Camping? A Tent Isn't All You Need

First, what do you need for camping?

1. Tent

A tent is essential for camping. Since it directly affects your sleep quality, choose the right tent based on your location and the seasons. If possible, choose a high-quality, windproof, rainproof, and breathable tent.

2. Medicine

Because camping outdoors is prone to insects and ants, medicine is essential. Before setting off, anticipate potential hazards and be prepared.

3. Moisture-proof Mat or Air Mattress

When camping outdoors, the ground will be damp. There are physical moisture-proof mats or inflatable sleeping mats available on the market that can effectively isolate ground moisture, maintain body temperature, and enhance sleep quality.

4. Backpack

You can choose the right backpack size based on the number of days you're camping. Backpacks are often the most suitable type of backpack for camping outdoors, as they are convenient and spacious. We recommend choosing a backpack with compartments to keep your essentials organized.

5. Headlamp

When camping at night, you may feel insecure in an unfamiliar environment. Prepare a headlamp before setting off to keep your hands free for nighttime activities, walking, and camping.

5. Other Items

Common outdoor gear includes a water bottle, binoculars, a waterproof bag, trekking poles, various knives (such as Swiss Army knives), a compass, a functional watch, a GPS, and more. Prepare your gear accordingly.

Precautions for Camping in the Wilderness

1. Weather

When camping in the wild, the first thing to consider is the weather. Before setting off, be sure to check the local weather and avoid rainy days or unpredictable seasons.

2. Rain and Wind Protection

When setting up your tent in the wild, choose a good campsite, reinforce the tent, and enhance its rainproofness. For example, cover it with a rainproof plastic sheet or raincoat, and store all your travel supplies in the tent. For rainproofing, observe the weather before setting up camp. With frequent travel, observing and gaining experience, you'll become more proficient. Because wind direction can be erratic, if possible, bring a wind direction and speed meter, or use the table below to check wind speeds. When keeping a diary, record the highest wind speed of the day to help you choose a windproof campsite.

3. Insect Repellent

Since snakes and insects are unavoidable in the wild, build a fire near your campsite and sweep the ashes around your tent. A fire not only keeps you warm but also repels insects and mosquitoes. The light from the fire scares away snakes, rats, and wild animals, making camping in the wild feel safer.

4. Prepare Supplies

Because camping is outdoors, unlike at home, you must anticipate the unknown and prepare sufficient supplies before setting off. Be sure to bring medicines and common hemostatic and bruise treatments, just in case of emergencies.

Notes on Beach Camping

1. Weather

The first thing to consider when camping at the beach is the weather. Beaches are most susceptible to weather changes. Check the local weather before setting off, and try to avoid rainy days or unpredictable seasons.

2. Tent Location

When camping at the beach, choosing a location is crucial. It's recommended to pitch your tent 3 meters away from the highest historical tide, out of reach of waves and tidewater, to protect against high tides at night. For safety reasons, try to camp in a crowded area so you can find friends to call for help in the event of an emergency.

3. Prepare Supplies

Since camping is outdoors, unlike at home, you must anticipate the unknown and prepare sufficient supplies before setting off. Be sure to bring medications and common hemostatic and bruise treatments, just in case of emergencies. Key essentials for beach camping include: swimsuit, swimming trunks, flip-flops, tent, flashlight, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, drinking water, snacks, and equipment to secure the tent against strong winds. Other items may require individual needs, such as diving goggles, a swim cap, sunglasses, a change of clothes, a sleeping bag, and, if you plan to cook, utensils and cutlery.

4. Mosquito Repellent

There are more mosquitoes at the beach than elsewhere, especially fleas on the sand. Their bites can be very painful, so be prepared to use insect repellent and carry some medicine with you in case you need it. Remember to pull up the mosquito net on your tent before going to bed.

5. Waterproofing

Because the beach can feel a bit damp, especially after rain, the sand can become hard due to moisture. Therefore, it's recommended to buy a sturdy tent that's waterproof and moisture-resistant when camping near the beach.

Grassland Camping Tips

1. Weather

The first thing to consider when camping in the grasslands is the weather. Before setting off, be sure to check the local weather and avoid rainy or unpredictable seasons.

2. Camping Location

Grasslands can have dense grass and even areas with standing water. If you camp, your tent could get flooded. Avoid low-lying areas, stagnant ponds, dense grass, or areas with standing water. Also, be aware of the wind direction and avoid camping in areas facing the wind.

3. Keep Warm

As many people know, the temperature difference between morning and evening in grasslands is quite significant, so it's essential to bring warm clothing and clothing to prevent catching a cold while camping.

4. Insect Repellent

When camping outdoors, snakes and insects are unavoidable. You should take precautions against insects. Sprinkling some wood ash near your tent will effectively prevent infestations of snakes, scorpions, and venomous insects.

5. Prepare Supplies

Since you're camping on the grasslands, you won't have everything you need at home. Before camping, you must anticipate the unknown and prepare sufficient supplies. Be sure to bring medicines and common hemostatic and bruise treatments, just in case of an emergency.

Choosing Snow Camping Supplies

Tents

For winter camping, choose a winter or four-season tent. Make sure it's a double-walled tent for insulation and good breathability. Additionally, when setting up camp, pitch your tent in a dry area, preferably covered with a thick layer of dry leaves. If it's safe to light a fire, it's best to clear a cleared area and light a fire to warm the ground before setting up the tent. Once the ground's coldness enters the body, it's difficult to dispel.

Sleeping Bag

Choose a sleeping bag appropriate for the outdoor temperature. Winter nights in northern China can be quite cold, so a heavyweight down sleeping bag is essential for a comfortable night's sleep.

Mat

It's recommended to use an aluminum film moisture-proof mat in combination with a self-inflating mat. Place the aluminum film moisture-proof mat (XPE foam mat is also acceptable) underneath, and the self-inflating mat on top. This effectively prevents moisture and heat loss, ensuring that body heat is maintained.

Aluminum Film Moisture-Proof Mat

Self-Inflating Mat

Lighting Tools

A headlamp is preferred. Gas lamps, unless they come from a high-altitude gas tank, are unlikely to provide sufficient illumination. Cool glow sticks are also a good option, but use an electric one if possible. Gas lamps from high-altitude gas tanks are also a good option and can provide warmth in the tent.

Stove

If you're choosing an alpine route, ordinary gas tanks are useless in temperatures below -15°C. Therefore, you must choose an alpine gas tank or a high-pressure oil stove.

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles or Nordic walking poles are essential equipment for winter hikes. They not only provide support, conserve energy, and maintain balance, but can also be used to find your way through the snow.

Others

Hats: A hooded cap is best, as it protects your mouth and nose and prevents you from being woken by the cold.

Gloves: One fleece glove and one thicker cotton glove. Fleece gloves are more convenient for movement, while cotton gloves offer greater warmth. Alternate between them.

Thermos: This is essential equipment. It quenches thirst, keeps you warm, and stores 10% of your body's energy. It's recommended to choose a large one with plenty of hot water.

Tips for Camping in the Snow

1. It is best to choose a campsite facing east, as sunrise exposes the tent to sunlight, keeping it warm. Open areas or stream valleys are not suitable for camping, as cold air condenses there at night.

2. When camping in the snow, do not place your sleeping bag directly on ice or snow, as this may cause the ice and snow to melt and cause chills. Before using your sleeping bag, fully fluff it up for better insulation. Keep your sleeping bag dry at all times and dry it in the sun on sunny days. After each use, let out the warm air inside the bag to prevent condensation from cooling and dampening the bag. Avoid overdressing when entering a sleeping bag, as this will cause sweating, dampening the bag and reducing its insulation.

3. Keeping clothing dry, especially gloves and socks, is crucial. Drying them at night is best done over a fire or by placing them inside the sleeping bag, allowing the body heat to dry them while you sleep. Avoid warming your feet with shoes on. This not only hinders drying, but also causes moisture to build up inside. When walking outdoors in the snow and ice, this can condense into ice, making frostbite more likely. Here's a tip: put a plastic bag over your socks before putting on your shoes to keep your feet warm and moisture-proof.

4. When camping in winter, sleeping alone is not as warm as sleeping with two people. Putting two people's bedding together creates a much thicker blanket, and both parties can use their body heat to keep them warm. Whether sleeping alone or together, avoid wearing cotton clothing, as this will only make you colder. Wearing fleece clothing is best. Wear a fur hat with the flaps lowered and worn backwards to prevent frostbite. Exercise before and after bed to dispel the chill.

5. If you can't sleep before dawn and feel thirsty, drink some water first, put on some warm clothes placed inside your sleeping bag, or place a heat pack on your body. Then, eat something high in energy, and drink some water. This will make it easier to fall asleep, as dehydration is a sign of feeling cold. If you still can't fall asleep, read by headlamp to get in the mood for sleep.

6. Never drink alcohol when it's cold. Although drinking alcohol can temporarily make you feel warm, it actually dilates your blood vessels, increasing your body's heat dissipation and leading to weakness.