IF YOU are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s no better way to feel free and at peace than by being surrounded by nature.
Apart from a morning hike or a trail run, you can try camping, which requires you to be physically and mentally ready.
You also need the right equipment for your hike and stay at a camp site.
Metro Online spoke to three experienced campers, who doled out useful tips for first-time campers.
1. Research the camp area
Before going on a camping trip, the first step is to identify where and when your trip will be.
Invest time in reading up on the location online, ask friends and read blogs.
However, no amount of research can prepare you for the outdoor experience and, therefore, it would be best to consult a camp guide,
You should also check on the weather to determine ground conditions during your planned trip.
An important tip is to find out if there are any facilities such as toilets and electricity at the camp ground.
Nature guide Mohd Faizal Mohd Asri suggests that first-time campers also find out if there is a nearby police or fire station in case of an emergency.
2. Test camping equipment
Before going, you would, of course, need to acquire the right gear.
To avoid an unpleasant trip out in the wilds, ensure that you test out all equipment beforehand, this means learning to pitch your tent in an open area before heading into the jungle, and testing out all lighting equipment.
3. Don’t rely on campfire
In an ideal campsite, we would have a nice campfire to keep mosquitoes away and keep us warm at night.
However, in reality, not everyone is a master at starting a fire.
Don’t worry if you lack the knowledge as these days you need not depend on the traditional way of obtaining light in the dark. Instead, bring lanterns or headlights to light up the campsite, bring a mini barbecue set, mini gas stove or Bunsen burner to start a fire to cook your meals.
4. Buy quality equipment
Though it is possible to rent camp equipment, it is best to have your own.
When purchasing equipment, be sure to look at quality and not too much at the price.
The trick with camping gear is that you can share the cost with friends as there are tents for two, four or eight people.
So why not put money into something that will last you for years and share the burden with a few other friends?
However, buying quality goods does not mean you need to overspend.
Before making a purchase, make a list of items needed.
The basic necessities in any camping trip are a 35/50litre backpack, groundsheet for padding when lying in the tent, fly sheet for shelter from rain and heat, raincoat or windbreaker, headlamp, a walking stick if trekking to the camp area, and cooking equipment such as a mini gas stove or barbecue set, mosquito repellent, first-aid kit and a sleeping bag.
It is also advisable to bring a penknife for general use and emergencies, not to hurt the trees by carving your name in the bark.
5. Buying the right tent and pitching it
Wrong bedding can make you shiver with cold at night.
When buying a tent, think about the weather conditions and buy accordingly.
Since Malaysia only experiences rain and shine, the best tent to use is one with extra layers that keep rainwater out of your tent.
The extra layer is needed to ensure you won’t feel the dampness of the ground, apart from preventing water from entering the tent.
If your tent does not have extra sheets, purchase ground and fly sheets, which are placed over and under the tent
There are four factors to take into account when choosing a spot to pitch your tent.
If you are camping by a lake or waterfall, ensure that you pitch your tent about 50m from the bank to avoid flood water when it rains.
Your camp spot must be determined by three eye levels — above, at eye level and below eye level.
For above, look up to see if there are any dead branches that could break off.
It is crucial that you do not pitch your tent directly under a tree, but it can be pitched under the ends of healthy branches.
Also look out for any beehives or animals living in the trees.
At eye level, look around for animal markings. This could indicate that animals live in the area.
Food sources like fruits from a plant can also show if animals visit the area.
At ground level, lookout for animal tracks and ant hills.
Once it’s all clear, you can now pitch your tent.
Watch the video for how to set up your tent.
6. Use proper attire
Some people believe that their futsal shoes can be used for everything, even trekking.
However, it does not have the right grip and can cause more harm on your journey.
The best footwear are trekking shoes or sturdy rubber shoes.
If you are more experienced and know the proper way to trek, where to step and how to descent, then you are free to wear sandals or any footwear you deem comfortable.
Wear dri-fit clothing and if you are spending the night, bring micro-fibre towels so that it will dry faster.
7. Be early to the campsite
Plan out your journey to the campsite to ensure you make it there before sundown.
If the journey to the campsite requires a little trekking, make sure you take into account how far you have to drive to the location, trek and set up camp.
It is best to set up equipment while the sun is still out so that you can have a clear view of what’s around you before setting up.
8. Consult a doctor before camping
Ensure that you have your medication with you if you suffer from illnesses such as asthma.
Those who had undergone operations in the last six months should avoid camping.
Your health could be affected as your body might still be weak.
For those who suffer from muscle cramps, best to leave it to rest before heading out for a camp experience.
Be sure to also carry a first-aid kit for the group.
9. Keep in contact or travel with experienced campers
Once you’re in the outdoors, you are 100% exposed to danger.
As beginners, it is advisable to travel with an experienced camper or consult a camp guide.
If you’re travelling with friends, ensure that you note down important emergency numbers or leave a message with family, friends or the camp marshall or supervisor on the expected time and day of return.
You can even bring along a walkie-talkie or radio to keep in contact, in case of any emergencies.
10. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints
Nature guide Mohd Faizal says many foreign tourists are impressed by Malaysia’s lush greenery but irked by the rubbish littering camp grounds.
As first-time campers, remember to always keep the campground clean.
Leave the site the same way you would want to see it next time.
Remember to pack up all rubbish into a plastic bag and dispose of it into a rubbish bin.
Camp guides urge campers to respect nature and it will respect you too.
When camping, take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, waste nothing but your time and burn nothing but passion.
These are just some of the tips for new campers.
For full details of what is needed before camping, consult a camp guide or any outdoor organisations.
Special thanks to campers Mohd Faizal Mohmad Asri, Sofia Ghazemy and Harith Salleh.
courtesy of: KATHLEEN MICHAEL and thestar.com
