Camping and Boating on the Norfolk Broads

SUMMER CAMPING CHECK LIST

You don’t need a lot to go camping with Outdoorlads – sometimes ‘less is more’. The more clutter you bring the longer it takes to set up and pack up, and the less time you’ll have to socialise. We are a friendly bunch and if you are new to camping and don't have things like a kettle or stove, you should find others around you are helpful and willing to share. the following is useful advice:

Your tent:

You get what you pay for with these. A cheap ‘pop-up’ tent may suffice in better weather, but a proper tent designed for regular use is a good long-term investment, should you get the ‘camping bug’. Nylon tents are light but can suffer condensation issues. Fabric tents stay warmer at night and cooler by day but are expensive. Alloy poles last longer than fibre-glass. A tent that goes up ‘outer first’ is very handy should you arrive in rain. Dark colours keep out the early summer dawn, but also attract heat in the day when you don't want it but then radiate it by night when you want to retain it.

Please keep in mind that space is sometimes restricted when we pitch up as a group. If you bring a tent big enough to sleep 6, but just for yourself, this may take up too much space. Also we cannot always park cars right alongside tents. So you may have to carry all your stuff a longish distance. The heavier your tent the harder that will be.

Your bed:

An absolute must is some sort of mat, this will insulate you from the cold ground and provide some comfort from bumps and lumps. These fall into three categories – rigid, blow up and self-inflating (SIM). Of the three the latter is the easier to use, most comfortable and durable, but can be the bulkiest.

Sleeping bags are chosen for the season and compactness. Pay more for a lightweight compact model that’s also warm.  However if you are coming by car and space isn’t an issue you can always bring the duvet from home! Keep in mind that even in August in Southern England, temperatures at ground level can dip to single figures. If your bedding is marginal some thermal undergarments will be much nicer than sleeping fully clothed.

A torch, headtorch, or lantern:

Once it is dark you’ll need this to see what you are doing inside your tent, or for walking after dark on or off site. However you don't want  something so powerful it will wake up everyone else!

Something to eat from and with:

I.e. a plate, bowl, mug, cutlery. Again if you are coming by car you can nick stuff from the kitchen at home, otherwise camping shops sell all manner of folding and stacking utensils. You will need something to clean it with.

Something to cook with:

If the camping site has a café etc and you can eat out, then you can skip on this, otherwise you will need some sort of stove, and something non stick to cook in – a couple of pans and a big spoon or two. Gas can work out expensive in the long run. If you are going to camp often by car, then a petrol powered Coleman stove will outperform most others and be far cheaper in fuel to use.

By heating things that are pre-cooked in packets or tins you can have a nutritious meal in minutes with hardly any washing up.

Remember you'll need food for breakfast and the daytime acitvities, unless otherwise advised.

Other things:

Don't forget your wash kit, shaver, and a towel or two. Some items worth their weight in gold when camping: earplugs, insect repellent and sting relief cream, plastic bags, a kitchen paper roll, a piece of string 3m long to make a washing line for drying stuff, a second pair of trainers or sandals for walking across wet grass or if your boots are all muddy, if you like a few beers of an evening and don't want a 100m walk to the toilet block at 2AM something to pee in ;-), last but not least a camping chair (otherwise you'll be sitting on the ground or standing!)

For your comfort and safety please be prepared for the anticipated weather and the terrain of the walk - keep in mind the following:

Boots:  Hiking boots  that  are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support, are important as soon as you encounter any mud. Cross trainers may suffice in good weather and flat routes.

Socks:  Proper walking socks keep your feet dry, and help prevent blisters.

Walking Trousers:  (ideally water resistant) will be more comfortable than Jeans which are heavy and cold when wet.  From April to October shorts are usually a better bet.

Waterproof Over-Trousers:  essential in any significant rainfall.  Breathable ones are best.

Layered clothing: allows you to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature. E.g. a base layer or a cotton T-Shirt; a mid layer like a micro fleece, or a rugby type thick shirt,  and in cooler weather an outer layer consisting of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece. 

Waterproof Jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather.  You get what you pay for with these. Breathable fabrics are advisable.

Hat: essential both in mid winter to preserve heat and in summer to prevent sunburn and heatstroke. 

Gloves: essential in frosty weather.

Small Rucksack: One that is comfortable to wear is essential so that you can use your arms freely. Place valuables in water proof bags inside.

Sunglassses: April- Sept: comfortable sunglasses enhance your pleasure and keep insects out of the eye

Water: even in winter one can loose a litre or more of fluid by perspiration. If you fail to make this up you'll get dehydrated which can lead to headaches and other problems. A hydration bladder is easier to use than bottled water, but higher maintenance.

Food: a packed lunch will be required unless otherwise stated. In addition carry energy bars or similar to counter 'sugar lows'.

Medicines: If you have allergies, are diabetic, or have minor ailments don't forget these!