Camping for Beginners: What You Need to Know for Your First Camping Adventure

Camping for Beginners: What You Need to Know for Your First Camping Adventure

A Guide for Camping Newbies

For me, camping means sleeping in a tent somewhere out in nature – the further away from civilization, the better. In this guide, I’ll share what you really need for your first camping trip, what gear is more of a luxury but totally worth having, and everything you need to know to make your experience as enjoyable (and safe!) as possible. From choosing the right campsite to packing the essentials and staying safe, I’ve got you covered.

Essential Gear You Really Need

You’ll quickly realize that camping doesn’t require much gear, especially if you’re only going for one night. We tend to overpack, thinking we need everything, but trust me – keeping it light makes a huge difference, especially when it comes to hiking with a heavy backpack. 

Here’s the basic gear you’ll need:

Sleeping Bag: Nothing is worse than being cold all night and not being able to sleep. Make sure you get a sleeping bag that’s the right temperature for where you’re camping, isn’t too long or too short, and packs up easily. It’s worth getting advice from an expert at a camping store, where you can try them out before you buy. This is my sleeping bag, I had it for a few years now and still use it a lot, so every month definitly, nearly every week if I can. I'm 1,58cm and freezing all the time, but this one is alright for me. 

Tent: If it’s your first time camping, you can borrow a tent from a friend or family member. Tents are expensive, and it’s smart to try one out first before buying your own. Depending on what kind of camping you’ll do in the future (one-night trips, multi-day hikes, with friends, etc.), your choice of tent may change. But starting with something borrowed is a great option. This is my tent: Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 2.  I use it for multidays hike, for two people, in 3 seasons. It does get fresh in autumn I have to say, but it's doable and super light and easy to pack. It's an advanced tent already and non I recommend for beginners that barley use it. 

CAmping for BEginners Guide Tent hike
Shoes: The right shoes can make or break your trip. If you’re only planning to hike 2-3 km, comfortable sneakers will probably be fine. But if you’re doing more serious hiking, it’s worth investing in proper hiking boots. Personally, I’m not a fan of high-top boots, but my partner swears by them. Everyone has different feet and walking styles, so it’s important to try on a few pairs and see what works for you. I’ve been wearing Merrell Moab 3 woman  shoes for years, and they’ve taken me over 400 km with no issues! Comfort over looks!
Backpack: If you don’t want to invest in a backpack right away, try borrowing one from friends or family. Backpacks can be pricey, and most people don’t hike every day, so it’s often better to find a used one in good condition. I’ve had my Deuter backpack for over 13 years – it’s been all over the world with me, and aside from a tiny tear, it’s still going strong. (This is the new version of my backpack, they changed a lot over these years to make them lighter and better to pack..) When buying a backpack, make sure it fits your body properly. The hip straps should be snug, but not too tight. Try a few different ones in stores, and get advice from a profesionel. Some stores like Globetrotter even let you try backpacks on and return them if they don’t work for you. Big fan of that!
Guide foe camping newbies

    Us in Albania on a 5 day hike !

    Packing List for Your First Camping Trip

    • Tent
    • Sleeping mat
    • Sleeping bag
    • Pillow (I often make one from my clothes)
    • Backpack
    • Trash bags
    • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper)
    • Spare Socks and T-shirt
    • Water bottle
    • Rain/Windjacket
    • Hat and sunscreen when sunny
    Food: Plan your meals carefully. For a one-night trip, you’ll need: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner. Maybe pack a snack or two for the trail. Depending on what food you bring, you might also need

      - Gas stove with full gas (always check!)
      - Pan, spoon, and/or pot
      - Cup
      - Cutlery
      - Something to clean with (sponge or cloth)
      - Plate

        Packliste und guide for first time camping
        We borrowed a tent in Tasmania, Australia and went there on a beautiful hike at Wineglass Bay!

        Luxury Gear (The Stuff That Makes Life Easier)

        • Headlamp: Sure, you can use your phone for light, but having a headlamp is a game changer. It frees up your hands for cooking, setting up camp, or just moving around at night. It’s so much more convenient when you can see without holding something in your hand.
        • Water Filter Bottle: I recommend a water filter bottle so you don’t have to carry a ton of water. It’ll lighten your load and make the hike more comfortable. Plus, you’ll always have access to clean water, and it’s better for the environment than buying plastic bottles. Just make sure you know if there are water sources nearby – and always check that the water is flowing, not stagnant. If you’re relying on a lake, you might need to boil the water before drinking it. I use two different bottles when I'm on long hikes. First is a normal bottle just to drink from and the second lets you filter the bottle into pots, for cooking.
        • Solar Power Bank: A solar power bank can be a game-changer, especially during the summer. If it’s your first time camping, you might find yourself using your phone more often – navigating the trails, researching nearby spots, or simply taking photos. A power bank will come in handy for the journey back, ensuring you don’t run out of battery when you need it most. For multi-day hikes, it’s even more essential, as you often won’t have access to electricity. With the solar charging option, you can recharge your phone or camera throughout the day, so you’ll never have to worry about running out of power, even in the summer heat
        Camping for beginners guide

        What to Look for When Choosing a Campsite

        You’ll want to find flat ground that’s big enough for your tent, with a little extra space to move around. Depending on the weather, you might want some protection from the wind – look for spots with trees or bushes nearby. I’d recommend avoiding camping in the rain for your first time, so always check the weather beforehand and make sure you’re prepared.

        Don’t camp too close to a river – the water level could rise. Also, watch how water drains from the area, so you don’t end up sleeping in a puddle if it rains.

        Move any large rocks that could be uncomfortable under your sleeping mat, and be mindful of not camping on fragile plants or in sensitive areas. Respect nature!

        Albania camping tent beginner

        How to Stay Safe – The Basics

        • Know the emergency number! It’s different in every country, so make sure you know what it is for the area you’re camping in. Know the place where you're camping, don't trust your phone!
        • Check for wildlife: Be aware of what animals live in the area, and find out if any are dangerous. For example, wild boars in Germany can be dangerous.
        • Take a first aid kit: Always bring one, even if it’s just for a day hike. You never know when an injury could happen, and it’s always at the worst possible moment.
        • Pack more layers than you think you’ll need: One of the biggest dangers when camping is hypothermia, especially if the weather changes unexpectedly.
        • Download offline maps on your phone: That way, you can find your way back if needed. If you’re more old school, take a paper map with you (and make sure you know how to read it!).  I can recommand you two Apps: Maps.me makes it possible to download complete maps and can be used for driving. And Alltrails, this one allows you to download hikingtrails and navigate your path, you would know if you get of the path and maybe lost. It works really well and is also a good source for trail research. 
        Hiking with a map

        The Best Way to Set Up Camp

        Get your camp set up as soon as you arrive, before you get too tired or hungry. Setting up during daylight is important so you can see where you’re pitching your tent and make sure you have enough space. Set up your tent and sleeping mat (if it’s an inflatable one, give it time to inflate), followed by your sleeping bag and pillow. Prepare your clothes for the night and make sure you know where everything is. 

        After you made dinner, make sure to store you food away from animals.

        Don’t forget your headlamp – take it out before it gets dark so you can easily find it when you need it.

        Once everything’s ready, it’s time to relax and enjoy your night under the stars. Maybe you can make a campfire, only light a fire if you are confident you will have it under control. Also check if it's allowed in the area and that time of the year. Be very careful with fire!

        You did it! Wohooo!!

        Newbie Camper guide

        I hope this guide helps you have an unforgettable first camping experience! Enjoy the peace of nature and don’t forget to capture all those beautiful moments. I’m sure you’ll come back from your adventure with amazing photos and even better memories! 

        Your Xenia

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