Summary: Kicking off your camping season in early spring lets you experience the reawakening of nature. Less crowded than in summer, you will be the first to make the most of the extending daylight hours. This time is perfect for honing your camping skills and laying a solid foundation for more autonomous and immersive wild camping adventures later in the year.
Camping in the spring
Rise up from your winter hibernation and gear up. As the days stretch out in front of us and the air warms, it's the perfect time for some early-season camping. Whether you're planning to set up camp in one of the UK national parks, dreaming of pitching up in the Alps or staying local, early-season outings come with their own set of adventures.
Early-season camping is that sweet spot when nature wakes up - think less crowded sites, blossoms, and leaping lambs. It's your time to Catch Nature Off Guard, but you are going to have to be quick; it's no slouch.
But, alak, it's not all sunshine and rainbows; the weather can be as unpredictable as the American elections. One minute you are basking in a gentle sun, and the next, you're scrambling to pull on your waterproof trousers. And let's remember those cooler nights that can catch us all out.
Essential gear for early-season camping
The good news is that gearing up is half the fun. Pull what you have from the cupboards, get the tent up in the garden, and give your outdoor clothing a good wash and reproof. How are you looking? Do you have a few things that no longer fit but could be passed on? Get them packed off to Continuum. Better still, take them along to a store and treat yourself to a replacement at the same time.
Shelter
A 3-season tent is ideal. If you are starting out car camping on a campsite, make the most of your space. Look for a tent with lots of internal space; we call it liveable space. Mesh doors will keep the bugs at bay, and handy pockets will keep your bits and bobs off the floor. Our tents are waterproof and have taped 'bathtub' floors to keep you dry.
Where once upon a time tents were triangular shaped, you are now spoilt for choice. We have domed, hooped and pyramid tents, and yes, we still have a triangular tent. Everything comes back around if you wait long enough.
If you are backpacking, a good rule of thumb is to aim for around 1kg per person - so a decent 3-person backpacking tent would be about 3kg. It gets trickier when you go solo as you can't share the load, but you should still be able to get under 1.3 kilograms with a lightweight solo tent. Ours go a lot lighter than this, especially when you start going down the rabbit hole that is bivvying.
Sleeping System
That's just a fancy way of saying sleeping bag and sleeping mat. The nights can still get nippy whether in the UK or camped out in an Alpine meadow. Don't think you can get away with your 2 season lightweight bag just yet. Cosy up in a sleeping bag rated for springtime temperatures, and you won't be put off for the rest of the year.
Your sleeping bag is half the story; pair it with an insulated sleeping mat to prevent the ground sucking away your warmth. Sleeping mats are available as closed cell foam; these are really good at insulating as they trap lots of dead air, but they are bulky to carry and not the most comfy to sleep on. Inflatable mats are really lightweight and pack down tiny, so they are a good option for backpacking. Self-inflating mats are a good compromise between the two. They have foam inside the mat, which inflates when you open a valve, creating a thick, comfy sleeping surface which still packs down small.
Layer Up
If you have spent some time on our site, you will know we are always banging the drum about layering. It is nothing complicated; start with a moisture-wicking base, add an insulating fleece, and top it off with a waterproof shell. Now, for your legs, they rarely get the same attention as your top half, which is a shame because they are super important. We recommend walking trousers that are windproof, quick-drying and have some stretch built in. You will appreciate the stretch when crawling in and out of your tent. Top them off with some breathable, waterproof trousers. Even if you are not venturing into the mountains, they will keep the morning dew off or reduce the chill sitting around camp in the evening.
Yes, it will get chilly in the evening, so remember your insulating jacket - either down or synthetic, however you roll.
Camp Kitchen
Everyone looks forward to meal times; it must be something to do with all that fresh air. We are big fans of keeping things simple, hearty Onepot wonders that can be cooked up with minimal faff with a lightweight stove, some fuel, and easy-peasy meals to keep your belly full. Remember, a durable mug for your morning brew! You may already have this stuff sorted in your go box.
Transitioning to wild camping
Feeling adventurous? Wild camping could be the next step in your outdoor journey. Wild camping isn't about wild weather, and you don't need to be Bear Grylls to do it. In its simplest form, it is leaving a few home comforts behind and pitching your tent somewhere out of the way.
Think unmarked pitches, starlit skies, and the thrill of self-sufficiency.
In the UK, wild camping has its rules, especially in England and Wales, so always check the local guidelines. With the right to roam in Scotland, it's easier. And the Alps? Well, it's a mixed bag, beyond the scope of this article, so research is vital.
Remember, wild camping is a privilege. Embrace the Leave No Trace principles to keep your wild spots pristine. Pick your site carefully, avoiding fragile ecosystems and staying out of sight. And always, always carry out what you carry in.
Upgrade your gear for wild camping
As you venture further from the beaten path, your gear list can get more... sophisticated. It's starting to get a bit more exciting. Wild camping is a self-supported adventure, so here's how to soup up your camping kit:
- Water on tap: A reliable backpacking water filter or purification tablets to ensure you stay hydrated without nasty surprises.
- Pack smart: A comfy, well-fitted backpack is your mobile home. Look for something that hugs your back without weighing you down. Pack your belongings in dry bags, even if your backpack has a rain cover. Choose a large one if you want to use it as a rucksack liner.
- Light the way: The days may be getting longer, but we pack a headtorch all year round. It keeps your hands free for camp chores and has your back if the day hasn't gone to plan.
- The way of the bivviest: If a tent doesn't pack enough adventure for you, the next step is a bivvy. Pure reductionism, a bivvy bag provides a waterproof outer for your sleeping bag, providing the lightest shelter you can carry with the best view of the stars. 2024 is expected to tease us with some of the best Northern Lights displays in 11 years.
- Suspend your inhibitions: If you don't like the idea of sleeping on the ground, give hammocking a go. Of course, you will need a couple of trees, so if you plan to cross the Sahara, there might be better choices. Once suspended, a hammock provides a unique wild camping experience, and with a tarp slung over the top, you will be protected from the weather.
With the proper prep and gear, early season and wild camping can be the best way to kickstart your summer of outdoor adventure. Set your intentions now, get those first few outings on your calendar and make the most of the extending daylight hours.
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