THE success of any camping trip comes down largely to how well you plan it.
And while now may not seem like the best time of year to even think about life outdoors, the cooler months provide the ideal chance to check over your kit and make sure you have everything you need for when the weather warms up.
It's a good time to replace worn kit or buy anything you don't already have. You'll also have the pick of the best bargains right now, and there's plenty of stock availability.
If sleeping under canvas isn't for you, how about treating someone who loves the al fresco lifestyle to some quality camping gear this Christmas?
Everyone's 'must have' list will be different, since a lot depends on where you are going, how long for, how you will be travelling, what you will be doing once you get to your destination and what the weather and terrain will be like. There are other variables including how much you will be eating out and how much you will be cooking for yourself.
However, there are some basic essentials which anyone going camping is going to need. Have a checklist and tick things off as you pack them. That's not being boringly over-organised, it's just good planning that will ensure you don't unpack your kit and realise you've forgotten your camp stove hundreds of miles from home.
It goes without saying that you will need a tent set, including pegs and guy ropes as well as a groundsheet, flysheet and mallet. For inside your sleeping quarters, you will need sleeping bags, blankets, and maybe an air bed, Lilo, roll mats or pads to lie on, along with pillows – provided you can carry them.
When choosing a tent, consider how you will be transporting it, its inside height, the size of the 'bedrooms', how much space there is inside if you're stuck under canvas in the rain, and where you are going to cook.
Is there enough space to store all your things? If you have one more bedroom than you need, that can be useful for keeping belongings stowed away.
Also be sure that there will be enough of you to pitch your tent, and that there will be sufficient ventilation, especially if you are going for a model made from a less breathable nylon or synthetic fabric. Poor ventilation can lead to problems with condensation.
But consider all kinds of tents, and keep an open mind! Finally, consider whether you could use a second canvas structure, for the kids to play in, for storage, or to have a separate cooking, eating and socialising area.
As for the other camping essentials, your first aid kit should include basics like insect repellent, sun cream, antiseptic, antihistamines, plasters and bandages and paracetamol or some other form of pain relieving medication.
Pack a range of cool and warm clothes, including a sun and/or woollen hat and gloves. Whatever the time of year, pack flip flips or sandals for the wash blocks. And, of course, don't even think about going camping without other adequate footwear, which means good quality waterproof boots or shoes, even if you're not planning on doing much serious hiking.
Whether it's summer or winter, you are going to need decent waterproof jackets and trousers. You'll find a great selection of children's, ladies' and men's waterproof jackets and trousers online.
So think ahead carefully. Now is the time to start sorting out your kit list so you can look forward to a fantastic, well-planned camping trip come the spring or summer.
