Camping Safety Tips

At OLPRO we know how enjoyable it is to spend time outdoors during the warmer months, but it’s also important to make sure that you are safe whilst enjoying yourself. We’ve put together some tips to help you be safe whilst camping.

Things to do before Camping

When choosing to go away camping it’s always important to research the area you’re staying. Most campsites will have a website with the basic information on what you can do, where you can go and what you can see locally.

However, it’s always a good idea to look up the area you’re staying at on websites such as Trip Advisor to see what there is to offer locally and so you can familiarise yourself with the area.

It’s always good to check out the campsite information beforehand as you’ll be able to see details like whether you’re able to cook food on a campfire or if you will need to get a portable stove or BBQ.

Whilst camping, you should always be prepared for any type of weather. Make sure to bring appropriate clothing for all weathers as well as clothes that will protect you from sun exposure and insects.

We would always recommend before leaving for any camping trip to check over your camping equipment to make sure it is in a good condition and doesn’t need replacing. You can buy awning and gear re-proofing solution if you’ve had your equipment for quite some time and would like to top it up.

When you’ve arrived on site

Once you have arrived on site, it’s a good idea to get familiar with your new surroundings. Take a walk around the campsite and gather your bearings. If you have kids, it’s important to check for any hazards or areas that might not be safe for them.

If one is available, visit the campsite information centre to get any information you may need for your stay and any leaflets for fun activities you can do or maybe even a map. If you’re thinking of going hiking, it’s always good to ask if any trails are closed and what trails are the best to do in the local area.

It’s always important to ensure that if you’re using a campfire to cook your food, you don’t place it too close to your tent or awning. You want to make sure that your tent/awning is around 3 foot away from any fire to ensure that it doesn’t get too warm and that you aren’t inhaling smoke.

If you’re camping and using a heater, make sure that it is safe to use in a tent and that there is air flow. You don’t want to be using a heater that emits carbon monoxide into your tent so always make sure to check this before use.

Camping Equipment

Always make sure that you have a GPS device with you when going away. GPS devices are great for finding good places to visit and eat at. They’re also useful for gathering your bearings and if you are lost, they can get you back to where you need to be. However, always be prepared with a compass, map or charging bank as well in case the device loses power.

The weather can be pretty unpredictable from time to time so it’s important to make sure you always have a small bottle of sun cream in your kit just in case you need it when the sun comes out or you’re pretty exposed to the sun on a hike. Insect repellent is also a good thing to have on you especially if you’re hiking and its humid.

Make sure that you bring warm clothes or a warm sleeping bag. It’s pretty common for night time to be pretty cold so make sure that you have warm clothes as well as a sleeping bag that is appropriate for keeping you warm. You can take a look on our website at the Hush Pattern Single 300gsm Sleeping bag that is perfect for all weathers!

Always make sure that you have a source of light when camping, whether that be a torch or lantern to hang up in your tent, make sure you’re well equipped with lights so that you can see in the dark! At OLPRO we have a range of lanterns that are perfect for taking away with you.

It’s always important to take a first aid kit with you on your travels as you never know when you might need it. It’s important that you keep your first aid kit well stocked up with bandages, plasters, sterile wipes, anti-inflammatory cream and any other medications you may need whilst away.

Camping Safety Rules for Kids

We know how exciting camping can be for kids so we’ve put together some tips to help keep your children safe whilst your camping.

• Don’t eat anything in the woods – We know a lot of our customers love to go hiking, however it’s important that if you’re taking your little ones with you to ensure that they don’t try to eat anything in the woods that might harm them. We would recommend bringing some little snacks for them or something for them to hold which will avoid them grabbing onto anything potentially dangerous.
• Stay Together – We know that kids can tend to stray away from groups as they get side-tracked by something. Always make sure you’re keeping an eye on them as well as giving them something that they know how to use like a whistle so you can find them.
• Fire Safety – If you’re at a campsite that allows you to have a campfire, be aware of what your children are doing by the fire when in use. Make sure to try and keep them away to avoid any burns as well as teaching them the dangers of fires.