Spring Camping Tips: What You Need to Know

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city but avoid the crowds of established scenic spots, why not find a different way and experience a truly immersive camping experience in nature during this spring season, when the grass is lush and the birds are chirping?

Camping has become a fashionable lifestyle for young people. Playing on the grass, watching the sunset on the waves, snorkeling and watching the fish—while comfortable and relaxing, it also requires a lot of preparation, precautions, and follow-up care. Let us summarize these tips for you.

What Gear Do You Need for Camping?

1. Tents

Tents are generally categorized into three-season tents, four-season tents, and mountain tents. Depending on the number of people using them, they can be categorized as single, double, triple, or multi-person tents. The most common is the three-season two-person tent, commonly used for casual camping in spring, summer, and autumn. Tents come in two different structures: double-layer and single-layer. Double-layer tents offer windproof and rainproof outer sheets, while the inner sheets are breathable. Tent poles are available in fiberglass and aluminum alloy. Aluminum alloy poles are lighter but more expensive, while fiberglass poles are slightly heavier but more cost-effective.

For casual spring camping, tent requirements aren't high; a 3-4 person tent for around 300 yuan will suffice. When choosing a sleeping bag, consider the outer tent's sun protection and waterproofing, the inner tent's spaciousness and breathability, and the weight and bulkiness.

2. Sleeping Bag

Choose a sleeping bag based on the comfort temperature scale (a measure of a sleeping bag's warmth retention) depending on the climate. Down sleeping bags are increasingly popular due to their compressibility, compact size, and light weight, but they are also more expensive. Once damp, their insulation is significantly reduced, so be careful to prevent moisture. Cotton sleeping bags offer less warmth, but are significantly cheaper.

Spring nights can still be a bit chilly, so you don't need a down sleeping bag; cotton will suffice. When choosing a sleeping bag, consider the comfort temperature scale and choose cotton as the filling. Cotton sleeping bags are not only much more affordable than down bags, but also offer moisture resistance and are easy to maintain. Of course, if you're traveling by car, you can bring your own blanket.

3. Moisture-Proof Mat/Air Mattress

To protect yourself, camping requires careful attention to moisture and frost protection. This helps you isolate yourself from ground moisture, maintain your body temperature, and ensure a good night's sleep.

A moisture-proof mat is crucial! Its primary function is to insulate against ground moisture, preventing moisture and freezing. A comfortable night's sleep is essential without one. Currently, foam and self-inflating mats are commonly available.

4. Toiletry Bag

A toiletry bag, which can hold toiletries like towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, soap, shampoo, and more, is a must-have for outdoor travel. Look for one with multiple storage pockets and built-in eyeglasses for easy access.

5. Wind Rope

The wind rope secures the tent. Without it, the wind will howl and make it impossible to sleep. If it rains, you'll be staring at the ocean from your tent.

6. Ground Spikes

Ground spikes are to a tent what the foundation is to a house. A tent without a tent floor will be blown away by the wind. It's even more unsafe if it's windy and rainy.

7. Rainproof/Sunshade

This isn't much to explain; it's just for protection from wind and rain. On sunny days, setting up a simple shelter with a sunshade will give you more freedom than staying in a tent.

8. Pillow

Those who can't live without a pillow should still bring one, or DIY one made from clothing or other items.

9. Camping Light

Outdoor lighting options include camp lights, flashlights, and headlamps. Remember to bring some kind of lighting; you'll need it every time you camp. Camp lights are the most practical for outdoor camping; they're compact, lightweight, and easy to carry.

Even if you're not walking at night, you'll still need a light when moving around. Plus, playing cards or playing games at night is impossible without a camping light.

10. Outdoor First Aid Kit

Specifically, a well-stocked first aid kit should include:

Bandages and gauze of various sizes, antibiotic ointment, sterile rags and douches, pain relievers, tweezers, scissors, and a knife, sunburn relief spray, and antidiarrheal medication. So, what accidents might we face during spring camping? Cuts and scrapes are the most common. When we're out and about, even the smallest things can become dangerous. For example, navigating bushes and thorny trees, encountering cacti, cooking outside, having a campfire, and insect bites can all lead to minor injuries. Therefore, we should be well prepared.

For cuts and scrapes, it's best to use bandages, clean, sterile rags, and antibiotic ointment. Hydrogen peroxide comes in handy when cleaning wounds.

If you're sitting close to a campfire and embers blow into your eyes, rinsing your eyes with salt water is a good remedy.

For insect bites, scrapes, and cuts, using analgesics is highly effective.

If you're stung by a thorn or splinter, use tweezers to remove the splinter or thorn, and use scissors or a knife to cut bandages and small ropes.

For headaches, use aspirin and acetaminophen for pain relief. For gastrointestinal problems and stomach upset, take the antidiarrheal medications provided in your first aid kit.

In addition to the medications mentioned above, you'll also want to keep aloe vera cream handy for immediate pain relief after sunburns. During the hot summer months, you should also protect your skin with lip balm and sunscreen. A snake bite first aid kit is also crucial.

Finally, a reminder for campers: regularly check your first aid kit and restock it with essential supplies. Expired medications should be replaced immediately. Remember: No matter when you go camping, be a savvy camper by preparing a well-stocked and practical first aid kit.

How much does camping cost?

A family television program still vividly depicts the participants setting up their tents. The spacious tents offer a unique experience, with two rooms: one for sleeping and the other for cooking.

In reality, for simple camping, you don't need such a large tent; a simple two-person tent is sufficient. Camping tents are categorized into three-season (spring, summer, and autumn) tents, four-season tents, and alpine tents. Three-season tents are the most commonly used for regular camping. If you're not looking for a well-known outdoor brand, you can find a relatively inexpensive two-person tent online for just over 100 yuan.

Sleeping bags mainly come in three types: cotton, fleece, and down. Cotton sleeping bags generally cost between 100 and 200 yuan.

Choosing a sleeping bag depends on the specific conditions of your campsite, primarily considering the comfort temperature. Thicker cotton sleeping bags are generally rated for a comfort temperature of around -8°C to -10°C, but are generally suitable between 0°C and -5°C. In warmer, hotter weather, a sleeping bag liner and a standard air-conditioning quilt are sufficient.

Many online stores offer camping packages, the best of which cost only 300-400 yuan and include a tent, double sleeping bag, air mattress, tent lantern, flashlight, and other essential camping items.

Cooking is another important aspect of camping, so a stove is essential. Typical stoves cost under 100 yuan, and a complete set of cookware for four or more people is around 200 yuan.

If you're planning on hiking, a large backpack, trekking poles, and a headlamp are essential. A backpack of 50-70L is ideal, costing between 200-600 yuan. Trekking poles typically cost between 70-160 yuan. In other words, a complete and simple camping set only costs around 600 yuan. Of course, you'll also need essentials like a map, compass, and matches. Since most camping sites are free, accommodation is essentially free. Accommodation in Hong Kong and Macau can easily cost thousands of yuan, so a single camping trip will essentially recoup the cost of your gear, making it a truly unique and budget-friendly option.

Things Not to Do

Many people consider camping by the sea or the mountains with a loved one or friends, a truly romantic experience. While it's natural to incorporate small touches to create a romantic atmosphere, there's nothing wrong with that. However, be careful not to translate these fantasies into reality, as they can ruin your wonderful camping experience.

Tent by the Water

Pitching your tent by the water, beside a gurgling stream, or on a low-tide beach, and falling asleep to the gentle sounds of the water or waves – this is the ideal camping experience for many. Have you ever dreamed of it? However, be aware that pitching your tent near water is dangerous. Floods, flash floods, and storms can arrive at any time, putting you in imminent danger. Therefore, avoid pitching your tent near water.

By the Campfire, in Candlelight

Playing guitar by a roaring campfire, or lighting candles in your tent while chatting with loved ones or friends—are you planning to try it this camping trip? However, remember that most tent materials are not fireproof, and some burn very quickly. Therefore, avoid using open flames, including candles, in your tent, and keep your campfire away from the tent. For added atmosphere, use a camp lantern or headlamp instead. If possible, keep a full fire bucket outside your tent for emergencies.

Watching the Stars from a High Hill

High in the hills, the wind blows quietly, and in the deep, dark sky, the stars twinkle like gemstones. So, have you decided to pitch your tent on a high hill, ready to quietly enjoy the rare night view? Don't. The weather is unpredictable, with unpredictable weather, including rain, sun, and thunder. Strong winds at high altitudes can catch you off guard.

Spring Nights: Casual Clothing

Thinking of wearing casual clothing while camping? Don't do that. Spring is full of insects, especially at night. It's best to wear long, close-fitting clothes and pants to avoid bites and tangle from branches. If your clothes are loose, tuck in your pants and cuffs.

Therefore, choose your campsite carefully. When deciding on a tent site, first take out your inflatable mattress and try to spread it out on the desired surface. Lay down and check for any tilted areas or obvious protrusions. Also, try camping near a water source for easy access for washing and cooking.

Furthermore, be wary of mosquitoes. Especially in southern China, mosquitoes are a common problem throughout spring, summer, and autumn. This problem is even more severe on still nights. Therefore, avoid campsites near stagnant ponds or dense grassy areas, as these are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Furthermore, mosquitoes don't congregate in well-ventilated areas, so when choosing a campsite, choose a location with good ventilation, such as between two mountains or in a well-ventilated tunnel. It's also a good idea to have some insect repellent, such as Wubi Di or Fengyoujing, on hand to prevent mosquito bites.

What else should you keep in mind?

1. In early spring, temperatures fluctuate drastically. Camping can inevitably involve cold, rainy weather, dense fog, severe convection, and thunderstorms. Therefore, dress appropriately—neither too much nor too little. Generally, it's important to obtain local climate information for your destination in advance, and remember to bring a warm jacket to prevent catching a cold.

2. When out and about, maintain good hygiene and avoid spending extended periods in crowded areas. Choose areas with good air quality, such as hiking, the beach, or forests.

3. Rain is inevitable in early spring, so rain gear is essential for camping, especially a small folding umbrella or a disposable raincoat. When traveling and encountering rainy days, be careful not to slip, fall, or drop when taking photos, prioritizing personal safety.

4. Wear comfortable shoes. Women should avoid high heels when traveling. If your feet become red and swollen from walking, soak them in hot water before bed to unclog the meridians.

5. When traveling, remember to carry a small booklet with you containing important contact numbers and other information. This will be very useful if you need help. A waterproof booklet is even better!

6. Spring is a humid season, making it particularly prone to mosquitoes and bacteria. Therefore, avoid drinking raw water and eating unhygienic food.

7. If you have a history of motion sickness, seasickness, or airsickness, avoid eating large meals before traveling. Take anti-sickness medication such as sea sickness tablets or chew gum or foods containing glucose. Choose a well-ventilated seat and take immediate action if you feel unwell.

8. If lightning strikes a hotel, disconnect all electrical appliances, close doors and windows, and maintain a safe distance from them.

9. Avoid sitting in cool, damp areas to avoid getting sick from moisture.

10. People with allergies should be especially careful about their spring outing locations and avoid areas with flowers. They can also take anti-allergic medications such as chlorpheniramine or ankylosing chlorpheniramine beforehand to prevent pollen allergies.

11. Spring's beautiful weather and gentle breezes make it a perfect time for outdoor photography. Before setting off, it's best to check your camera's performance, make sure the battery is fully charged, and avoid getting your camera wet.

12. Since it's difficult to accurately estimate the duration of a hike, be sure to prepare plenty of drinking water, food, and common medications, such as mosquito repellent, antidiarrheal medication, and mercurochrome.

13. Bringing a lighter, binoculars, and a multi-purpose knife will enhance your outdoor enjoyment.

Post-Camping Precautions

1. Campsite Cleaning

When outdoors, be sure to protect the natural environment. Fires must be completely extinguished when leaving camp. Whenever possible, remove all trash and waste and dispose of it in designated areas. If this is not possible, bury the trash in a pit.

2. Cleaning and Maintenance of Camping Gear

Tents: After each camping trip, clean the inner and outer tents, poles, and ground pegs. Tents generally cannot be washed in a washing machine. Instead, rinse with a non-alkaline detergent and allow them to air dry in the shade. Store in a cool, dry place.

Sleeping Bags: Air dry your sleeping bag after use. Prioritize spot cleaning and minimize overall cleaning to avoid degrading the bag's performance. Hand washing is recommended, and avoid wringing. Allow the bag to air dry after washing, avoiding high-temperature drying. After drying, gently pat it dry and allow it to expand naturally before storing.