60 Things on Camping

Some tips, thoughts, and observations on camping.

1. Packing is a skill, pack light.
2. Prioritize the essentials.
3. Have collaborative planning lists or docs.
4. Divide and concur the prep and research work.
5. If going with kids, involve them in packing too, it gets them excited about the trip.
6. The weather app is a handy guide.
7. Plan your route on maps.
8. Camping can be costly, start small, and build gear over time. Don't cave into the pressure of having it all.
9. You will make mistakes with gear.
10. Researching prior on the place and the people preps you for adventure.
11. Be ready to engage all senses, camping is a multisensory adventure. Lots to see, touch, smell, hear, and taste.
12. The journey is the destination.
13. Playlists help, rotate the aux around.
14. Other times silence works, but don't sleep and leave the driver bored.
15. Sometimes the road trip is long, find small joys.
16. Stay observant on the way. Speak about what you see.
17. There's an expansive feeling of leaving the city, landscapes are expansive.
18. You’ll quickly learn that life is expansive too.
19. Sometimes you can camp near home, you don’t always need to take long trips away.
20. It's a chance for unplugging. Do a digital detox, no screens, no algorithms, just you and your curiosity.
21. Getting lost is normal.
22. Prepare to change plans, and stay adaptable.
23. Research on things to do on the way and around camp.
24. Move sustainably, move green, and leave no trace.
25. If camping at National parks, be mindful of park rules and entry times.
26. Pitching camp is a team effort. No matter how tired you are.
27. Upper body strength comes in handy, there’s a lot of lifting.
28. You'll probably have a chance to see the sun go down, never miss the sunset.
29. The pleasure of a cocktail as you watch the sunset.
30. Or the sound of a beer can opening around the campfire.
31. Know how to light a fire.
32. Soon, night bugs come to life.
33. As so do many other animals.
34. Fear is normal, but don’t be too scared. It's part of the thrill.
35. If in a shared campsite, be curious to see other people’s gear, that’s how you get inspired.
36. The camp setup differs, we’re all uniquely creative, get inspired, and tell about it.
37. Observe the night sky.
38. Stargaze.
39. Dance in the moonlight.
40. Enjoy the pitch darkness.
41. Marvel in the silence.
42. Don’t be lax on the sleep setup.
43. Headlamps are a must-have.
44. Quick meals are a hack, get creative, pre-boil, pre-prep, make your life easy but still eat well.
45. Cook before sunset if you can.
46. Dealing with bugs. Long sleeves and socks beat repellents.
47. Carry games, play oral games too.
48. Be up for the sunrise.
49. The smell of morning coffee.
50. Notice the condensation on the tent and car.
51. Have some morning rituals eg setting up the camp table for breakfast.
52. Shower setups will depend on where you camp, so be adaptable.
53. Leave time for activities in the neighborhood. Hiking, game drive, etc.
54. Respect local cultures.
55. You’ll build your camping kit over time. Thrifting saves you money.
56. Frustrations turn to amusing stories later.
57. You’ll soon learn and appreciate the privileges of city life, tap water, light, etc.
58. Keep the adventure spirit during and after camp.
59. Be ready for clean up after camping, sometimes it's dust, and other times it's mud.
60. Inspire others to be out in nature, whatever that means for them.