Hints & Tips

It is always good to unpack your tent and check it before you set off on holiday. Make sure you have everything you need (pegs, poles, instructions etc.) and check the tent for any damage. If it's a new tent, do the same, and also make sure you understand the instructions and can pitch the tent. Have a practice pitch in the back garden before you go to familiarise yourself with how it goes together.

If you are new to camping try out a site somewhere near home first, just in case you forget anything. Then the more you enjoy it the further you will go!

At the beginning of each season, air your tent out and seal every seam. This will keep dew and rain on the outside all season long.

Before setting off make a checklist on the things that you will need on your camping trip.

Be sure to take a peg mallet and a tent peg extractor. These inexpensive products save a lot of heartache and allow you to easily set up and break camp in any soil condition.

Pitch your tent with a door away from the direction of the wind.

Avoid setting your tent up near stagnant water as this is home to lots of biting insects such as mosquitoes & midges.

Be sure to take the right pegs for the terrain you are camping on.

Remember to pitch your tent so that the door is out of the oncoming wind, so that you don't get a breeze in the tent.

Partially unzip the upper window in your tent to remove unwanted moisture and condensation from respiring sleepers. On muggy nights, also zip open a lower window to draw cooler air.

Zip open your sleeping bag for a few minutes every morning to remove moisture, then shake the bag to restore insulation loft. You'll sleep warmer and extend the life of your sleeping bag.

Never use a stove or fuel lantern in your tent. Pack a battery-operated lantern or wind up torch for use inside your tent.

Don't leave nylon tents out in the sun for long periods of time. UV exposure will shorten tent life.

Make sure your tent is completely dry before packing away.

Check the surface that you are pitching on to see that there are no sharp objects or stones hidden in the grass that might puncture your ground sheet or make for an uncomfortable surface to sleep on.

Pitching under trees can give you good shade from the sun, but can be a pain when it rains, as after the rain has stopped the trees will continue to drip.

Always take all your rubbish away with you.

Many biting insects are particularly active between dusk & dawn, so remember to especially cover up between these hours.

It's a good idea to check the weather forecast before you go. It is also advisable to have a lower-level alternative planned just in case you arrive at your destination and the weather is poorer than forecast.

It is not advisable to leave it to the morning of your trip before checking and packing your gear! Your hiking boots should be in good order and waterproofed. It is good to check that your head torch has fresh batteries and also a good idea to pack a hand held wind up torch for emergencies. It is also a good idea to pack a hat, gaiter and gloves no matter what time of year - it can get cold on higher exposed ground, even in the summer.

Always take water, a little food, matches & a torch with you when hiking, even for daytime walks.

Walking is the UK's favourite outdoor activity & can actually improve your health. Did you know that a half hour brisk walk five times a week can raise your fitness levels & reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as heart disease?

When packing your rucksac, always start with heavy items. Remember to pack things you'll need more regularly, such as food, water, your map & compass, in side & front pockets, so that they are easily accessible whilst you're on the hills.

If you are new to walking don't take unnecessary risks by tackling difficult or very long routes.

On long walks make sure you take a map and that somebody in your party knows how to read it, keep track oif where you are at all times.

Check the weather forecast before you set out (see the Gelert weather check link) and take a waterproof if needed.

Make sure you let a responsible adult outside your party know what time to expect you back, and your planned route, so that they can alert the authorities if you fail to show up on time.

Remember the Highway Code, help drivers see you and where there is no pavement always walk on the right.

If walking alone carry a whistle around your neck so you don't have to route around to find it in an emergency.

Doctors recommend drinking 2 litres of water a day but when walking strenuously or if the weather is hot you may need more water.

When out walking remember your First Aid kit, Gelert have a great range of First Aid Kits.

On summer walks an insect repellent maybe an ideal addition to your pack, see our range of Mosi-Guard products available.

When shopping for your walking boots, to ensure a perfect fit it's best to go in the afternoon because your feet expand during the day.

If your walking boots become wet, fill them with scrunched up newspaper and leave them out of direct heat to dry, then clean them as normal.

Always wear your boots in before you go on a major walk, there's nothing worse then blisters half way along the journey!

Protect your trousers and socks from getting muddy, ripped or wet by wearing waterproof gaiters, Gelert have a great new range out now.

Gaiters prevent rain & snow from entering the top of the boot whilst protecting some of the boot's upper from general wear & tear increasing the life of your boots.

Think about layering when getting ready for your day out on the hills, several thin layers are better then one thick layer, that way you can add or remove layers as and when you want to / need to depending on the weather and activity.

If on a day walk a daysac of 25 litres or less should be enough for all your essentials.

Pack items in your rucksac vertically so that your load is kept stable while keeping most of your gear easily accessible.

Cotton socks should be avoided on long hiking trips because they absorb sweat, which will keep skin damp, which is more blister-prone.

Socks which are made up from a blend of wool & synthetic fabrics rapidly wick sweat away from the skin, helping to keep your feet dry.

When you return home from your trek clean your boots by removing dirt with warm water and a semi-stiff brush.

If you are likely to be in a hot & humid environment which is prone to showers, consider a poncho as oppose to a waterproof jacket, as ponchos allow air to circulate freely around your body.

To keep warmer at night wear a hat to sleep in. 80% of heat loss occurs through your head!

If car camping, pack your Gelert airbed & pump or self inflating mattress to ensure a smooth sleeping surface.

If weight is an issue try out one of our new lightweight self inflating mats for backpacking, remember that the 3/4 mat is lighter then the XL model when carrying a large load.

If weight is an issue and you intend to pack a sleeping bag liner remember that silk is noticeably lighter than cotton or fleece, but the latter two are noticeably warmer.

Temperature Control ratings of sleeping bags are a comparative guided which can be influenced by several factors, including posture, ground temperature, human metabolism, whether a sleeping mat is used, and the quality of support clothing.

If you get into your sleeping bag when cold it'll take longer to warm up, think ahead and settle into your sleeping bag after a hot drink.

At night more heat is lost through the ground then through the air, so sleeping mats, whether self-inflating, or closed cell can be of great benefit on chilly nights.

All Gelert folding chairs come with their own colour co-ordinated carry bag.

Do you find that you have so much camping gear that you don't know where to put it all? Gelert tent organisers mean you can stay organised even whilst camping.

UV Rays can damage some synthetic materials, so avoid drying some sleeping bags / waterproof clothing in direct sunlight.

Make sure your torch / lantern batteries are new when you pack for your trip & don't forget spares!

If you are likely to be cooking / playing cards / reading at night consider buying a head light. Head lights leave your hands free for all manner of tasks.

To prevent batteries from wearing down if your torch is accidentally switched on in your daysac, try taking one battery out & replacing it upside down during the hours of daylight when you are unlikely to need it.

Avoid throwing away biodegradable items in the woods or campgrounds. They will attract unwanted insects and animals.

Precook some portions or all of some meals and place in storage bags in coolers.

Aluminium pots & pans are lightweight and Aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat.

Stainless Steel pots & pans are durable, so are ideal for more frequent use.

When using your Gelert non-stick pans remember to use non-metallic utensils, such as plastic, to ensure a long & healthy life for your pans.

Most Gelert cook sets are provided with lids for your pots which can double up as a frying pan saving space in your pack.

Don't forget to pack your pot gripper to ensure safe transportation of full pots & pans.

When cooking with your Gelert stove in a well ventilated area, put lids on your cooking pots so that your food will cook quicker & you'll save on fuel.

Pack two coolers. Fill one with items that will be used frequently, such as beverages and snacks, and the other with primary meal items. This keeps everything cold and conserves ice.

Place your cooler in the shade and cover it with a wet, white towel to keep contents cooler longer. Sleeping bags spread over a cooler will help improve performance on hot days.

Before you leave home, pre-chill your cooler contents for maximum cooler efficiency. Load the cooler with cold items, rather than depending on the ice to cool down the contents.

Cover your cooking area before you go to bed. This will protect your gear from heavy dew or rain. Cover pots whenever cooking outdoors. Food will get done quicker and you will save on fuel. Also helps keep dirt and insects out of your food.

Invest in a solar shower, this item can double as a faucet and is ideal for dish rinsing and hand washing. Alternatively put a pan of hot water on the fire while you eat so that it'll be ready for cleanup when you are done.

Measure ingredients for each meal ahead of time and pack in plastic food bags. Label each bag accordingly.

Be very careful with gas canisters. Keep upright at all times. Keep outside in well ventilated area. Check for leakage by putting soap liquid on all connections. Turn off when not in use.

To avoid unwanted visits from animals, keep food stored away or hang above ground level.

Use fireproof cooking equipment. Keep handles away from extreme heat and flames.

To remove odors from your cooler, wipe with a water and baking soda solution.

Use a separate cooler for drinks so not to open the food cooler too often.

To save room when packing your camp kitchen, use your pots as mixing bowls.

To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet or pan, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan and bring to a boil.

On the grounds of safety, as far as possible always cook outside the tent. Stoves on lighting particularly petrol & paraffin can flare up if they haven't been preheated enough. If the weather is bad then sit in the shelter of the awning with the stove just outside within easy reach.