Some people prefer to travel alone, and with it being a new year it might be something for you to try out. It’s a liberating experience which will give you some experience as an independent traveller. But for people going alone for the first time, it can be scary to venture out without someone else there with you. You’ll need to research, prep and plan as much as you can.
A tent/shelter: A tent might seem like an easy essential to choose, but finding the right one for your trip can be tough. You want one that’s easy to put up and down, and fold away nicely with your other belongings. Make sure it’s waterproof so that you’re protected from any harsh weather.
Sleeping gear: If you’re planning on camping somewhere cold, you’ll need to stay as warm as possible, so you don’t put yourself at risk of getting sick. A thick, well insulated sleeping bag with layers will keep you heated throughout the night. You can also bring a sleeping mat if you think there’ll be uneven terrain.
Cooking equipment: Some people prefer to just bring pre-packaged snacks while camping, but a cooker, fuel and one travel pan can set you up nicely to cook some substantial meals. You can even get travel utensils – just remember to follow the safety rules for outdoor cooking.
Laundry and washing: This is something that a lot of campers forget about, but dirt can gather quickly so you need to stay on top of your washing. Bringing a designated bag for your dirty clothing, and a separate one for your utensils will stop any cross contamination.
If you’re planning on bringing a car, you can take advantage of the extra space. You should still try and keep packing minimal, and if you struggle with overpacking, try and make a packing list to stick to.
What Should You Wear?
If you’re planning on doing lots of hiking and working up a sweat, moisture wicking base layers are perfect for body temperature regulation. Cold and wet weather can be dangerous if you’re not covered up properly, so make sure you also carry waterproofs.
But even if the weather looks cloudy, they don’t stop UV rays from coming through. You can get sunglasses and even head protection to stop them penetrating your skin. Always put on high factor sun cream for extra security.
Footwear needs to have a good amount of grip to stop you slipping, especially if you plan on doing steep climbs. Think about investing in some thick socks too, so your feet are fully covered and comfy.
How Can You Stay Safe?
There’s plenty of ways you can keep yourself protected when travelling, it just takes some preparation.
Always carry some water with you, as dehydration can become dangerous when on a long journey. If you can, try and memorise the route you’ll be taking or print out a physical map of your trail. Have someone you trust be aware of your itinerary, or let them track your location, so they can see exactly where you are.
A whistle, torch and even a multitool are also great additional extras that you can clip to your backpack. Take a look at some of our destinations to see where’s next for you or contact us here for some more advice.
