Camping is a great way to make the most of outdoor life while also spending lots of quality time with family. Here are our top tips for first-time campers.
While staycations have been on the rise in recent years, camping has also topped the charts for many families across Ireland wanting to make the most of life outdoors and spending quality time as a whole.
In a world of technology, families now want to reconnect with nature and get away from all the usual distractions at home. Not only that - once you have invested in all the basics, it's a super affordable holiday year in year out, pending you look after your equipment.
I recently caught the camping bug and reached out to numerous camping pro's for their top tips when it comes to living life outdoors and this is what they had to say:
Consider the size of the tent.
It is all well and good getting a monstrosity of a tent for space but will it fit in the boot of your car? Where will you store it from one trip to the next? This is the kind of stuff you need to consider when purchasing your tent, otherwise, you may be left stranded before you've left the garden with all the other equipment you may need for your trip.
Air or pole?
Out of pure convenience, most campers have scrapped pole tents in preference to air tents these days. While air tents are easier to put up they do cost a little more, so it's worth exploring both options before you decide what tent is right for you.
Bigger is always better!
Camping is about getting away and reconnecting as a family but how much is too much? The campers we spoke with recommended to go up a size for added comfort. They told us that a 4 to 6 person family should invest in an eight-man tent and it makes complete sense to us.
Know the basics.
The weather in Ireland is so unpredictable at times and unfortunately, the wet windy weather can wreak havoc on any little adventure but nobody wants to be swimming in a pool of puddler.
It is highly recommended to buy a tent with a built-in groundsheet to prevent any leaks while also keeping critters away.
Another must-have includes investing in a tent with a hydrostatic head with a minimum of 3000. Hydrostatic head is a way of measuring how waterproof a piece of fabric is, so the higher the better and dryer you will be.
Get different rooms.
If camping with different age groups such as teens, tween and toddlers, our source recommended buying a tent with different rooms, allowing older kids to have a lie-in away from talkative toddlers.
Campers also recommend a tent with a large porch for added comfort so if it's raining you can leave the tent open, otherwise you're stuck inside until the rain subsides.
When is best to buy?
Campers across Ireland recommend shopping for your tent and other necessary equipment offseason. In Winter, most camping shops both on and offline hold various sales to keep them in business through the colder months.
Research your site.
And finally, it is highly recommended to research your campsite before you travel. Camping pro's recommend sites on flat land, with shower and toilet facilities and sites with electrical and water hookups.
