and can make a camping trip miserable. Go for a good quality bag that has a good season rating (three seasons in the summer or autumn, four seasons in the winter).
Choosing the Sleeping Mat or Bed
Once you’ve picked something to sleep in, you’ll need to get something to sleep on. The general rule here is that air is cold. Camp beds and air mattresses means you’ll be sleeping on air, which can make the underneath of you really cold. A good foam mat or self-inflating mattress mean that you’re closer to the ground and less likely to get cold, but cheap thin mattresses can be really uncomfortable for a long night.
Choosing the Kitchen Kit
If you love to cook, you’ll want to explore that love of cooking outdoors, too. Cooking on an open fire is romantic and definitely has a certain appeal, but it might be easier for your family to use a portable gas stove or portable barbecue, especially if it’s your first time camping.
Aim to get decent reusable crockery, too. Camping helps bring us closer to nature, so it’s worth spending time getting gear that you can reuse to help minimize your impact on nature when you’re outside. Go for reusable water bottles and decent lightweight camping plates and cups to eat and drink from and take them home with you to use on your next adventure!
There you have it: how to choose the right camping gear for your family.
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