Anyone for camping?

 

 

Photo: Courtesy of Mpho Molete

I know those who know me will not believe that I wrote that headline. And yes, I did. Not because I’m crazy about camping, but because I know that while I’m not much of a camping fan, I am not going to deny others a chance to explore and maybe even fall in love with something that can even be an inexpensive way of travelling. Yes, camping can be an affordable way of seeing your country, and even the world! But I’ll only be addressing camping as it relates to hiking here.

I hope what I’m going to share here will make your first camping experience much better than mine. A bad experience can easily put you off anything that you’re doing for the first time. Being a hiker means I’ve had several camping trips simply because there are trails that require camping. And that’s where it ends for me; I’m not a leisure camper. Glamping maybe!

Why camp?

There are hikes that will require you to camp. These may be backpacking hikes or basecamp hikes. Backpacking means you hike from one point to another, carrying all your essentials (including tent where there are not huts) in a backpack. There are people who tour the world this way. Basecamp hiking means you set up camp at a particular place and explore day hikes from there, carrying only what you need for the day.

First things first

My advice for anyone going camping for the first time, would be to look for a place nearby. The advantage here is that you can drive back home should you feel uncomfortable. By the way, I’m not writing for quitters! Just saying… I cannot overemphasise the importance of doing some research on the campsite to check if there’s amenities such as ablution blocks, showers, drinkable water, braai areas, etc., so you know what to bring for your comfort. You will also need to check safety issues and other requirements based on the establishment you will be visiting. And I trust that you will not attempt your first camping on your own.

Choosing your tent

I guess my relationship with all things camping was complicated from the beginning. And it all started with buying a pop-up tent hoping it was going to make my first camping experience easy. It was a mass hike with set times and all. I did not want to learn how to pitch a tent at a campsite full of walkers. And I never managed to fold that thing back the proper way. I went on to buy what I thought was  a ‘proper tent’ which I was smart enough to lend to a fellow hiker at some point. And on its return, I took it straight to the highest peak in South Africa. And I’m referring to a 3-sleeper dome tent. Yes, I took that to Drakensberg! I had not done my research and the guide had also not provided proper tips. The berg is known for inclement weather, and that dome tent could not survive the wind and rain! Luckily there were other hikers and my tentmates and I had to squat in other tents. Am I responsible for my dicey relationship with tents? Maybe! Please don’t repeat my mistakes. Ask for advice and take care of your tent.

Make sure you have a groundsheet and a small hammer to secure the pegs.

Utensils

You must bring everything you will need. That may include wood, matches/lighter, fire starters, food, drinks, pots and plates, cutlery and depending on your campsite facilities, maybe even a stove. However, if you’re on a backpacking trip, please be aware that there are stoves, pots and other utensils that are specifically for backpacking. You do not want to have a one-plate stove hanging on your backpack. That is unnecessary weight and not practical at all. Because of their convenience, those stoves, pots and pans are not very cheap, but like most of the hiking gear, once you have them, they are for keeps, unless you lose them. So, they need your tender loving care!

 

Most of your utensils in your hiking kitchen are multipurpose. (Photo courtesy of Mpho Molete)

From pan to plate. (Photo courtesy of Tony Sibanda)

Mattress and sleeping bag

There are air mattresses which are convenient when you’re just camping for fun or doing basecamp hiking where you have your car at the campsite. However, I also have a story of waking up literally on the floor as the thing lost air. Imagine feeling a rock underneath. But it all came down to my inexperience and ignorance to an extent. For backpackers, self-inflating mattresses provide cushioning and extra insulation. They are easy to carry, and you just unfold them and voila, your bed is ready. For backpacking, you need different sleeping bags for different terrains. Yes, I said terrains! Okay, not terrains, but environments. What you will need at a local campsite will differ greatly to what you will need for the berg. Talk to salespeople and let them know where you will be camping. And talk to experienced hikers and campers.

I once went on a camping trip with friends where we had a family-size tent. It was freezing, and we had brought blankets and no sleeping bags at all. Biggest mistake! Inside a tent you need a sleeping bag for warmth and comfort. You may add a blanket if it’s very cold, but you must be in a sleeping bag!  And please, no blankets for backpacking because you will not be able to carry them in your backpack!

Light

There are no lights at most campsites and in nature, it gets very dark at night. You will need to have a light and headtorch. Ideally you should always have a headtorch with you. It becomes handy in the event you arrive late and have to set up camp in the dark. You can find rechargeable or battery lanterns that won’t cost an arm and a leg. Shop around and find what works for you. And while talking about rechargeable, you may want to have some power banks with you. Some campsites may have electricity points, but many do not have.

Respect other campers and nature

Camping is communal in nature and chances are, unless you’re backpacking as a small group, you will be camping with many other people. This therefore calls for you to be considerate. I’m one of those people who hike to disconnect from my usual life.  I generally don’t like noisy places and going to the bush is me running away from the noise or at least expecting a different kind of noise. It is important to be mindful of other people and to keep the noise to minimum.

The respect should extend to litter. Avoid littering at all costs. Make sure you discard all your trash sensibly. And since you will not be in your territory, you must understand that you may have uninvited visitors. Make sure you secure all your belongings and with food, a sealable container is ideal.

 

Beautiful memories are made by the fireside. (Photos by Tony Sibanda and Td)

I hope you enjoy your camping journey. Like everything else, it may not be for everyone, but who knows, you may just fall in love. Did I mention toiletries? Unless you’re like me – I believe baths and showers are overrated, especially in the bush – please pack your toiletries! Bring your sunscreen and insect repellent. Trusting that you won’t forget clothes. Not that you won’t survive with one set of clothes!

Final tips:

·       If you’re on a base camp hike with your car, bring your camp chair.

·      In all my hiking trips, I’ve never had a chance for board games, but you may bring some, and cards.

·       Practice setting up your tent at home.

·       Make a checklist of all you will need.

·       At the campsite, be open-minded and absorb nature.

·       Make sure you leave the campsite clean!

Finally: What happens at the campsite, stays at the campsite!

Is there anything you’d like to read about as a new hiker? Please share this in the comment section.

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Td