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.
Show some love by following (open in browser if
you’re using a cell phone) and sharing this post!
Td
