3 Spring Camping Tips That Will Have You Ready to Hit the Trail

Spring is an incredible time to go camping, whether you’re setting up a tent somewhere locally, or heading out on a road trip. There are so many great benefits to camping this time of year. First of all, the days start to get warmer, and the sun tends to come out at least a few times a day to make things outside simply glisten with natural beauty.

Unfortunately, when we think about Spring and warmer temperatures, we forget that it can still get pretty frigid at night. Beyond that, there are other factors to consider before you pack up the tent and hit the road. Keep these three tips in mind before you make your big Spring camping trip, and it’ll be that much more enjoyable.

1. Choose the Right Sleeping Bag

It’s easy to think you’ll only need a lightweight sleeping bag if the days are getting into the 50s, 60s, or 70s. But, a good rule of thumb is to look at the lows for each night, and choose a bag that will keep you warm a few degrees below that. Being too cold at night because of an inefficient sleeping bag isn’t just annoying, it can be extremely dangerous. If you’re camping somewhere where the temperatures will drop after dark, it’s a safe bet to bring along a winter sleeping bag.

2. Stay Dry

If there is one thing almost everyone can agree on about Spring, it’s that it’s wet. Rain, melting snow, and mud seem to be the cocktail of the season, and even if skies are blue and sunny one minute, there could be a downpour the next. With that in mind, it’s important to bring as much waterproof gear as possible.

That’s especially true when it comes to your clothing. It’s important to keep yourself as dry as you can - especially your feet. Layer up as much as possible, and bring dry bags in case your clothes do get wet, so you won’t contaminate the rest of what you bring along with sopping fabric. Everything from your jacket and boots to your backpack should be ready to take on the elements. The better you are at staying dry, the better your entire camping experience will be.

3. Check Your Gear

If you haven’t been camping all winter, inspect your gear before making a trip. If Spring marks your inaugural trip each year, it’s a great time to make sure everything is in working order. Check for things like tears in tents and tarps, functioning equipment, etc.

It’s even a good idea to check out your clothes. Perhaps your boots had a minor hole in them last fall and you forgot about it. Maybe you don’t have enough layering gear. Or, maybe you need to purchase something new, because it’s simply worn out. We can forget about a lot over the winter, but it’s important to remember the needs of your camping equipment, so you can be as prepared as possible as you head out for that first Spring trip. Just a few extra minutes of simple checks can make a big difference.

Dec 27th 2017